Modern Drama Valley, a theatrical extravaganza in Shanghai, will return next month.

The event, to be held between April 20 and May 8, will present 23 productions from home and abroad at the Daning Theater, the Majestic Theater, the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center and other major performing venues in the city.

Opening the festival will be "Huo Dong Bian Ren Xing," an adaptation of Wang Meng's novel that depicts China's vicissitudes from the 1940s to the 1980s.

Other highlights on the playlist include domestic original plays such as "Red Sorghum" adapted from Mo Yan's novel and "Will" directed by Tian Xiaowei, as well as top international plays such as "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" presented by the Radu Stanca Sibiu National Theater from Romania, "La Gioia" directed by Italian playwright Pippo Delbono, and "Frida Ki Allo" produced by the Fly Theater from Greece.

Good news is that this year's ticket price will be capped at 600 yuan (US$87) as authorities will cover part of the costs – 30 percent of the ticket price at the maximum.

Besides, about 300 performances will be staged on Shanghai's streets, commercial zones and other public areas to provide free theater at people's doorstep.

Especially, this year, a "theater bus" will drive on the streets as a mobile theater experience space. People can hop on to buy tickets, wear costumes, or even encounter renowned performing artists.

Besides, a jazz festival and a coffee festival will also be held during the event.