Chinese audiences are familiar with the story of Jane Eyre, which was first published in 1847 and later translated into Chinese. A 1970 movie, directed by Delbert Mann and starring George C. Scott and Susannah York, was screened in China during the 1980s and became a success.
The book's story revolves around the eponymous character, who is raised by her uncle's family following the death of her parents when she was 10 years old. With her strength and confidence, she gets a job as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she meets her employer, the wealthy and impetuous Edward Rochester.
The two fall in love and decide to get married. However, Rochester has yet to tell his bride-to-be about his mad wife, who is locked away because of her violent behavior. Since their marriage is illegal, Eyre flees Thornfield.
When she finally returns, she finds Rochester's house burned down due to a fire caused by his wife, who has jumped to her death. Rochester, in an attempt to save her, was blinded. Reunited, Eyre and Rochester marry.
Zhu, 38, played the role of Jane Eyre in 2010 when she stood in for Yuan several times. Zhu graduated in acting from the Shanghai Theater Academy and is now an actress with the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center.
Zhu says she initially found some parts of the story challenging to perform.
"For example, in one scene, where Rochester insists on bringing Jane fine jewels and expensive dresses, which makes her uncomfortable. I couldn't understand her anger, so I couldn't speak the lines from my heart," recalls Zhu.
"But now, I am older and have gone through lots of things in my life, like marriage and motherhood. I can connect to the character more easily and can naturally speak out the lines in the play."
