Chinese-version 'Les Miserables' set for national tour

A new Chinese theater production of Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables” announced its national tour in Shanghai last week.

Produced by Magnificent Culture Co. Ltd., the play, starring renowned Chinese film actor Liu Ye, is directed by French theater artist Jean Bellorini. It premiered at Beijing Poly Theater on Jan. 26. After its performances at Shanghai Grand Theater last weekend, it will be staged in 13 cities around China through May, including at Shenzhen Poly Theater on May 18-19.

The Chinese production has been invited to perform abroad at the Theatre National Populaire in Villeurbanne, France, on Nov. 2-3.

Liu Ye (R) during a rehearsal of the Chinese version of “Les Miserables.” Photo from the show organizer

The literary masterpiece by Hugo features universal human experiences that are widely found all over the world, according to Wang Keran, founding director of Magnificent Culture, talking about his decision to adapt the French novel to Chinese theater. “‘Les Miserables’ is a treasure of all the human community.”

Liu, playing the lead role of Jean Valjean, said that he and his French wife, Anais Martane, producer of the play, have worked together on the cultural communications between China and France for the past 18 years.

The play is part of the program of celebrations marking the 60th anniversary for the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France. It is also part of a theater project of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism 2024.

“It is a wonderful experience for us, a couple of ordinary individuals, to be involved in such an important historical occasion,” Liu said. (China Daily)