Luo Shen Fu premiered in Beijing

Luo Shen Fu premiered at Beijing's Baoli Theater Thursday evening.

Director Zhou Wenjun said this is the first time cultures have mixed in this specific way: attempting to perform an ancient Chinese story in a Western opera style. He is open to criticism, he said, so he can improve the show and eventually lead it to international success.

Luo Shen Fu is a love story based on the historical accounts of the Three Kingdoms period (AD220-280) when Cao Pi and his younger brother, Cao Zhi, competed for the throne and for the love of a woman named Zhen Mi.

The story evokes themes of honor and dignity in the pursuit of love and happiness.

The star of the show, Li Fei, was raised in England and starred in the musical Cats. Li said she wants to use her experience in the UK to bring Chinese art and culture to the world stage.

The show will run from Nov 14 to 17 in Beijing and then travel to other cities throughout China.

Video: Huan CAO