Beijing theatergoer have been witnessing a creative adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic comedy "The Merchant of Venice." For the first time in China, the play has been staged as an interactive musical, blending the boundaries between the performers and their audience. This immersive musical adaptation is being performed at the 22nd Street Art Plaza, a popular destination for young art enthusiasts and fashion trendsetters.

[Photo via Beijing Daily]

Li Ni, director of the play, said that it was a challenge to adapt the original play into a musical while retaining its poetic lines. Actress Lu Fangqi acknowledged the challenges of performing so closely with the audience, noting that communication and interaction with the audience on stage often required them to react quickly to different situations. 

The play's set design is the focal point of attention. Wang Heping, who has watched the play several times, said that he enjoyed the interactive nature of the play, recalling the moment where he interacted with an actor and prompted laughter from the audience.

"When the character Shylock went to find his daughter, he asked, 'Who has seen my daughter?' And I actually interacted with the actor, saying: 'Your daughter went that way', and the audience laughed. At that time I was so involved in it and it was an enjoyable moment. I think it's great because you are supposed to come and relax on a Friday or a Saturday."

The play's set design aims to transport the audience to 16th-century Venice through its retro feel by recreating the small houses in the architectural style of the period. While the interior of the theater remains modern, the set still manages to evoke a romantic atmosphere.