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Queensland Ballet: Hamlet
The tragedy you know, reimagined through dance.
presented as part of The Empire’s 30-year celebrations
#The tragedy you know, reimagined through dance.
Following its acclaimed Australian premiere in 2026, Queensland Ballet is delighted to bring Leo Mujić's Hamlet to Toowoomba in 2027. Be prepared to be captivated by this bold and emotionally charged interpretation of Shakespeare's enduring tragedy.
Set to sweeping music by Tchaikovsky and Saint -Saëns, this gripping dance drama transforms one of literature's greatest stories into an unforgettable theatrical experience. Classical ballet technique meets visceral storytelling as Prince Hamlet navigates a world of grief, betrayal, revenge and moral uncertainty.
Driven by powerful ensemble choreography and compelling performances, Hamlet reveals the emotional intensity at the heart of Shakespeare's masterpiece. Richly atmospheric and astonishingly human, it is a ballet that speaks as powerfully today as it has for generations.
Friday 19 February - 7:30pm
Saturday 20 February - 1:30pm & 7:30pm
Premium Reserve
Adult
Concession
Under 30
_____________________________________________________________
A Reserve
Empire Cardholder
Adult
Concession
Under 30
Group 4+
*a fee of $5 applies per transaction for online bookings.
Dance
120 minutes with a 20 minute interval
If you're after wheelchair seating or Companion Card (limited number available) book via our Ticket Office or over the phone on 1300 655 299.
#Join the waitlist
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Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
Artists of Queensland Ballet. Photography David Kelly.
#Creative Team
Choreographer - Leo Mujić
Assistant to the Choreographer and Dramaturg - Bálint Rauscher
Music - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Camille Saint-Saëns
Costume Designer - Manuela Paladin Šabanović
Set Designer - Stefano Katunar
Lighting Designer - Aleksandar Čavlek
Revival Lighting Designer - Ben Hughes
Sound Engineer - Svebor Zgurić
#Production Synopsis
#Act I
Grieving the death of his father, Prince Hamlet is shaken further when his mother, Queen Gertrude, hastily marries his uncle Claudius, now king of Denmark. As the court celebrates, Hamlet encounters the ghost of his dead father who reveals he was murdered by Claudius and demands revenge.
Consumed by doubt and rage, Hamlet’s behaviour grows erratic, pushing away his beloved Ophelia and alarming the court. To confirm the truth, Hamlet stages a play that reenacts the murder — and Claudius’ guilty reaction exposes him, but Hamlet hesitates to take action.
In a heated confrontation with his mother, Hamlet mistakenly kills Polonius. The ghost returns to warn him, while Gertrude, unable to see it, believes her son has lost his mind. Hamlet departs into darkness, the tragedy accelerating toward inevitable ruin.
#Act II
Hamlet hides Polonius’ body as Claudius orders a search through the castle. Fearing for his life, Claudius sends Hamlet to En gland under guard, secretly arranging his execution. On the journey, Hamlet uncovers the plot and turns it against Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Meanwhile, Ophelia descends into madness after her father’s death and drowns herself, devastating her brother Laertes, who swears revenge.
Returning to Denmark, Hamlet reflects on life and death in a graveyard, only to be confronted by Ophelia’s funeral. He reveal s his love for her and clashes with Laertes. Claudius and Laertes conspire to kill Hamlet through a staged duel, using poison as their weapon.
At court, betrayal unfolds rapidly: Gertrude drinks from a poisoned cup, Laertes and Hamlet wound each other with a poisoned blade, and Gertrude dies. With his final strength,
Hamlet kills Claudius and charges Horatio to tell his story. As Hamlet dies, Fortinbras arrives and claims the throne, bringi ng the tragedy to its close.
About
Queensland ballet
Queensland Ballet and The Empire have enjoyed decades of collaboration, presenting performances and delivering community and education programs in Toowoomba. In 2027, Queensland Ballet and The Empire commence a three-year home company partnership from 2027-2029 that will see Queensland Ballet resident in Toowoomba each year.
#Queensland Ballet Partners
#What's on
JE Dancehouse:
Broadway
The Magic Faraway Tree
