Traditional Chinese opera with a contemporary twist

The 2025 Black Box Xiqu Performance Season wrapped up on Dec 31, which attracted nearly 10,000 audience members.

Twenty-one theatrical productions highlighting traditional Chinese opera were staged in more than 60 shows, covering a variety of these valuable art forms, including Peking Opera, Kunqu Opera and Qinqiang Opera.

In its 12th edition, the annual event typically runs for two months and is held at Start Theaters, one of Beijing's most popular small theaters. Since small theaters have become trendy venues for young people in urban areas, this event offers audiences the opportunity to experience traditional Chinese opera with a contemporary twist, with changes across everything from storytelling to music, stage design, and costumes.

A series of lectures and workshops was also featured during the festival, giving visitors an immersive experience.