Charlotte Brontë's classic novel 'Jane Eyre,' which became a symbol of a woman's struggle for self-determination in the 19th century with the phrase 'I will be myself,' is finding new life on the Chinese stage. Approximately two centuries later, these words resonate in musical form, presenting a modern interpretation of the Victorian literary masterpiece.
Following its premiere in Shanghai in August, the original Chinese musical adaptation of 'Jane Eyre' offers contemporary audiences a reinterpretation of this timeless work, merging Victorian literature with 21st-century theatrical storytelling.
Adapting the novel for a dynamic theatrical performance presents a unique challenge to the creators. Director Jin Shenchuan focused his efforts on conveying Jane's rich inner life and transforming her psychological journey into a vivid visual and musical language. Jin, who also plays Edward Rochester, told CGTN: 'What stands out most when reading the novel is Jane's attitude towards the world. She is a woman with a rich, full inner life.' He added that the main difficulty for the stage was finding a way to externally portray these internal thoughts and feelings, which led to Jane's growth becoming the absolute center of the adaptation.
To emphasize her internal conflict, the production uses a creative recurring device—the 'inner courtroom.' In these stylized scenes, Jane is put on trial for an absurd charge of 'seeking affection' or 'being in love.' Against these voices of judgment—both external social expectations and her own doubts—Jane gradually frees herself, realizing her independence.
The creative team intentionally localized and modernized the plot instead of creating a faithful Victorian historical production so that the work would deeply resonate with today's Chinese audience. Jin explained that when interpreting such a classic work, one must bring in a personal perspective, as they did not want the audience to feel distant—whether from the Western literary masterpiece or the Victorian setting.
This modern approach dynamically transforms the classic archetypes of the story. John Stane's religious asceticism is softened, revealing his human vulnerability and suppressed personal desires. Meanwhile, Edward Rochester loses some of his traditional gloom and aggression; in a bold modern twist, he appears on stage riding a scooter and delivering lines in a hip-hop style, making his character development and relationship with Jane more relatable to contemporary viewers.
Even the faithful song Pilot by Rochester comes alive thanks to the actor-human, whose physical performance and choreography of the animal lend the scene vibrant and humorous energy.
The lead actress Guo Yaorong, who first read 'Jane Eyre' in middle school, discovered deeper facets of the iconic character while embodying Jane. Guo shared that through portraying her inner world on stage, she uncovered a sensitive, fearful side in her that sometimes doesn't know how to face the world. She believes that 'Jane Eyre' is a story people can truly relate to, and that regardless of their experiences, one must hold onto their principles, make their own choices, and set their own goals.
When asked what Jane Eyre would be like if she lived in 2026, Guo suggested that she might not necessarily become a famous figure. 'She could just be an ordinary young woman—stubborn, true to her heart, especially in her career, and living an ordinary life like any other person.'
The continued relevance of 'Jane Eyre' in modern China, where it remains on the Ministry of Education's required reading list for students, underscores the universal power of world literature. Jin noted that the literary masterpiece is so because it transcends national borders, languages, and generations. He concluded that greater integration and mutual respect should be encouraged in the global cultural space.
Essentially, this Chinese adaptation eliminates historical distance to pay tribute to the eternal search for self-actualization. As the central anthem of the musical loudly proclaims: 'I do not need to be defined. I will be myself.'