THE first Chinese tragedy that was translated into European languages, “The Orphan of Zhao,” will grace Shenzhen Poly Theater this June in the form of an original Chinese musical.

Set in China’s Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.), the story centers around Cheng Ying, who sacrificed his baby son to replace the only survivor and heir of the politically persecuted Zhao family. Cheng then raised the latter as his own, only to reveal the truth when the young man was grown up and ready for revenge.

The tale, which was first translated into European languages by Voltaire and Goethe, has become one of the most widely performed plays from China, fostering many theatrical and operatic adaptations.

The current production, the brainchild of Shanghai-based theater director Xu Jun, is not based on the ancient Chinese work by Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) playwright Ji Junxiang. Instead, the musical is adapted from the stage play “The Orphan of Zhao” by renowned British poet James Fenton.

Cheng’s baby son, the sacrificed child in the story, was somewhat forgotten by the ancient Chinese play. Without altering the story, Fenton arranged for Cheng to go to his son’s grave to make atonement in the last scene, where the repented father confesses to and reconciles with his son’s spirit.

From there, Xu further restructured the musical by designating the baby boy’s ghost as a witness to the entire story.

The Chinese version of Fenton’s play, translated by Jin Shenghua and Peng Jingxi, has been published by Shanghai Translation Publishing House.

Fenton himself wrote four songs for his play, which were adapted into Chinese by lyric writer Liang Mang, who together with composer Jin Peida wruote for the musical. The duo has worked with Xu on his previous two musical productions, “Jews in Shanghai” and “Lady of the White Snake.” They also wrote new songs based on Fenton’s script.

Stage set was created by Tan Shaoyuan, while lighting designer Xiao Lihe, costume designer Zhang Shuping, and choreographer Li Chenchuan all contributed to the production.

Zheng Qiyuan, an award-winning singer and actor who graduated from Shenyang Conservatory of Music, will act in the leading role as Cheng Ying.

Time: 7:30 p.m., June 6-8

Venue: Shenzhen Poly Theater, Nanshan District

Metro: Line 2, 11 or 13 to Houhai Station, Exit E(Li Dan)