The "Marin Sorescu" National Theater from Craiova represents Romania at the International Shakespeare Festival in Hong Kong with the performance "Hamlet" directed by Declan Donnellan
Beijing, June 5, 2026
The "Marin Sorescu" National Theatre in Craiova participates in the second edition of the Hong Kong International Shakespeare Festival, one of the most important events dedicated to Shakespearean opera in Asia, which takes place between June 5–21, 2026.
The participation of the "Marin Sorescu" National Theater in this important international event is possible with the essential support of the Romanian Cultural Institute, through the Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing, a constant partner in promoting Romanian cultural values in the Asian space.
The show "Hamlet", directed by the renowned British creator Declan Donnellan and with a set design by Nick Ormerod, will be presented on June 16 and 17, 2026, from 8:00 PM, at WestK Freespace The Box, one of the festival's main stages.
Organized by Tang Shu-wing Theatre Studio, the Hong Kong International Shakespeare Festival brings together prestigious companies and artists from around the world and consolidates its status as a global platform dedicated to the contemporary reinterpretation of William Shakespeare's work.
The Craiova staging proposes an essentialized and deeply current reading of the Shakespearean tragedy. Through an artistic process of great finesse, Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod reduce the story to its essential elements, giving the audience a theatrical experience of remarkable clarity. In less than two hours, the show captures the essence of one of the most complex and influential plays in universal drama.
"Hamlet" is a co-production of Cheek by Jowl and the "Marin Sorescu" National Theatre in Craiova. The cast includes: Vlad Udrescu (Hamlet), Claudiu Mihail (Claudius), Ramona Drăgulescu (Gertrude), Theodora Bălan (Ophelia), Raluca Păun (Polonius), Alex Stoicescu (Laertes), Eugen Titu (Phantom), Cătălin Vieru (Rosencrantz), Darko Huruială (Guildenstern), Marian Politic, Angel Rababoc, Costinela Ungureanu, Mircea Mogoșeanu and Mihnea Presură.
The artistic team is completed by Laurențiu Tudor – assistant director, Adelina Galiceanu – assistant costume designer, Mihail Antonie – stage fight coordinator and George Volceanov – translator.
The participation of the "Marin Sorescu" National Theatre at the Hong Kong International Shakespeare Festival represents a new recognition of the value of Romanian theatrical creation on the international stage and confirms the prestige enjoyed by the Craiova institution in the circuit of the world's major theater festivals.
