It's a rare thing for two different productions of the same story to perform simultaneously in the Chinese capital. But that's exactly what's happening right now, with two versions of "Butterfly Lovers" running in Beijing.

Zhejiang Little Hundred Flowers Shaoxing Opera Troupe is presenting an adaptation of the Chinese classic love story.

Zhejiang Little Hundred Flowers Shaoxing Opera Troupe is presenting an adaptation of the Chinese classic love story, while the DPRK's Sea of Blood Opera Company, is performing the Korean version at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. Cast members have even sat down to enjoy each other's performances.

A Chinese story with a Korean spin.

The cast of the Sea of Blood Opera Company have not only reworked the choreography and the music -- the added chorus supporting the lead roles is pure Korean style as well.

What's more, the choreographers developed their own unique scene for the wedding of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai -- much to the delight of the original composers.

Zhejiang Little Hundred Flowers Shaoxing Opera Troupe is presenting an adaptation of the Chinese classic love story.

He Zhanhao, composer of "Butterfly Lovers" violin concerto, said, "It's inspirational to see artists from a different culture interpreting our tale. But it also keeps the original flavor, as the DPRK version uses the erhu and gayagum, the equivalent of the Chinese zither."

By comparison, the Shaoxing Opera production by Zhejiang artists is steeped in the Chinese literary tradition. Many lines from the musical are borrowed from classical Chinese poetry, while the folding fan becomes a symbol of true love and longing.

Watching members of the DPRK production were impressed.

Cai Mingxi, director of Sea of Blood Opera Company, said, "At the end of the musical, a folding fan fell on the stage, to symbolize the tragic ending of the story. A small gesture, but one that gave a huge emotional shock. There is much for us to learn if we want to improve our performance."

Besides the choreography and musical numbers, Chinese artists offered advice on costumes, stage design and light installations.

Both sides are now looking forward to future collaborations on a co-production, blending cultural elements from both countries, to really provide audiences with a mind blowing take on this classic tale.