Hamlet

Text: William Shakespeare

Production: LIN ZHAOHUA THEATRE STUDIO

When LIN Zhaohua, one of the most important figures in the history of Chinese theatre, put on Shakespeare’s legendary play Hamlet for the first time in 1990, he wanted to show that Hamlet is like any of us – our brother in the theatre and in life. So when he gave out the main parts, he didn’t restrict one actor to one character, each one played several roles. It was an enormous success, in China and elsewhere.

A Parody

Text LU Xun

Production LIN Zhaohua Theatre Studio

Even though little-known abroad, LU Xun (1881-1936) is considered to be one of the greatest Chinese writers of the 20th century, and to be a symbol of his generation and modernity. Widely regarded as a leading figure of Chinese literature, LU Xun was forced to leave Beijing after the massacre of students by the Guomindang government on 18th March 1926. He lived in Xiamen for a year, and then moved to Shanghai, where he continued his literary and political career underground. The collection Old Tales Retold (1936), which offers a satirical contemporary viewpoint on traditional Chinese legends, has inspired director LIN Zhaohua to create the silent show Parody. Even the sets, made of big piles of coal and old frying pans, are made to make a strong and immediate impression on the audience: as soon as they enter the auditorium, they know that they are going to see an extraordinary show.