Casanova play woos audiences

Exploits of legendary romantic continue to fascinate and entertain, He Qi reports in Shanghai.

Giacomo Casanova seemed to embody the Romantic Age almost single-handedly. This real-life legendary Italian libertine, adventurer and writer, known for his extremely, shall we say, colorful life, has been frequently brought to the stage and screen.

To celebrate the 1,600th anniversary of the founding of Venice, the original Italian musical Casanova, based on Matteo Strukul's best-selling book Giacomo Casanova — La sonata dei cuori infranti, premiered in the city in December 2022, instantly becoming popular.

Following its success, the play finally ventured to China for a 10-performance run at the Shanghai Culture Square from Dec 20 to Saturday.

The story is set in the perilous year of 1755. Casanova, who has ended his life in exile, returns to his hometown of Venice. With his charming and dashing image, as well as sharp wit, he quickly becomes a favorite of high society and embarks on a romantic and passionate love affair with the noble Venetian maiden, Francesca.