This July, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in partnership with National Theatre Live (NTL) London and Ayala Malls Cinemas, invites Filipino audiences to a world-class theatrical experience through CCP National Theatre Live—featuring two legendary productions that delve into the depths of the human mind and heart: Hamlet and A Streetcar Named Desire.
Live from London, now on Philippine screens
Filmed live from the prestigious National Theatre stages in London and brought straight to cinema screens, these acclaimed performances will be shown simultaneously on July 29, 6:00 p.m. at select Ayala Malls locations:
- Hamlet at Glorietta 4 Cinema 4, Makati City
- A Streetcar Named Desire at Ayala Malls Vertis North and Ayala Malls Central Bloc, Cebu
HAMLET: Madness, Revenge, and a Prince’s Descent
One of Shakespeare’s most powerful tragedies returns to the spotlight with Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Doctor Strange) in the title role. In this modern interpretation directed by Lyndsey Turner and produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Prince Hamlet is haunted—literally—by the ghost of his father, sparking a dark and psychological unraveling that questions loyalty, justice, and morality.
With a visually arresting set and emotionally charged performances, this Hamlet broke records in 2015 as the fastest-selling show in London theater history, selling out even before rehearsals began.
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE: Desire, Delusion, and Downfall
The volatile classic by Tennessee Williams comes to life with an all-star cast led by Gillian Anderson (Sex Education), Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), and Ben Foster (Lone Survivor). Directed by visionary Benedict Andrews, this Streetcar explores the emotional disintegration of Blanche DuBois as she clashes with her sister’s aggressive husband Stanley Kowalski in a post-war New Orleans apartment.
First staged in 1947, A Streetcar Named Desire broke conventions with its themes of class conflict, repression, and fragile identity—topics that still resonate today. The London revival was a sold-out phenomenon at the Young Vic Theatre in 2014 and remains one of the most compelling interpretations of the play.
Making Global Theater Accessible to Filipinos
Launched in 2009, National Theatre Live is a UK-based program that broadcasts live and encore screenings of the best British theater productions to cinemas around the world. In the Philippines, CCP National Theatre Live continues to bring these performances to local audiences, championing access to culture and the performing arts.
Tickets are available at the following rates:
- ₱300 – Makati & Cebu
- ₱350 – Vertis North
- ₱150 – Students (with valid school ID)
Get your tickets at participating cinema counters or online at www.sureseats.com.
Stay updated with CCP events by following their official pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. More details can also be found at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.
