Chinese Reviews

Several reviews of the Jane Eyre performances at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, China, are slowly appearing in the Chinese media. Regrettably we just can quote rough "translations" (via Google translation) of some paragraphs to get the idea:

北京青年报 (Beijing Youth Daily):

Jane Eyre" performed at the Grand Theater. Sure enough, the film "near flawless." Music, sets, costumes, lighting, scheduling, etc. can be "absolutely fine" to describe. Rochester is said to even the hands of the paintings are produced in accordance with the original props, this movie's intentions can be seen, for the better-known Eagle teachers appreciate the creative approach. (...)
In any case, "Jane Eyre" is the best drama this year's entries. Play and give full play to the charm of the original works of literature, on stage with a beautiful picture and nice music. There is no lack of power performance, "made his mark", the lack of additional directors to expand the meaning and significance of embodiment, and to rely on a lot of movies. Although the completion of the reproduction of the original task, but there are many aesthetic elements for the exploitation and processing. (解玺璋)

北京娱乐信报 (Beijing Daily):

Wong's play "Jane Eyre" this week, the National Grand Theater in his heat, the performing arts sector has attracted many a star-studded. Zhang Guoli, Xu Fan, Chen Yi and others have come to watch the play, it is said that Zhang Guoli, read "Jane Eyre" He also would like to have fun on stage.
Xu Fan in told reporters after the show said: "" Jane Eyre "novels and movies I have seen. For now impetuous society drama" Jane Eyre "can give you a spiritual pillar. My mind 'Jane Eyre' is the Yuan Quan's like this. "Chen Yi in the drama after reading" Jane Eyre "said:" Although there have been prior to the film's "Jane Eyre", but it has the charm of the stage drama completely broken through the film. "

Star.Fotoever:

Yuan Quan and Wang Luoyong performing two different styles in "Jane Eyre" take on the story after the collision occurred, but also the feelings of a new audience. Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester's love is far from plain sailing, Wang Luoyong highly infectious power of the performances, Yuan Quan as Jane Eyre's love is deep, depression. Moran stand up under the light of the Yuan Quan, most audiences love for them I do feel sorry for heartbreak. (彻寒)

EDIT (26/06/09):
The English section of CCTV.com publishes some pictures, a video (where we realize that the production uses profusely John William's music for Jane Eyre 1970) and a brief comment on the production.

A governess goes to work for a moody employer, captures his heart, a dark secret emerges. Charlotte Bronte's 1847 love story "Jane Eyre" comes to life in a new adaptation at Beijing's National Center for the Performing Arts. The production boasts A-list stars including Wang Luoyong, the first Chinese star to sparkle on Broadway. In today's "Spotlight", we hear Wang Luoyong's experience with the refreshing Chinese take on the drama.
The Chinese version of Charlotte Bronte's 1847 novel "Jane Eyre" has swept across China since the complete Chinese version was released in the 1950's. Capable, intelligent, forthright and sometimes tactless, Jane Eyre has been received by Chinese girls as a cultural pioneer of modern womanhood.
It's evident that the story remains pertinent today, in an ingenious theatrical adaptation at the National Center for the Performing Arts.
Actress Yuan Quan is well suited to the lead role as the spirited but plain young woman. And Wang Luoyong, who has broken the westerners' dominance on Broadway, is cast into the enigmatic master of Thornfield Hall, Edward Rochester.(...)
The story of Jane Eyre and Rochester has inspired a variety of films and dramas. Generations of directors and actors have taken relentless attempts in translating the chemistry between Jane and Rochester. The two won't be held back, as they help each other find their true selves.
Wang Luoyong acknowledged that the previous versions have left positive marks on this production.
Wang Luoyong hopes that this Chinese adaptation will serve as a memorable tribute to great literature that stands the test of time. (Zhao Yanchen)

And even more pictures on Le Quotidien du Peuple (in French):

L'actrice Yuan Quan est idéale dans le rôle principal de femme à la fois simple et spirituelle. Et Wang Luoyong, qui s'est imposé sur les planches de Broadway réservés jusqu'à présent aux Occidentaux, incarne le mystérieux maître du manoir de Thornfield, Edward Rochester.
Wang pense que le regain de la littérature classique comble le vide émotionnel éprouvé par la plupart des Chinois d'aujourd'hui.
Wang Luoyong, Acteur:
"Je pense que le public chinois est vraiment avide de ce genre d'histoire. Un amour absolu, dépourvu de tout intérêt lié à l'argent, aux bijoux, au côté clinquant des marques...car aujourd'hui, beaucoup de personnes ne pensent qu'à ça. Mais je pense qu'au fond d'eux-mêmes, il existe une infime partie qui réclame ce genre d'amour."
"Inédite, étrange, et captivant, un vrai défi... Au théâtre, on doit comprendre la langue originale. La langage est très important pour un acteur. Car il ne suffit pas de reproduire des sons. Il faut encore lier la pensée à la voix, et les combiner avec des sentiments authentiques. C'est difficile. Il m'arrive souvent de ne pas savoir établir ce genre de connexions..."
L'histoire d'amour entre Jane Eyre et Rochester a inspiré de nombreux cinéastes et dramaturges. Des générations d'acteurs ont tenté inlassablement d'exprimer cette relation subtile entre les deux personnages où chacun aide l'autre à se découvrir.
Wang Luoyong reconnaît tout le mérite des anciennes adaptations et leurs influences sur la pièce de théâtre.
"La musique est tirée de différentes adaptations. Les acteurs chinois ont essayé de se familiariser avec la musique et le rythme. Il a fallut aussi adopter des gestes particuliers. Ce n'est pas exactement un ballet, mais l'acteur doit se tenir droit, vous savez, être en extension, avec de la grâce. Il faut que le public considère notre corps comme un instrument qui se produit devant lui. Les spectateurs prennent conscience des sensations, et trouvent des réponses à leurs sentiments." (Google translation)

Categories: Jane Eyre, Theatre