[Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
Xiju Opera was designated as part of the second batch of national intangible cultural heritage items in 2008.
Origin
Xiju Opera, previously called Tanhuang, is a prominent local opera style in Jiangsu. Its music primarily features the Huangdiao tune, complemented by numerous other melodies. Over years of performances, Xiju Opera has evolved into several regional subgenres, each with distinctive traits.
Features
Xiju Opera is known for lyrical melodies, vibrant daily life scenes, and Jiangnan charm. It is a valuable part of Wu culture and, together with Shanghai Opera, Ningbo Opera, and Suzhou Opera, forms Jiangnan opera art.
Works
The performance style highlights dan (female roles) and sheng (young male roles). Classic Xiju Opera plays such as Shuang Tui Mo (Bean Curd House), Antang Xianghui (Reunion at Nunnery), Antang Renmu (A Mother Recognized at Nunnery), and Shuang Zhu Feng (A Pair of Pearl Phoenix) have been adapted into opera films. Recently, the revival of the traditional Zhen Zhu Ta (The Pearl Tower) earned a Ministry of Culture and Tourism award, indicating continued growth for the genre.
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