Robert Johanson

ICE Music, Czech Republic

Transforming Shakespeare

I embarked on two amazing adventures with the songwriter Janek Ledecky who is the Sting of the Czech Republic. We transformed two of Shakespeare’s greatest plays – Hamlet and Othello – into modern rock operas. Hamlet – the rock opera played over 1400 performances in Prague, Bratislava, Korea and Japan. Iago – a modern day setting of Othello from the villain’s point of view played four years in Prague/Bratislava.

ICE Music Official Website

A Journey of Hits and Adaptations

In October of 2007 Hamlet – the rock opera was introduced to the South Korean audiences. On the day of the premiere there were 68 musicals being performed and even so, Hamlet became a hit with the Korean musical industry. It came second in selling the most tickets. Hamlet returned to Korea in February of 2008. It was nominated as the best foreign musical together with Hairspray and Sweeney Todd. In 2009 and 2010 it had 350 reruns. It since has celebrated it’s 10th Anniversary and continues as a staple in the Korean repertoire.

Featured Musicals

IAGO – a dark and dangerous tale.
After playing the role of Iago in Othello for the Stratford Shakespeare festival, Robert presented the idea to Janek to develop a modern day musical with the villain as the lead. They began writing IAGO – the new conflict was Muslin and Christian – very timely in the world we live in today. It was an exciting, sensual and provocative experience that kept audiences coming for 4 years in Prague and Bratislava .
Iago
Hamlet A Rock Opera