In 1977, German playwright Heiner Müller transformed Shakespeare's "Hamlet" into the postmodern classic "Hamletmachine", influencing global theater. Inspired by this, On & On created "hamletmaxhine" in 2008, a critical response to the West Kowloon Cultural District, igniting extensive debates in the cultural sectors.

Chan Ping-chiu deepens the exploration with his 2010 play "hamlet b.", a ruthless self-dissection based on multiple texts. In the narrative, Ophelia sets off to "hamletmaxhine" to meet Hamlet again, believing it essential for her life's completion. Meanwhile, amidst a protest, Hamlet denies his identity while striking an ice sculpture, symbolising his internal conflict.

In collaboration with Taiwan's Möbius Strip Theatre, the play tours Taipei, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou, sparking intense debates on cultural consumption and identity across the regions.

"These past years, I've constantly pondered one question: Is cultural consumption a way out, or a dead end? This is a matter of life or death."

Chan Ping-chiu

Date: 9-12/12/2010

Venue: Cattle Depot Theatre

Directors: Chan Ping-chiu, Alex Cheung

Playwright: Chan Ping-chiu

house programme (chi)