BEIJING, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Italian musical "The Divine Comedy" has been staged at the Beijing Century Theatre, as part of its first-ever nationwide tour in China to mark the 55th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic ties.

The iconic musical is adapted from a long narrative poem written by Italian poet Dante Alighieri in the 14th century, which depicts an imagined journey through hell, purgatory and paradise.

The staging of this musical in China marks not only the revival of a literary classic but also serves as a significant reflection of the profound cultural exchange between China and Italy.

With blended music genres such as rock, pop and opera, the performance dazzled Beijing audiences with a contemporary interpretation of classic Italian literature.

It combines intricate stage mechanical installations with 70 immersive 3D projections, and boasts over 200 meticulously crafted costumes featuring embroidery, hand-sewn beadwork and special fabrics, showcasing both medieval elegance and mythological fantasy.

The musical was performed in Beijing from July 31 to August 3. It will visit other Chinese cities including Guangzhou, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Shanghai and Hangzhou as well as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region during its 2025 China tour, delivering the charm of Italian culture to more Chinese people. ■