Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" has been given a brand-new musical adaptation, which will be presented to Shanghai audiences from August 13 to 16 at AIA Grand Theater.

This story of freedom, dignity, selfhood, and love is familiar to many. Jane's poignant question – Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? – has moved countless readers over the years.

This new musical unfolds Jane's story in nine chapters. It is as if she has traveled across 180 years to the present, showing audiences through her actions that one can be plain, poor, or even unloved, but must always stay true to oneself.

"Many people tend to see Jane Eyre as a symbol of the nineteenth century; a textbook icon of the 'independent woman,' or a romantic legend," said director and musical singer Jin Shengquan.

"In fact, her dilemmas are our dilemmas, and her defiance is exactly what we long for. We hope to bridge the temporal gap of the Victorian era, and allow modern audiences empathize with the characters' inner struggles," he added.

The creators hope that the musical will give this "female epic" a fresh look and encourage viewers to confront and embrace their true selves, to venture far and beyond.

Performance info

Dates: August 13-16, 2pm/7:30pm

Tickets: 180-680 yuan

Venue: AIA Grand Theater 北外滩友邦大剧院

Address: 889 Dongdaming Road 东大名路889号