[Photo/Xinhua]

A total of 12 plays by William Shakespeare will be staged at the Beijing Fringe Festival in September this year to mark the 400th anniversary of his death, organizers said.

A play based on Shakespeare's sonnets is among these works, which also include "Romeo and Juliet," "Twelfth Night," and "The Taming of the Shrew."

All the plays will be directed by young artists, according to organizers.

The different versions of Shakespeare's works, which provide fresh perspectives for interpretation, contribute to the lasting glory of Shakespearean plays, said Meng Jinghui, artistic director for the event.

According to the organizers, 12 short plays, which are adapted from the classics of Shakespeare, will also be staged during the festival, in addition to forums and script recitations.

Started in 2008, the annual festival is dedicated to nurturing young artists and promoting quality theater for young people.