The Ningbo Xiaobaihua Yueju Opera Troupe visited the University of Granada on Oct 9, offering students a rare glimpse into the elegance of Chinese opera through a lecture.

Led by Pan Qiaoqiao, deputy troupe head, the event combined theory, live performance, and hands-on interaction. Pan introduced the millennia-old evolution of Chinese opera, explaining role types like sheng (male), dan (female), jing (painted face), and chou (clown), and decoding the aesthetic language of gestures, eye movements, and water sleeves. Young performers demonstrated basic techniques, bringing Yueju Opera's refined beauty to life.

Classic excerpts from The Butterfly Lovers and Dream of the Red Chamber mesmerized the audience with their lyrical singing and expressive stage presence. Students and locals alike listened intently, with surprise and appreciation of this fresh theatrical art.

The interactive segment saw attendees don traditional costumes and practice signature movements. With guidance, their initial hesitation gave way to laughter and applause.

"I studied Chinese at the University of Granada. I'm very interested in Chinese culture and I love everything about China," said Marina Fernandez Basallo, who tried the huadan (young, lively female characters) role. "This lecture deepened my appreciation for Chinese culture and opera."

The troupe also officially performed Dream of the Red Chamber on Oct 10 at the University of Granada.