On the afternoon of May 28, the third episode of “GlobalFace Youth Talk” from the Wenzhou Maritime Silk Road International Communication Base took place at the Nanxi Opera Troupe in Jiushan Guild. Themed “The Chinese-Style Romance Tucked Inside Traditional Opera,” the event brought together international youth from around the world, who engaged in a deep dialogue with Nanxi Opera, an art form passed down for over a thousand years, through firsthand experience.

The Jiushan Guild Nanxi Opera Troupe officially opened on May 1 this year, serving as a “stage + exchange hub + heritage base” for local opera enthusiasts. At the start of the event, the Yueya Yue Opera Troupe of Wenzhou Workers’ Cultural Palace performed an excerpt from the Nanxi classic “The Top Scholar Zhang Xie.” Following the performance, Ms. Zhu Xujun, head of the Yueya Yue Opera Troupe, gave a lively lecture that guided the audience into the world of Nanxi Opera. During the interactive session, the international youth donned exquisite traditional opera costumes and earnestly practiced basic techniques such as sleeve tossing, folding fan opening, and stage walking. Though their movements were still a bit clumsy, their focus and enthusiasm turned the small stage into a warm space for cross-cultural exchange.

Dutch youth Jos, who has lived in Wenzhou for 15 years, was the initiator of this event. He mentioned that he often comes across short videos of Chinese opera on YouTube and finds them “particularly interesting,” which inspired him to propose this gathering. “This event was wonderful, and I want to continue learning more,” he said.

Participants of the event noted, “From thematic sharing to cultural experiences, ‘GlobalFace Youth Talk’ is becoming a signature initiative for Wenzhou to tell its urban stories and foster exchanges between Chinese and international youth.”

Next Thursday, join us for the next episode of “GlobalFace Youth Talk” – see you there!