Actor Pu Cunxin plays Hamlet at the premiere of "Hamlet 1990" in Beijing's Poly Theatre on October 21, 2008. [File Photo: Xinhuanet]

Veteran mainland actor Pu Cunxin will take to the stage of Shanghai Oriental Art Center next Monday and Tuesday in "Hamlet 1990."

Pu has played the lead in a cluster of films, TV series and dramas, but confesses that he loves performing on stage.

"Once you are on the stage, you should totally forget yourself and you change into another man," Pu once said. "Acting on stage is different from on screen, because the audiences are so close to you."

Director Lin Zhaohua is delighted to have the winner of the Golden Rooster award in his play.

"I appreciate Pu's performing skill greatly, and he is the ideal actor for Hamlet," said Lin. "His understanding and perfect body language might be a big breakthrough in this Shakespearean masterpiece."

Pu's counterpart on stage is Gao Yuanyuan, a popular film actress who plays Ophelia.

"To be or not to be is an eternal theme for mankind," said Pu.

(Shanghai Daily October 26, 2008)