Huppert headlines in Beijing

"The production is a deeply introspective drama and, in a literal sense, a chamber play — it unfolds entirely within the confines of a closed room, an underground space with only a fire escape in the background offering a glimpse of the outside world."

Born in 1953 in Paris, Huppert is known for embracing complex characters, and has long been celebrated for roles that demand both emotional depth and intellectual acuity. She made her screen debut in Faustine and the Beautiful Summer in 1972, and by the mid-1970s, she had made more than 15 films.

In 1978, she was named Best Actress at the Cannes film festival for her performance in Violette Noziere and drew critical acclaim for her performance in Elle (2016), her first Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress, as well as her first Academy Awards nomination.

"Each role is a new journey," Huppert says.

"My journey in both film and theater began simultaneously in the 1970s. Both forms were incredibly appealing to me then. Over time, I've found myself leaning more toward theater. Right now, I'm involved in four productions simultaneously.

"The techniques for acting in film and theater are essentially the same for me, but theater has become more dominant in my schedule.

"As an actor, I feel very fortunate to have so much freedom and so many opportunities to travel the world and explore new artistic endeavors. I believe curiosity is key. It drives me to discover new things. Also, I'm not afraid of the unknown. Embracing the unfamiliar keeps me brave and creative."