CCP’s National Theatre Live explores mortality and morality in tragic drama classics Hamlet and A Streetcar Named Desire

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through its groundbreaking program CCP National Theatre Live, traverses the complex human mind in classics “Hamlet” and “A Streetcar Named Desire” this July.

Shot live from the National Theatres in London, Hamlet returns to the Philippine shore this July 29, 6:00 p.m., at Glorietta 4 Cinema 4 in Makati City, while A Streetcar Named Desire will premiere at the Ayala Malls Vertis North & Ayala Malls Central Bloc, Cebu on the same date and time.

The downward spiral of a vengeful son
Watch Prince Hamlet’s slow descent to madness after his father’s ghosts reveal the truth about his own death. Academy Award-winning actor Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) plays the titular character in William Shakespeare's most famous play.

Directed by Lyndsey Turner and produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, this version of Hamlet seems to dissect the Prince of Denmark and his darkening world with political precision and psychological insight. The staging of the Shakespearean tragedy has been hailed for its acting and visual modern setting, emphasizing the continuing relevance of the classic play in today’s generation.  

This world-renowned Elizabethan classic explores the complexity of the human psyche and the consequences of love, revenge and grief. For its broadcast debut in 2015, Hamlet broke all records and became the fastest-selling event in London theater history. Tickets were sold out before rehearsals at the theater even began.

What desire does to the mind
Gillian Anderson (Sex Education), Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), and Ben Foster (Lone Survivor) lead the cast in Tennessee Williams’ timeless masterpiece: A Streetcar Named Desire. 

In this play, as Blanche’s fragile world crumbles, she turns to her sister Stella for solace. But her downward spiral brings her face to face with the brutal, unforgiving Stanley Kowalski.

From visionary director Benedict Andrews, this acclaimed production was filmed live during a sold-out run at the Young Vic Theatre in 2014.

Published in 1947, during the aftermath of the Second World War, this masterpiece revolves around the taboo themes of class tensions, female sexuality, homosexuality, and male domination – all of which simultaneously coexisted with the social dilemmas of the time.

A Streetcar Named Desire had its first staging on December 3, 1947, with the performance ending with a short, surprised silence before a thunder of applause that lasted 30 minutes.

Bringing London’s bests to the Philippine screens
Committed to the preservation and promotion of the arts, CCP’s National Theatre Live, in partnership with National Theatre Live London and Ayala Malls Cinemas, aims to make world-class theatre performances more accessible to Filipinos and ingrain a deeper appreciation for the performing arts.

Since its launch in June 2009, National Theatre Live broadcasts the best of British theater live from the London stage to cinemas around the world. NTL films their plays in front of live theater audiences, but optimized for the big screen and made accessible to theater fans outside of the United Kingdom.

Regular ticket prices are PHP300 in Makati and Cebu, and PHP350 in Vertis North, with special ticket price for students at PHP150 upon presentation of valid ID. Visit the cinema ticket booth or book online via www.sureseats.com. 

To get the latest updates on CCP’s National Theatre Live and other events, follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) for more news.