The 'play's the thing' in rise of immersive theater

Actors sing during the performance of Hamlet 1001, a modern take on Shakespeare's classic drama set in a bar facing bankruptcy. ZOU HONG/CHINA DAILY

In Hamlet 1001, 30-year-old Mao Leier plays the manager of the bar, which is facing bankruptcy. From the moment the audience enters the theater, he engages with them, introducing them to the space and the story.

"As an actor, I was trained to perform in traditional theaters, where the ceiling is high, the distance between the stage and the audience is far, and all I needed to focus on was my character. However, now, I have to change my mindset, which is exciting yet challenging," said.

Liu Hao, 30, plays the role of a director who hopes to save the bar by staging a musical based on the story of Hamlet.

"Immersive theater often combines different art forms, such as music, dance, technology, visual arts, and even gaming elements. With Hamlet 1001, we have nine songs. This is the first time that I've sung onstage," Liu said.

He said the eclectic mix broadens the performance's appeal to audiences who might be interested in one of these elements but not necessarily in traditional theater. "This hybrid form of entertainment attracts a broader demographic, from tech enthusiasts to music lovers, dance aficionados, and those who appreciate innovative stage design," he said.

Liu, a graduate of the Central Academy of Drama, performed in Zhang's Detective Zhao Gan'e series in which he played multiple roles. He frequently changed costumes and interacted with the audience, which challenged him physically.

"Whether through eye contact, physical proximity, or spoken lines, engaging with the audience is essential for immersive theater. We need to keep the balance between maintaining character consistency and adapting to spontaneous audience responses. It feels like a whole new experience not only for the audience but also for us, actors," he added.