In Charlotte Brontë's 19th-century masterpiece Jane Eyre, the simple yet powerful declaration "I will be myself" defined a woman's unwavering battle for self-determination. Today, nearly two centuries later, those same words ring out with new energy – this time set to music on the Chinese stage.

Following its premiere in Shanghai this August, an original Chinese musical adaptation of Jane Eyre is offering contemporary audiences an reinterpretation of the timeless classic, bridging Victorian literature with 21st-century theatrical storytelling.

Externalizing Jane's inner world

Adapting a novel for a dynamic theatrical production presents a unique challenge. For director Jin Shengquan, the key lay in capturing Jane's rich inner life and translating her psychological journey into striking visual and musical language.

"When reading the novel, what stands out most is Jane's attitude toward the world. She is a woman with a rich, full inner life," Jin, who also plays Edward Rochester, told CGTN. "The biggest challenge for the stage was finding a way to externalize those internal thoughts and emotions. That led us to put Jane’s personal growth at the absolute center of our adaptation."

To bring her internal conflict into sharp relief, the production introduces a creative recurring device: an "inner courtroom." In these stylized sequences, Jane faces trial under the absurd charge of "seeking affection" or "falling in love." Through resisting these voices of judgment – both external social expectations and her own internal self-doubt – Jane gradually breaks free, realizing her independence.

A modern, localized spin

Rather than producing a faithful Victorian period piece, the creative team deliberately localized and modernized the narrative to resonate deeply with today's Chinese audience. 

"When interpreting a classic work like this, we must bring our own perspective," Jin explained. "We didn't want audiences to feel a sense of distance – whether from a Western literary classic or a Victorian setting."

This contemporary lens dynamically reshapes the story's classic archetypes. The religious austerity of St. John is softened to reveal his human vulnerability and suppressed personal desires. 

Meanwhile, Edward Rochester sheds some of his traditional darkness and aggression; in an edgy modern twist, he makes his entrance riding a scooter and delivering lines through hip-hop, making his character arc and bond with Jane more relatable to contemporary viewers.

Even Rochester's faithful dog, Pilot, is brought to life by a human actor whose physical performance and animalistic movement design add a vibrant, humorous energy to the stage.

'I will be myself'

For lead actress Guo Yaorong, who first read Jane Eyre under her blanket as a middle school student, stepping into Jane's shoes revealed deeper layers to the iconic character.

"Through portraying her inner world on stage, I discovered a side of her that is sensitive, fearful, and at times unsure of how to face the world," Guo said. "Jane Eyre is a story people can truly relate to. Whatever you go through, you need to hold on to your principles, make your own choices, and set your own goals."

Asked what Jane Eyre would be like if she lived in 2026, Guo believes she wouldn't necessarily be a celebrated figure. "She might just be an ordinary young woman – stubborn, staying true to her heart, particularly in her career, and living an ordinary life like anyone else."

Beyond borders

The enduring 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.

"A literary classic is a classic because it transcends national borders, languages, and generations," Jin noted. "In the global landscape of culture, we should embrace greater integration and mutual appreciation."

At its core, this Chinese adaptation strip away historical distance to honor the timeless quest for self-actualization. As the musical's central anthem boldly proclaims: "I don't need to be defined. I will be myself."

Executive producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Director: Guo Meiping

Videographer: Gao Peng

Graphic designer: Li Yueyun