Hamlet gets innovative interpretation

Hamlet and More, the latest theatrical production by Beijing People's Art Theatre, will be staged from July 24 to Aug 7.

Directed by Yang Jiayin, the play gathers young actors and actresses of the established theater, who will give their creative and fresh interpretations of Hamlet.

"Hamlet is a must-read for theater students. 'To be or not to be' is the ultimate question for all of us," says Yang. "With this adaptation, we ask ourselves the question over and over again. We hope that the audience will gain a different perspective by watching our play."

Veteran actor Feng Yuanzheng, who is the president of the Beijing People's Art Theatre, coached the young actors and actresses in the play.

According to Feng, the idea started from a homework presented by those young talents during the annual evaluation of the theater's actors and actresses last year.

"They play multiple roles in the play and without too much makeup and extravagant stage design, they transit from different roles naturally," says Feng. "We look forward to seeing them perform onstage and learning about the feedback of the audience."