Chinese version of 'Les Misérables' to premiere in Beijing in January

The launching ceremony for the first Mandarin stage production of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables was held at the Lao She Theater in downtown Beijing on Dec 15. Despite the wintry weather, ardent theater lovers gathered to communicate with the play's creation team and leading cast members.

With the stage illuminated and the serene melodies of a string quartet filling the air, excerpts from Hugo's literary masterpiece graced the stage backdrop. The brief yet captivating performance presented the production's textual and musical attributes.

From Jan 26 to 28, 2024, the Mandarin stage play of Les Misérables is set to premiere at the Beijing Poly Theatre, under the direction of French director Jean Bellorini.

A collaboration between the Magnificent Culture Co Ltd and the Printemps des Comédiens (Actors' Spring) festival from Montpellier, France, this play marks the festival's first investment in a Chinese theatrical production.

The organizers said on Friday that the script for this Mandarin rendition was based on the version of Charles Hugo, Victor Hugo's son. As the creation process evolved, however, director Bellorini decided to craft an entirely new script.

"The essence of my work lies in the book itself. I used this play to spotlight the literary masterpiece," said Bellorini. "Through this creation journey, individuals from different cultural backgrounds come together, colliding to produce significant art content."