Talks on the Art of Kunqu Opera

Telephone Registration Only

Starting from 10am on 28 July 2022 (Thu)

Theme: In Memory of Our Leading Lights in the Kunqu World

14.8.2022 (Sun) 3pm

Zhang Jiqing and Hua Wenyi: Charismatic Divas in Contemporary Kunqu

For Kunqu fans, any reference to “Du Liliang”, female protagonist of The Peony Pavilion, would almost certainly conjure up memorable portrayals of the many artists who played the role on stage.  Among them, Zhang Jiqing and Hua Wenyi are considered by Kunqu aficionados to be best of the best with their distinctive individual styles.  The distinction lies not only in their portrayal of Du Liliang, but also their impeccable interpretations of characters in various other stories which have become classics.  Their artistic achievements have long been recognised and feted in the Chinese opera circle.  The two stars passed away in January and April of this year respectively.  While they have parted with millions of Chinese theatre fans, they will be forever remembered for their brilliant personae in their art.

27.8.2022 (Sat) 3pm

Gu Duhuang and Koo Siu-sun: Faithful Defenders of Kunqu Heritage

In May 2001, the UNESCO proclaimed the first List of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, and Kunqu was on it.  The theatrical genre was thus suddenly a focus of attention in the Chinese opera circle, and then the Ministry of Culture of China also set about studying and implementing policies in its support for this ancient theatrical form.  When such sanguine outlooks dominated and most were basking in the new-found glory, some were nonetheless worried about its future.  The best-known personages of this category were Gu Duhuang, hailed as “eminent literary figure of Jiangnan”, and Koo Siu-sun, a prominent cultural figure and Kunqu research scholar from Hong Kong.  Both passed away earlier this year – it was a double loss to the Kunqu opera circle indeed.  Their decades-long propositions, efforts and contributions for the preservation of the Kunqu tradition should merit our respect and due reflection.

Speaker: Cheung Lai-chun (Seasoned Kunqu researcher)

In Cantonese

Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

The running time of each talk is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Registration:

1. Date & Time: from 10am on 28 July 2022 (Thu) till quota lasts. (Free admission. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

2. Telephone: 2268 7267 (Mon-Fri: 10am-1pm, 2-5:30pm; except public holidays)

3. Quota: Each person can reserve one seat of each talk. Name and contact number are required upon registration.

4. Reserved seat(s) will be released if any registered person does not show up at the venue 10 minutes after the commencement of the talk.

5. The performance venue may adjust the admission rules and/or seating capacity/arrangement etc. as necessary for prevention of disease. Registered patrons may thus be denied admission in which case will be notified by phone in advance.

Programme Enquiries: 2268 7325

The presenter reserves the right to change the programme and speaker.

The programme does not represent the views of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.