The first small theater season opens in Zhangjiagang on Nov 3 during the ongoing 2019 Yangtze River Cultural and Art Festival. [Photo/wglj.suzhou.gov.cn]

A burlesque entitled Aiyo Father, which explores the place of the elderly in modern society, was staged at Zhangjiagang’s Xinghai Theater on Nov 3, kicking off the city's first small theater art season.

Originating in Europe in the 19th century, small theater (called Fringe Theater or Off-Off Broadway Theater in the West) is a form of experimental theater performed in small-scale venues.

The small theater season is an important part of the ongoing 2019 Yangtze River Cultural and Art Festival and also the first of its kind in the city.

The small theater season in rich and colorful content will last to Nov 17. A burlesque, Aiyo Father, is performed on the stage. [Photo/jsxinhuanet]

Yang Fang, director of the city's publicity department, attended the opening ceremony and said that small theater focuses more on telling stories about ordinary people, making it easier for audiences to relate.

A total of 12 small theater performances, including comedies, musicals, and children’s dramas, will be staged, catering to audiences of all ages and dramatic tastes.

The small theater season will last until Nov 17.