“The text, recently declared dead, is suddenly living again. It seems to come alive again in the instant of listening, as if spoken for the first time. This is largely due to Marius von Mayenburg’s tightly strung and wonderfully clear new translation.” —Peter Laudenbach, tip Berlin

Hamlet is a story featuring the most complicated aspects of human being, desire, sexuality, betrayal, sanity, love and hatred. Ostermeier has previously adapted many classics of drama and literature in his productions. His works are famous for shocking expression, bold lines and the combination with rock music, all guaranteed to break the tradition. With a new translation in German by Marius von Mayenburg, Ostermeier sets out to revive Shakespeare's Hamlet, giving this story a new life as never before.

In Shakespeare's original text there are over twenty characters, representing differing interests and intrigue. Yet in Ostermeier’s production, Marius von Mayenburg designated merely six actors to play all these characters. Most of the actors play two roles, reflecting the confusion and perplexity of Hamlet's condition. Lars Eidinger, who plays Hamlet, has worked with Ostermeier for many years. His interpretation of Hamlet not only impressed the audience in Festival d’Avignon, but also gave a brand new definition to this classic character. With the director Ostermeier, these artists form a transforming power in contemporary theater.

＊A co-production with the Hellenic Festival in Athens and the Festival d’Avignon

About the Director

One of the best directors working today, Thomas Ostermeier was born in 1968 in Soltau. Since September 1999 Ostermeier is resident director and member of the Artistic Direction of the Schaubühne. Productions there include: A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, 2002, Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen 2005 and A Midsummer Night’s Dream based on Shakesspeare directed together with the choreographer Constanza Macras. In November, 2004 Ostermeier was appointed artiste associé for the Festival d’Avignon.