The characters, Chinese scientist Xu Guangqi and the prophet Isaiah, perform with choir members at Sunday's performance of the 500-year-old Coventry Nativity Play at St Peter's International Catholic Church.

A special celebration of the origin of Christmas was held in Shanghai on Sunday.

St Peter's Catholic Church on Chongqing Road S. celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Christmas carol service by performing the medieval Coventry Nativity Play. 　　

The play has survived nearly 500 years from its birthplace in Coventry in England and tells the story of Christmas. 　

The text is in Middle English and was sung and spoken in St Peter's by 120 men, women and children from more than 15 countries and regions, from Australia to Zambia. 　　

The cast and choirs all featured Shanghai residents, including lawyers, students, waitresses, business people, office workers, artists, teachers - and, of course, a baby. 　　

The baby, a month-old boy, is the youngest member of the parish. 　

Performers in traditional costume were joined by the St Peter's International Choir, the Chinese Choir, the Korean Choir and the Philippine Choir. 　　

The Chinese character Xu Guangqi was specially written into the play for its Shanghai performance. Xu, a high official of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is buried at Xujiahui, which bears his family name.

(Shanghaidaily.com December 20, 2006)