Shakespeare gets a Chinese makeover

Director Wang Xiaoying's adaptation of Richard III features performers in traditional Chinese attire in the setting of a Chinese palace. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The National Theater of Britain will screen filmed versions of some of its best live productions in Chinese cinemas this summer - and audiences in the United Kingdom will be able to watch some groundbreaking Chinese productions in London.

Director Wang Xiaoying's Richard III will return to Shakespeare's Globe Theater for six shows from July 20 to 25.

In 2012, to celebrate the London Summer Olympics, the Globe Theater invited companies from around the world to perform the Bard's plays in 37 languages. National Theater of China made its debut in London and presented Richard III directed by Wang.

It was not all smooth sailing however. The shipping container containing all the Chinese troupe's costumes and props was held up by a storm and did not arrive in London on time. Wang and his actors had to select their costumes from a selection of black robes in the Globe Theater. But their performance won unexpected acclaim. UK newspaper The Guardian called it "a crisp, no-nonsense view of the play", and said "one's heart goes out to the National Theater of China."

Audiences were also drawn by the posters featuring actors wearing full-face masks and ornate robes.

Neil Constable, chief executive of the Globe Theater, enjoyed the play so much that he visited Beijing to watch the production in all its glory at the Capital Theater. After the show, Constable decided to invite the National Theater of China back to the Globe Theater.

It's hard to believe Richard III is 58-year-old Wang's first Shakespeare.