A series of performances featuring zhezixi (highlights of opera) hit the stage of Zhangjiagang Ivy League School as an important part of International Humor Art Week on Nov 5.

Artists of Yangzhou Opera, Yue Opera, Qinqiang Opera and Peking Opera brought vivid and fascinating performances to local residents and gained warm applauses.

"The key word of the performances today is integration," Li Zhengcheng, the producer of the performances said.

He added that the collision of different opera forms in south China and north China reflects the inclusiveness of the show.

"We put up some humorous excerpts of opera to the stage, like The fortune telling of a blind, to blend its traditional and humorous characteristics," Li said.

Ji Jingjuan, a renowned Pingtan artist, put on an impressive Suzhou Pingtan performance, Fishing Village Lullaby.

Ji said that the culture industry is seeing a boom which contributes not only to traditional classic inheritance but up-and-coming youngsters in opera performance.

The 6th International Humor Art Week provides a platform for cross-culture exchanges and enhances the communication between Chinese and foreign humor arts, which further enriches the cultural lives of Zhangjiagang residents.

Actors dressed up perform the Yue Opera Flirting Scholar. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]