A rock opera like no other has hit the stage in Hong Kong this month! Get ready to experience a whole new take on a literary epic with The Divine Comedy, the first and only musical adaptation of Dante’s seminal poetic work in the world, from September 4 to 7. Blending rock, opera, and classical music, this production tells the fantastical story of the Divine Comedy through innovative stage technology, captivating design, breathtaking costumes, and contemporary choreography, while honouring the original material.
The Divine Comedy first premiered in 2007 and has garnered widespread acclaim, including winning the Dante Alighieri Society Gold Medal in 2007 and the Premio Persefone Award twice. It has entertained more than one million spectators, graced the stage at the renowned Arena di Verona and Teatro degli Arcimboldi, among many others while on tour in Italy, and it was even performed in Beijing last year at the invitation of the Italian president during Marco Polo’s 700th anniversary commemoration.
Italian poet and philosopher Dante Alighieri penned his masterpiece, the Divine Comedy, in the early 1300s, and the narrative work has been widely recognised as one of the greatest pieces of Western literature. Divided into three parts – Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven – the epic allegorical poem follows Dante’s spiritual journey through the afterlife, and ponders the nature of existence, morality, and the journey of the human soul.
His story begins in Hell, where the protagonist is guided through the plane by the ancient Roman poet Virgil and meets souls who are suffering for their sins as an illustration of moral failure. He continues on to Purgatory with Virgil, and witnesses souls undergoing purification, a reflection of hope and redemption as they prepare to enter Heaven. In Heaven, Dante is guided by Beatrice, and experiences joy and enlightenment, finding divine truth and love.
A production of this scale naturally has influential names attached to it. Director and playwright Andrea Ortis is the maestro behind the production and also takes the role of Virgil in the show. Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian Football Federation, serves as the producer, and Italian Roman Catholic priest and composer Marco Frisina wrote the original score. Ortis is joined on stage by celebrated Italian performers including Antonello Angiolillo (Dante), who has starred in productions of A Chorus Line, Cats, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Company, and Beauty and the Beast; Myriam Somma (Beatrice), whose musical experience includes The Canterville Ghost and The Count of Monte Cristo; and Leonardo Di Minno (Ulysses, Gatto, and Guinizelli), who has performed in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Rock of Ages, and Romeo and Juliet.
More than 70 dynamic 3D projections and mechanical installations will shape the immersive theatrical experience for visitors, keeping the stage in fluid transformation throughout the show as the story progresses through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. Over 200 intricately designed costumes bring the production to life, showcasing magnificent craftsmanship while adding exquisite visual interest.
Performances of The Divine Comedy musical will take place at the Jockey Club Auditorium at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University from September 4 to 7, with five shows scheduled across four days. Tickets are available now through 01Space and Artmate in six different pricing tiers: $288, $588, $888, $1,188, $1,388, and $1,588.
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