Video by Liu Xudong

Applause and bravos echoed through the Pingshan Theater on Jan. 4 as the Chinese version of “The Shawshank Redemption” had its much-anticipated debut. Adapted from the original English play by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, the boundary-breaking Chinese rendition was hailed for its remarkable performance presented by a cast of foreign talents who can speak superb Chinese.

Produced by Shenzhen and crafted by Pingshan, the play stars 11 expat actors hailing from eight countries: Finland, Canada, the U.S., France, Argentina, Italy, Russia and Australia. Directed by esteemed Chinese actor Zhang Guoli, this production marks a groundbreaking moment, as Stephen King’s classic story is performed entirely in Chinese by all foreign artists, promoting world cultural exchange through the art of drama.

Following its successful debut at the Pingshan Theater, “The Shawshank Redemption” was also staged at Shenzhen Poly Theater on Jan. 12-14, with subsequent showings scheduled in Shanghai and Beijing soon.