In this 400th anniversary year of Shakespeare's death, Beijing is playing its part in honoring the Bard. Among the more high-profile tributes are the National Ballet of China's "Romeo and Juliet" and the National Theater of China's "Richard III".

Even without his immortal verses, body movement alone conveys the "piteous overthrows" of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'.

"The ballet was choreographed by the late master John Cranko in the 1960s. So it's a timeless classic both in literature and dance. We hope to deliver the authentic flavor of the dance show as it was first created," said Feng Ying, director, Natioanl Ballet of China.

"Here, we present one of humanity's greatest themes, Love. I think today's young audience will definitely be touched by the characters' desire for sincere love."

The National Ballet of China first staged the Cranko version 10 years ago to great acclaim. This time around, its own dancers are working with dancers from abroad.

In this 400th anniversary year of Shakespeare's death, Beijing is playing its part in honoring the Bard. Among the more high-profile tributes are the National Ballet of China's "Romeo and Juliet".

In this 400th anniversary year of Shakespeare's death, Beijing is playing its part in honoring the Bard. Among the more high-profile tributes are the National Ballet of China's "Romeo and Juliet".

National Theater of China performs "Richard III"

Meanwhile, the National Theater of China has reprised another Shakespeare classic, "Richard the Third".

It's still the same story of the "crookback prodigy" murdering his way to the throne before meeting his demise in battle, but in this case set in ancient China instead of 15th-century England.

This version also enrolls a lot of Chinese elements, such as rice paper used in the backdrop, characters wearing traditional Chinese costumes, and even elements from traditional Chinese opera.
 
"Culture transcends boundaries. Using Chinese elements to render a Shakespeare classic is, for me, a dialogue with the literary giant," said Wang Xiaoying, director of "Richard III"
 
Other productions recalling Shakespeare include "Descendants of Butterfly Lovers", directed by celebrated Hong Kong playwright Edward Lam.

Linked by 18 songs, with most of the lyrics written by Lam, it tells of the life, love, art, and dreams of today's youngsters.