In a new production of 'Hamlet' at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus in Hamburg, director Frank Castorf paints a bleak picture of Europe's future as the continent appears to sink in chaos and powerlessness, while a new era looms with the rise of China. The performance combines Shakespeare’s original text with elements from Heiner Müller's 'Hamletmaschine,' suggesting a reflection on Europe's decline and a future possibly dominated by China. Castorf's vision presents a world where Europe is only viewed in reflection, like a civilization fading away, a theme intensified by the backdrop of war and nuclear threats. The play also critiques intellectual and political complacency, with Hamlet as a symbol of youthful moral fervor against a compromising, aged establishment, represented by a benign, yet suspect, Claudius. The production is visually striking, illustrating both decadence and the looming destruction. An undercurrent in the performance questions who will ultimately claim power in a depleted Europe, hinted at with modern parallels. The six-hour long play, filled with philosophical and artistic discourses, challenges viewers with its artful yet unsettling interpretation, confirming Castorf's reputation for pushing theatrical boundaries.