Xiju Opera charms Sydney in landmark Australian debut

Players from Wuxi Xiju Opera Theater perform The Pearl Pagoda at the Tom Mann Theatre on Oct 10. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]

The Wuxi Xiju Opera Theater performed the classic show The Pearl Pagoda at the Tom Mann Theatre in Sydney, Australia, on Oct 10, marking its first Australian tour and first appearance in the Southern Hemisphere.

The performance was part of the 2026 Sydney Chinese Traditional Opera Cultural Exchange, held at the invitation of the Australian Association of Quyi Artists.

The house was filled with an audience captivated by the stylized movement, music and emotional story of the traditional Jiangnan opera. When the curtain fell, the applause continued and many stood to show their appreciation, reluctant to leave.

Audiences watch The Pearl Pagoda at the Tom Mann Theatre on Oct 10. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]

One audience member praised the performers' singing and acting, saying the characters were vivid and the plot gripping. Another described the gorgeous costumes and melodious music as full of Eastern charm, offering a memorable taste of a distinctive local Chinese opera.

Among the crowd were Chinese Australians and visitors who came to hear a familiar hometown voice. For some, it was the first time they had seen an authentic Xiju Opera performance overseas; the music stirred deep feelings of nostalgia.

Performers and audiences pose for a group photo after the performance. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]

On Oct 12, performers took part in a flash mob at the University of Sydney. Dressed in traditional costumes, they staged impromptu excerpts, with flowing water sleeves and graceful gestures drawing students and faculty. The artists then invited the audience to try basic movements, filling the campus with laughter and applause.

From a full house at the Tom Mann Theatre to an impromptu campus performance at the University of Sydney, it showed that Xiju Opera can find new audiences far from Jiangnan and that the connection can be immediate, warm and mutual.