Hong Kong Xiqu Troupe - A New Cantonese Opera "Saving Her Husband at the West River"【Talk Broadcast Online】

Speaker: Ko Yun-hung, Tse Hue-ying,  Li Qiuyuan

In Cantonese

Speaker: Ko Yun-hung, Tse Hue-ying,  Yuen Siu-fai

In Cantonese

Hong Kong Xiqu Troupe

A New Cantonese Opera Saving Her Husband at the West River

Scholar He Runlong and Han Yufeng betroth themselves at their first meeting as they feel they are destined to be husband and wife.  When the newlyweds take a stroll in the garden, they run into governor of the capital city Zhang Qian.  Zhang recognises He’s talent and invites him for a meeting at his residence.  When Runlong is away, the emperor’s brother-in-law Shi Chongying climbs over the wall and accosts Yufeng, only to be expelled by Yufeng and her maid Bingxin.  Shi complains to his father on returning home and frames Runlong which leads to the latter’s arrest.  Zhang Qian cannot bear a good man being wronged and secretly plans to save Runlong.  On the other hand, Yufeng mistakenly believes her husband is going to be executed and prepares a prayer altar for him.  When Yufeng and Bingxin pass by the Temple of the King of Hell, her indignation at the injustice of things prompts her to write a poem of accusation on the wall.  The King of Hell summons them for a hearing in the netherworld.  Yufeng chastises the King gravely, but when she is led to inspect the record of good-evil deeds, she finds out that Runlong is still alive. The King then orders the Head of Ghost Guards to teach Yufeng martial arts so she can save her husband at West River.  When the rescue mission is successfully done, she goes to the Shi residence to vent her grievances. There is a lot of fighting between her and the guards.  In the end, Shi Chongying is punished under the authority of the imperial sword, and Runlong and Yufeng are re-united.

Li Qiuyuan as He Runlong

Tse Hue-ying as Han Yufeng

Yuen Siu-fai as King Yan (King of Hell)

Liu Kwok-sum as Head of Ghost Guards

Ng Lap-hei as Shi Chongying

Leung Sum-yee as Bingxin

Shum Pak-chuen as Zhang Qian

Running time of each performance is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes including an intermission of 15 minutes.

Lyrics and dialogue with Chinese and English surtitles.

Information provided by the arts group.

Artistic Advisor: Choy Him-heong, Yuen Siu-fai

Artistic Director, Music Designer and Leader: Ko Yun-hung

Playwright: Tse Hue-ying

Director: Choy Him-heong, Shi Jihua

Percussion Leader: Ko Yun-kuen

Stylised Movements Designer: Ng Mei-ying

Choreography: Chung Kit-sum

Lighting Designer: To Wing-sum

Stage Manager: Ding Yat-yuet

Set: Kwong Hing Stage Scene Production Company

Costume and Props: Ngai Sing Company