The Beijing People's Art Theatre (BPAT) presented its theatrical production of Hamlet and More at the Sunrise Concert Hall of Beihang University on November 15 and 16, delivering captivating performances for an audience of over 1,700 faculty members and students.

First staged in 2023, the play features a young cast, including Wei Jiacheng, Zhang Yezi, Wang Junqi, and Fang Yangfei. Under the artistic direction of Feng Yuanzheng and directed by Yang Jiayin, the production offers a creative and fresh interpretation of Hamlet. The four actors skillfully portrayed over ten major characters, exploring the play's central philosophical dilemma—"To be, or not to be"—through symbolic staging and rich theatrical vocabulary, demonstrating the young artists' innovative engagement with dramatic tradition.

The two-hour performance was met with sustained applause, laughter, and enthusiastic audience interaction. The cast's compelling portrayal of themes such as love, fate, and choice immersed attendees in the timeless artistic and emotional power of this centuries-old masterpiece.

"It was a profound experience to witness BPAT's production," said Wu Miti, a sophomore from the School of Foreign Languages. "The actors' intense performances vividly conveyed the inner conflicts, the agony of revenge, and the helplessness against fate. The question of 'To be, or not to be' resonates beyond the stage, reflecting our own struggles between ideals and reality. As Beihang students, we constantly face choices—to follow the current or pursue our convictions. Only with clear direction and perseverance can we live up to our youth and our era."

Zhao Zhangheng, a senior from the School of Aviation, shared similar reflections: "The enduring appeal of Hamlet lies in its relentless inquiry into existence. His predicament mirrors the critical choices we all may encounter. When ideals clash with reality or justice conflicts with survival, how do we hold fast to our principles? Hamlet's story reminds us that true courage lies not in recklessness, but in questioning and remaining steadfast, even after confronting life's complexities."

Beihang University and BPAT have maintained a longstanding partnership, marked by previous high-quality theatrical productions, a lecture by BPAT President Feng Yuanzheng at the Beihang Lecture Hall, the establishment of a BPAT "Reading Corner" in the university library, and specialized exhibitions. This October, under the "Capital Culture, Youthful Bloom" Arts Tour's "Hand-in-Hand" project, the Beihang Student Drama Society collaborated with BPAT to present a student version of the classic play Sunrise at the Cao Yu Theatre, receiving widespread acclaim.

"The Power of Drama: BPAT at Beihang" thematic exhibition is scheduled to open at the Beihang Art Museum on November 24. Looking forward, the university plans to organize diverse artistic activities to further integrate high culture into campus life, enriching the academic community's humanistic spirit, aesthetic appreciation, and cultural confidence.

Editor: Lyu Xingyun