The undying language of love

French actors Cyril Niccolai and Joy Esther act out the tragic end of the classic Shakespearean play Romeo et Juliette. Provided to China Daily

Romeo and Juliette are singing in French about their everlasting love for the New Year in Shanghai.

A French musical adaptation of the tragic love story by Shakespeare, Romeo et Juliette is presented at Shanghai Culture Square.

Created by Gerard Presgurvic, the musical has won international acclaim since its premiere in Paris in 2001. Several of its songs have topped the pop charts in France, such as Aimer (Love) and Les Rois du Monde (King of the Word). The production in Shanghai is much the same as the Paris edition in 2010.

"The musical has toured 15 countries and will now be presented in Shanghai for the first time," says Cyril Niccolai, who takes the lead role of Romeo.

A veteran actor on the French musical scene, Niccolai visited Shanghai 10 years ago when he performed as the poet in Les Miserables.

Les Miserables is arguably the most famous French musical, and a film adaptation starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway will be released soon.

When asked about comparisons between Les Miserable and Romeo et Juliette, Carl Portal, choreographer and vice-director of Romeo et Juliette, says his production is more modern, both in the style of the music and the choreography.

"The story of the young star-crossed lovers has been adapted many times all over the world. The subject of supreme and immortal love is relevant for all times," he says.