(Photo: CGTN)

Renowned French actress Juliette Binoche staged her new musical at the Shanghai Grand Theater on Monday night.

Binoche played late French singer Monique Andree Serf, whose stage name was Barbara, accompanied by pianist Vincent Leterme.

"Barbara turns the darkness of life into brightness and the black velvet into brilliant sunshine. She lived an extraordinary life as a female artist," said the A-list actress.

"No woman is perfect. There are only real women in this world, real and true. I believe women should be brave to accept themselves (at) whatever age they are."

The actress visited Shanghai twice in 2009 to participate in an international film festival and stage a dance drama.

Binoche told the press she is looking forward to cooperating with Chinese film director Jia Zhangke.

"I am a fan of Jia Zhangke. He has a sensitive and delicate style, and his movies open an eye for the audience," she said.

The musical will be staged in Shenzhen and Beijing Thursday and Sunday respectively.