Queensland Ballet is excited to present the Australian premiere of Hamlet, a bold and contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s epic drama by choreographer, Leo Mujić of the Croation National Theatre. Featuring music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Camille Saint-Saëns, the two-act masterpiece will be performed at the Thomas Dixon Centre, 19 June – 18 July 2026.
Through the haunting sounds of Saint-Saëns and Tchaikovsky, Mujic harnesses the language of movement to convey both the external drama and Hamlet’s turbulent inner thoughts. With costumes by Manuela Paladin Šabanović and electrifying staging by Stefano Katuna, Hamlet is an evocative reimagining of Shakespeare’s dark and sweeping tale.
Hamlet tells the story of the young prince returning home to Denmark after completing his studies to find his father, the king, has died and his uncle has taken the throne and married his mother. Fighting to regain his rightful place as King, Hamlet must grapple with demons both internal and external.
The Artistic Director Ivan Gil-Ortega said this production of Hamlet, will offer audiences a gripping new perspective of Shakespeare’s masterpiece:
“Though Shakespeare can be hard to follow, dance makes the story immediate and visceral. The virtuosic dance-drama propels the audience into a world of betrayal and trickery, one where ghosts and humans collide.
“I have known Leo Mujić for many years and watched him become a master storyteller. His cinematic style captivates audiences and draws them into the drama creating a deep and immersive experience.”
Choreographer Leo Mujić said Shakespeare’s Hamlet describes a time of political upheaval, uncertainty about the future and untrustworthy leadership:
“Though it was written over 400 years ago, this story could not be more topical. As Hamlet says, ‘Time is out of joint’, and in the world right now, we could all agree that we are, in many ways, out of joint and at war with ourselves.
Hamlet has become a symbol of humanity and all the qualities that characterise us – love, doubt, despair, humour, courage and the fight for truth. In the choreographic process, I am most interested in transforming the spoken word into gestures, choreographed sequences, emotional duets and dynamic group scenes. This allows me to bring a new depth and empathy to the characters.
Through my choreography, I aim to capture both Hamlet’s psychological states – his sense of betrayal, his grief and quest for revenge, and Ophelia’s lack of power and agency. The steps become a reflection of their inner turmoil, revealing what words cannot express.”
Gil-Ortega added that Shakespeare’s works lend themselves beautifully to new interpretations, and this ballet will be an unforgettable experience in their home at the Thomas Dixon Centre.
Hamlet Fast Facts:
Since the 18th century, choreographers have been creating ballets based on Shakespeare. There have been over 19 productions of Hamlet alone, including Australian dancer and choreographer, Robert Helpmann’s 1942 production for Sadlers Wells Ballet, Jonathon Taylor’s 1992 production for Australian Dance Theatre and Barry Moreland’s 1993 production for West Australian Ballet.
Hamlet is arguably the most understandable of Shakespeare’s works, and his longest.
Shakespeare’s most famous play has been adapted for the screen more than fifty times, in many languages.
Only Dracula and Sherlock Holmes have appeared in more movies than Hamlet.
Disney’s animated feature, The Lion King, is based on Hamlet.
The traditional Shakespearean play features some of the most quotable lines of Shakespeare and ends with one of the most epic finales in the history of the stage and written word, everyone in the Danish Royal Household is dead.
One of the subplots of Hamlet is the ongoing dispute between Denmark and Norway since King Hamlet killed the Norwegian monarch, King Fortinbras. At the end of the play, Denmark is now in the hands of a foreign invader, Norway.
Hamlet is presented by Queensland Ballet and runs from 19 June – 18 July at the Thomas Dixon Centre. 406 Montague Road West End Qld 4101.
Tickets are available here.
Website: https://www.queenslandballet.com.au/performances/2026/hamlet
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/qldballet/
Hero image: Hamlet by Leo Mujic. Photo by Novkovic.
