Artists of the Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe from east China's Zhejiang Province perform an excerpt from "The Peony Pavilion" at Shaw Theatre in London, Britain, on Aug. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)

LONDON, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- At London's Shaw Theatre on Thursday night, the delicate notes of traditional Chinese musical instrument sheng, paired with gentle narration, soft singing, and graceful movements of Yue Opera, drew the audience into a world of romance and artistry.

The Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe from east China's Zhejiang Province presented a special program featuring excerpts from the Chinese classics "The Butterfly Lovers" and "The Garden of Love." Over two nights, the performances attracted more than 800 audience members.

Students, young professionals, and families watched intently, following the English subtitles as a narrator bridged cultural and linguistic gaps, making the poetic dialogue and intricate storylines accessible.

Recognized since 2006 as part of China's national intangible cultural heritage, Yue Opera has long brought classical Chinese literature to the stage.

"Chinese theater is developing very fast," said Frank Zielhorst, head of Music Engagement at Queen Mary University of London. "Presenting these classics in such a distinctive style helps British audiences appreciate both Chinese opera and the evolution of cultural traditions."

Emma Taylor, artistic director of the Canal Cafe Theatre, noted that West End musicals are celebrated for their bold staging, visual effects and accessible storytelling.

Similarly, Cai Zhefei, deputy head of the Xiaobaihua Theater, said the troupe has introduced modern lighting, set design, and scene transitions, making the performances feel immediate and immersive, without sacrificing the lyrical beauty of Yue Opera.

Back in China, the troupe has preserved traditional conventions while innovating in pacing, staging, and presentation to appeal to younger audiences. "In China, more than 90 percent of our theatergoers are young people, showing that classical texts can still resonate in the digital age," said Cai.

As early as 2016, the Xiaobaihua troupe staged in London a cross-cultural production that brought together characters from Shakespeare's Coriolanus and Chinese great playwright Tang Xianzu's The Peony Pavilion. Written around the same time, Coriolanus is a Roman tragedy, while The Peony Pavilion tells of a young woman's tragic love and resurrection.

Emily Johnson, a 24-year-old London student, told Xinhua after the performance that "The music and costumes are traditional, but the way the scenes move and the lighting changes feel very modern."

"It reminded me of musical Hamilton, and it helped me, who didn't grow up with Chinese opera, to understand the emotion in the story." ■

Artists of the Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe from east China's Zhejiang Province perform an excerpt from "The Butterfly Lovers" at Shaw Theatre in London, Britain, on Aug. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)

Artists of the Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe from east China's Zhejiang Province perform at Shaw Theatre in London, Britain, on Aug. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)

Artists of the Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe from east China's Zhejiang Province perform at Shaw Theatre in London, Britain, on Aug. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)

Artists of the Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe from east China's Zhejiang Province perform an excerpt from "The Garden of Love" at Shaw Theatre in London, Britain, on Aug. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)