Five-day Xiju Opera festival celebrates Wuxi's living theatrical heritage

A Xiju Opera performance is staged at a theater in the Erhu Cultural Park, Xinwu district, Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account: meicunrizhi]

A five-day celebration of Xiju Opera concluded on July 9 at the Meili Mini Theater in the Erhu Cultural Park, Xinwu district, Wuxi, bringing audiences together for a showcase of one of Jiangsu province's most beloved traditional performing arts.

Running from July 5 to 9, the afternoon festival featured a classic Xiju production each day. The carefully curated program was designed to appeal to audiences of all ages and interests, reflecting the richness and diversity of this centuries-old opera.

The five productions explored a range of themes, from timeless love stories and family bonds to courtroom dramas and moral tales. Together, they highlighted the emotional depth, distinctive singing style and strong local character that have made Xiju Opera an enduring cultural treasure in the Jiangnan region.