ORIGINAL Chinese musical “Hamlet” adapted from Shakespeare’s masterpiece will premiere at Shenzhen Poly Theater this summer. Early-bird tickets will be available between 10:30 this morning and May 2, with 5% off for all and further discounts for the theater’s VIP members.

Shakespeare’s story of the Danish prince driven nearly mad by a need to avenge his father’s murder is one of the most popular and influential plays of all time. There are passages of pure poetry in the work which, taken from their context, gain even more power to move and enlighten. It was very popular during Shakespeare’s lifetime and continues to be performed and adapted centuries later.

The Chinese musical, to be staged July 20-23, took two years to create, with director Xu Jun at the helm. Xu, who was behind the popular Chinese musical “The Orphan of Zhao,” adapted the script himself. Musical director Peter Kam, lyrics writer Liang Mang, lighting designer Xiao Lihe, costumes designer Zhang Shuping and stage set designer Xu Xiaohuan are all top-notch talents in China.

The show will headline Chinese singer-actors Shawn Zheng and Jason Jin.

Regular tickets: 180-980 yuan

Booking: WeChat account “SZpolytheatre”

Venue: Shenzhen Poly Theater, Nanshan District (深圳保利剧院)

Metro: Line 2 or 11 to Houhai Station (后海站), Exit E

(Li Dan)