Review of the performance Hamlet from the Beijing International Puppet Festival

Author: Guan Xin, Cultural Counselor, Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria

"This style of performance is somewhat similar to comedic theatre in China — it takes a serious issue and expresses it in a very accessible and humorous way, and with such vividness. That creates a strong sense of resonance, and it aligns perfectly with the humor of today’s young people in China. So I believe many young people would really enjoy it.

There is a sense of exaggeration, comedy, and even a bit of parody in your acting — and these are exactly the elements that young Chinese audiences absolutely love. So I think the performance is very successful. Congratulations to all of you!

Although this classic British play is performed in many countries, when it is staged by Bulgarians, every detail from beginning to end is infused with that uniquely Balkan straightforwardness, humor, and playfulness. It’s impossible not to laugh. Truly, through this production, rather than merely getting to know Shakespeare, we actually come to understand Bulgaria even more."