With Yu Rongjun's version, he hopes to build a new connection with the audience.

"The Count of Monte Cristo was the very first Western literature I read," says Yu. "From the story I feel not only the pleasure of defeating the dark side, but also love and hope, which in my opinion, is the real theme of our adaptation."

Yu Yang, who made his name in theater, as well as with major roles in movies and TV dramas, will deliver his interpretation of the Count of Monte Cristo and the young Dantes. He believes that in this story of revenge, what is most important is love.

"Count of Monte Cristo's revenge is actually the process of his self-redemption. He is completely entangled between love and hatred. But enmity is never the motivation to live. Only love and kindness are the true spirit of life, also of our play," says Yu Yang.

According to vice-president of the NCPA, Zhao Tiechun, The Count of Monte Cristo is the center's second new production since the outbreak of COVID-19 was curtailed. With more original productions coming out, the NCPA is adhering to its guiding principle－"for the people, for art and for the world"－in these challenging times.

"Until the day when God shall deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is summed up in these two words-'wait' and 'hope'," posits Dumas in The Count of Monte Cristo. It just happens to be one of Yu Rongjun's favorite lines.