For the Vakhtangov Theatre's latest production of Eugene Onegin, Lithuanian director Rimas Tuminas believes that strong performances and clever set designs are the key to creating a stunning tour de force, Zhang Kun reports in Shanghai.

As seen on the poster for the Vakhtangov Theatre's production of Eugene Onegin, young ballerinas perform in midair from swings suspended high above the stage as the play unfolds beneath them.

Following four full-house performances at the SAIC Shanghai Culture Square from May 9 to 12, the Russian company-whose full title runs to the Vakhtangov State Academic Theatre of Russia-will head to the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center in Beijing to stage four consecutive shows from Thursday to Sunday.

The poetic vision of the poster reflects the aesthetic and lyrical tone set out for the play by Lithuanian director Rimas Tuminas, a popular and respected figure among Chinese audiences.