Fresh Eyre

Since its premiere in 2009, the Chinese play Jane Eyre, adapted from Charlotte Bronte's classic novel of the same name and produced by the National Center for the Performing Arts, has toured across China 16 times.

The play is once again being staged at the NCPA in Beijing through Thursday, with actress Zhu Jie playing the role of Jane Eyre and actor Pu Cunxin as Edward Rochester.

In 2009, Jane Eyre was the first Chinese play produced by the NCPA-two years after its opening.

"I remember the excitement when I directed the play. The story is a classic and the creative team members were nervous, but devoted," recalls Wang Xiaoying, who has continued to direct the play since then and has worked on the latest version.

In 2009, the two leading roles were played by actress Yuan Quan and actor Wang Luoyong, whose acting won acclaim from both critics and the audience. In this latest version, Pu and Zhu are collaborating for the first time.

Wang Xiaoying is excited about their onstage chemistry.

"Characters are brought to life by actors and actresses. With their different personalities, approaches to acting and understanding of the roles, they will bring a sense of freshness to the audience," she says.