Zhao Shuli (1906-70), a famous writer whose works depict the lives of rural farmers in the 1940s, created the opera Marriage of Xiao Erhei in 1952. It tells of the defiance of a pair of young rural lovers against feudalistic arranged marriages and their pursuit of the freedom to choose their spouses.

Next week, the Arts School of Jingcheng Institute of Technology from Shanxi province, where the playwright was born, will perform the opera in Beijing.

The music, which borrows from Shanxi traditions, is noted for its portrayals of different characters.

7:30 pm April 5. National Center for the Performing Arts; April 6-8.Tianqiao Theater, 30 Beiweilu Lu, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6655-0000 (NCPA), 010-5166-1145 (Tianqiao Theater).