Dante’s The Divine Comedy gets the full musical treatment in this original Italian-language production that’s been touring Europe. Expect soaring scores, wild visuals, and a journey that moves from the pits of Hell to the gates of Paradise—all live at the Shanghai Grand Theatre.

The musical adapts the full arc of Dante’s journey through the three realms of the afterlife: Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. Audiences can expect a blend of theatrical storytelling, choral and orchestral music, and visually rich stage design. The show is approximately 149 minutes long, including one intermission.

A sweeping musical journey through the afterlife, inspired by Dante Alighieri’s timeless masterpiece.

Direct from Italy, this acclaimed musical adaptation of The Divine Comedy brings Dante’s poetic vision to life with powerful music, evocative staging, and a cast of over 30 performers. Guided by the Roman poet Virgil and later joined by the luminous Beatrice, Dante’s character travels across the Inferno, climbs the Mountain of Purgatory, and ascends into the celestial beauty of Paradise. Along the way, audiences encounter unforgettable figures such as Ulysses, Count Ugolino, and Francesca da Rimini, each representing a facet of human sin, suffering, or redemption.

The production is led by director and playwright Andrea Ortis, with music composed by Marco Frisina—renowned for his sacred and cinematic scores. The set and costume design by Lara Carissimi blends traditional iconography with modern theatrical techniques, creating a visual world that feels at once ancient and immediate. With award-winning accolades including the Dante Society Gold Medal and “Best Italian Musical” (2019–2020), this production has been praised for both its fidelity to the spirit of Dante’s original and its emotional power on stage.

Performed in Italian with Chinese and English subtitles, this is a rare chance to experience a cornerstone of world literature reimagined as a contemporary musical, full of soul, struggle, and salvation.

• Stage & Dance
• Musicals & Operas