Queensland Ballet presents the Australian premiere of Hamlet — a bold and contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, choreographed by Leo Mujić of the Croatian National Theatre.
Running at the Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre from 19 June to 18 July 2026, the production features music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Camille Saint-Saëns, costumes by Manuela Paladin Šabanović, and staging by Stefano Katuna.
Mujić, who has created works for the Paris Opera Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Staatsballet Berlin and the New National Theater Tokyo, harnesses the language of movement to convey both the external drama and Hamlet’s turbulent inner world — transforming spoken word into gesture, choreographed sequences, emotional duets and dynamic ensemble scenes.
“Hamlet has become a symbol of humanity and all the qualities that characterise us — love, doubt, despair, humour, courage and the fight for truth.” — Leo Mujić, Choreographer
Working alongside Mujić is dramaturg Bálint Rauscher, a long-time creative collaborator who has helped shape the musical and narrative architecture of the production. Together, they have developed a neo-classical approach — technically demanding classical ballet infused with contemporary movement, with a distinct physical vocabulary for each character.
Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Ivan Gil-Ortega praised the production and its choreographer.
“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.”
Hamlet tells the story of a young prince who returns home to Denmark to find his father dead, his uncle on the throne, and his mother remarried — and must grapple with demons both internal and external as he fights for truth and justice.
Hamlet runs 19 June – 18 July 2026, Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre, 406 Montague Road, West End. Tickets at queenslandballet.com.au.
Photo: Artists of the Croatian National Ballet Zagreb. Photo: Darja Stravs Tisu.
