The opera features traditional Xinjiang instruments like the hand drum and dutar, and boasts a shorter runtime of 90 minutes to keep young audiences engaged.

"We were thrilled to see how intrigued our young audience was," says NCPA resident singer Jin Zhengjian, who plays the titular role. "They are the future of opera, and we hope this production will inspire a lifelong love of the art form."

Effendi II kicks off the NCPA International Children's Theater Festival, which will present eight stage productions with 34 shows throughout the summer vacation.