Snapshot of the Xiju Opera play The Pearl Pagoda performed at the MuTh Theatre. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

The classic Xiju Opera play, The Pearl Pagoda, by Wuxi Xiju Opera Theater was performed for the first time in Europe on Oct 21 and 22 at the MuTh Theatre in Vienna, Austria.

This marks the first time in the history of the Wuxi Xiju Opera Theater that its main production has traveled to Europe, providing European audiences with a new opportunity to deepen their understanding of Chinese opera culture.

Performers and audiences pose for a group photo after the performance at the MuTh Theatre. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

For this tour, the theater carefully modified the entire production, maintaining the play's classic core to better suit the viewing preferences of international audiences. Tickets for both performances were completely sold out.

The performers followed the stylized tradition of Chinese operas, demonstrating strong skills in singing, speaking, acting, and fighting. They employed the unique vocal techniques and richly textured recitations of Xiju Opera to tell the story, embodying the genre's most authentic and exquisite qualities, highlighting the elegance of Jiangnan culture and the deep heritage of Chinese operatic art.

Audiences discuss with a Xiju Opera performer at the MuTh Theatre. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Using subtitles, the audience not only grasped the plot but also connected with the characters' emotional worlds, sparking strong resonance and affection for their unique personalities.

European audiences responded enthusiastically to the play, noting that the musical melodies, vocal performances, expressions, and movements of the actors were filled with dramatic tension. They fully experienced the emotional highs and lows of the story, perceiving it as both unique and poetic.