To be, or not to be Hamlet today

For Feng, directing represents a deeper, more lasting engagement with the material than acting could have offered.

"I am glad to help young actors explore such an iconic text," he says. "By guiding them through these universal themes, I can not only share my knowledge, but also help them make their roles their own. It's a profound experience for both the performers and the director, as we all strive to reach a new understanding of what Hamlet means in today's world."

In Feng's vision, Hamlet is not just the story of a young prince torn between duty and desire. The central theme of "making a choice" is brought into sharp focus, extending beyond the protagonist to include characters, each grappling with their own decisions and motivations.

"In the face of the iconic line, 'to be, or not to be', the theme of making a choice in life immediately resonates," Feng says. "Every character has their own choice to make, and their underlying motivations are equally worth our contemplation. This is the core message we wish to communicate to the audience: that we all face choices, at every moment, and we must decide which path to follow."

The new Hamlet features a dynamic and youthful cast, including talented young actors, such as Zheng Yunlong and Lu Lu.

Full of energy and passion, this new generation of performers brings a fresh vitality to the stage, blending tradition with innovation, says codirector Yang.

"These young actors create new ideas at every rehearsal. Portraying such a classic will shape them profoundly," he says, noting that the cast members must master the delicate balance between precision in stage direction and the beauty of Shakespeare's language, while bringing to life characters with rich, vivid personalities.

Zheng emphasizes the universality of Hamlet's struggle. "Hamlet is not just a prince; he is every one of us. Rehearsals have shown me that his challenges are timeless and relatable."