Actors from the Wuxi Opera Theater performed the classic local opera Pearl Tower at Tsinghua University on March 27. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Actors from the Wuxi Opera Theater performed the classic local opera Pearl Tower (Zhen Zhu Ta) at Tsinghua University on World Theater Day on March 27.

Wuxi Opera, a national intangible cultural heritage item, is a major local opera of East China's Jiangsu province.

The opera mainly tells everyday life stories of rural areas, most of which feature a feudal marriage, old ethics, and greedy landlords.

Pearl Tower is one of the most popular Wuxi Opera plays, and this performance was put on by descendants of Wang Binbin, a famous Wuxi Opera actor, and many other experienced performers.

Cartoon images of characters are printed on its poster. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

In order to better promote Wuxi Opera, cartoon images of characters were designed and printed on cups, bags, and fans, for opera lovers who are interested in collecting these items.

Cai Yu, director of the Wuxi Opera Theater, said that Pearl Tower is an introduction to Wuxi Opera and local art in Wuxi and that such performances in schools are expected to bring awareness of the value and importance of traditional culture to young people.

Another Wuxi Opera play entitled Tai Bo will be held at Suzhou University on April 6, said Cai.