A noted playwright based in the eastern metropolis Shanghai has adapted Ninety-Three, a Victor Hugo novel, for the stage.

Insiders say this is the first time for a Chinese playwright to adapt the masterpiece, the last novel of the 18th century French literary giant, for the stage. The drama is expected to be performed in Beijing and Shanghai in April and May.

"It was done with reverence and awe," said Associate Prof. Cao Lusheng of the Shanghai Drama Institute, the playwright. "I tried my best to be faithful to the original work, and only made slight emphases here and there to highlight its dramatic effects."

Cao said he had begun to read and appreciate Hugo's works at middle school and had always admired the author.

The novel, set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, praises the revolution for the democratism it advocated, upholds humanism and opposes dictatorship.

"It's poetic language and vivid characters are ideal for the stage," said Associate Prof. Cao.

To experience Hugo's own inner feelings and sentiments, the professor personally traveled to France in 2001, where he visited and paid homage to the heritage sites of the French Revolution as well as Hugo's tomb and former residence.

"The French Revolution has left behind valuable heritage, such as freedom, equality, liberty, human rights and humanity -- everything upheld by the human society till this day," said Cao.

The drama, directed by prize-winning director Wang Zunxi, will star by more than 40 prestigious actors and will be a major contribution to the imminent French culture year in China.

It will be staged at Haidian Theater located in the Zhongguancun Avenue, China's "Silicon Valley" in western Beijing between April 23 and May 2, and at Shanghai's Majestic Theater on May 5 - 6.

(Xinhua News Agency April 14, 2004)