"On the same date in 2019, the play was premiered and now, it returns," says Lei with excitement, adding that she purposefully chose to wear the same outfit that she wore on the day of the play's premiere. "We've been through a lot, but the idea of bringing this production back to the stage has never changed."

On Dec 9 and 10, Faust was staged at the New Tsinghua Xuetang as part of the ongoing Tsinghua Philosophy Drama Festival, which, initiated by the university and running from Nov 15 to Dec 31, explores the relationship between philosophy and drama.

In 2024, the Chinese play will embark on a nationwide tour, including a stop at Beijing's Poly Theater on May 9.

According to Lei, the director recreated a version of Faust because he was inspired by the new cast members and his own life experience.

"The new version exudes energy, humor and the director made it much easier for the audience to comprehend," Lei says.

In the new version of the play, actor Yin Fang plays the role of Mephistopheles, the demon, while Wang Yanhui plays the role of Faust.