ForewordOpening Programme — Cyrano de Bergerac — a Cantonese Opera InterpretationAcademy of Xinzhou StudiesGuangdong Chiu Chow Opera Theatre Number One Troupe and Sun Hon Kwong Chiu Chow Opera TroupeCentre for the Safeguarding of Liuzi Opera of ShandongFujian Fanghua Yue Opera TroupeThe Northern Kunqu Opera TheatreZhejiang Wu Opera Research CentreShanghai Jingju Theatre CompanyMeet-the-ArtistsTalks, Masterclasses and Demonstration PerformanceChinese Opera Film ShowsChinese Culture Festival Booking GuideExhibition
Chinese Opera Festival (COF), a signature brand of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, is now in its 12th edition. This year, the COF is proud to be included as a core programme of the inaugural Chinese Culture Festival. As a showcase of a colourful spectrum of unique and outstanding Chinese opera programmes from all over the country, the COF will play an even greater role in promoting the vast and profound artistic heritage of Chinese culture.
With programmes packed with both civil and martial scenes, the line-up of this year's COF will display a harmonious blend of strength and tenderness, a unique feature shared by both the art of Chinese opera and Chinese culture. The COF will start off with Cyrano de Bergerac — A Cantonese Opera Interpretation, a new work written by Cantonese Opera star Law Ka-ying. An innovative crossover between a French literary classic and the form of Cantonese Opera, it highlights the flexibility of this art form in accommodating both Chinese and foreign elements. The stellar cast includes the playwright-cum-artistic director Law Ka-ying, the well-loved diva Liza Wang and opera star Sun Kim Long, who will render a classic love triangle story in olden times.
This year marks the 105th birth anniversary of Yin Guifang, founder of the Yin School of Yue Opera. For the first time, the Fujian Fanghua Yue Opera Troupe has been invited to perform in the COF, featuring Wang Junan (Yin Guifang's disciple), Li Min (winner of the China Theatre Plum Blossom Award) and other outstanding performers. The troupe will present classics of the Yin School as well as a Plum Blossom Award-winning work. Over the years, the renowned Guangdong Chiu Chow Opera Theatre Number One Troupe has collaborated closely with Hong Kong's Sun Hon Kwong Chiu Chow Opera Troupe to promote the art of Chiuchow Opera. This year, they will return to the COF with the classics Princess of Eastern Wu and Poet Li Shangyin, another Plum Blossom Award-winning work, epitomising the long-time cultural bond and exchange between the Mainland and Hong Kong.
In each edition, the COF rewards the audience with a handpicked selection of quality performances of regional opera genres with distinctive artistic styles. This edition will see the debut performance of North Road Bangzi Opera from Shanxi, featuring a repertoire of intense and powerful traditional works presented by the Academy of Xinzhou Studies, and quaint Liuzi Opera classics performed by the Centre for the Safeguarding of Liuzi Opera of Shandong. This dazzling array of exquisite performances will make a sumptuous feast for the eyes.
This year, the Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre will be back with a grand line-up to present the classic The Palace of Eternal Life, which tells the story of undying love between Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang dynasty and his Imperial Concubine Yang Yuhuan. There will also be two performances of traditional opera excerpts, which are conscientiously selected to showcase the richly differentiated roles of Kunqu Opera.
After its first appearance and instant success in the COF in 2013, the Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Centre has been hugely popular every time it performed in Hong Kong, succeeding in broadening its audience base. The COF has invited the Research Centre back to Hong Kong not only to let the audience marvel again at the magnificent staging and phenomenal acrobatic fighting of Wu Opera, but also to tell a success story in the development of contemporary Chinese operatic art, and promote exchange between industry players.
The grand finale will be performed by the Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company. Chen Shaoyun, renowned artist of the Qi School, will first give a rendering of The House of Wulong, a classic work by Peking Opera master Zhou Xinfang, together with an outstanding cast. This is followed by the full-length serial opera Seven Heroes and Five Gallants performed by Plum Blossom awardee Fu Xiru, also known as the 'most handsome laosheng' (senior male role), and an excellent cast of young performers in martial arts roles. This not-to-be-missed visual extravaganza will enthral the audience with the gravity-defying martial arts on stage characteristic of Shanghai-style Peking Opera.
To strengthen the popularisation and preservation of Chinese culture, COF 2024 has curated more guided arts appreciation activities. In addition to arts talks, film screenings and exhibitions, there will be thematic talks, masterclass exchange activities, school tours with guided viewing, art showcases and more in this year's Festival. All are cordially invited to join these activities to appreciate the extensive and profound Chinese operatic heritage, and the wonderful richness of Chinese culture and arts.
Romantic Encounters through Letters of Love Extraordinary Tale Expounded via Operatic Tunes
Introduction
Opening this year’s Festival is a Cantonese Opera interpretation of the famous French play Cyrano de Bergerac developed by eminent opera star Law Ka-ying over a period of ten years. It is a witty and touching tale about love conveyed through letters set during the Tumu Crisis in the Ming dynasty.
Law Ka-ying, playwright and director of the new production, will as well perform as Zhu Bufan, Cyrano in the original play, who is in love with the beautiful and talented heroine, a huashan (young vivacious female) role, played by Liza Wang, while Sun Kim Long plays a character that sacrifices for love and fights for his country. The strong cast will delicately interpret the political disputes in the story as well as the complex emotions between love and friendship through close-knit scenes. The new production promises to be a compelling drama helmed by leading actors in Cantonese Opera, demonstrating the eclecticism of the art form and Hong Kong as an arts hub where East meets West.
Programme Details
14 -15/6 7:30pm
16/6 2:30pm
Main Cast: Law Ka-ying, Liza Wang, Sun Kim Long, Wan Yuk-yu, Lui Hung-kwong, Wong Hai-wing
Gallant and Righteous Spirits of Derring-do Conducive to Heroism in Drama
Introduction
North Road Bangzi Opera is one of the four Bangzi Opera genres of Shanxi with a history of more than 300 years. The regional genre was inscribed on the first list of Intangible Cultural Heritage at National Level in 2006, well known for its passionate, bold tunes and energetic performance. The art of North Road Bangzi Opera emphasises vocal techniques and has developed different kinds of singing styles, having irreplaceable historical value in the study of Chinese opera development and the history of regional cultures.
The Academy of Xinzhou Studies will make its debut at the Chinese Opera Festival with two North Road Bangzi Opera classics. Plum Blossom Award winner and exponent of National Intangible Cultural Heritage of North Road Bangzi Opera, Yang Zhongyi will star in Sobering Up after Being Drunk, playing a timid old prime minister set up by the empress to give some drunken advice to the emperor, thus risking his own life. The performance includes specific stylised movements such as ‘kicking of the robe’ and ‘turning of the headgear’. In Dotting the Eye of a Painted Dragon, winner of the Plum Blossom Award and Wenhua Award Cheng Fengying will play the young and talented Tang emperor Li Shimin travelling incognito to visit a talented scholar. Cheng’s delicate performance on the emperor’s ups and downs in emotions would be too good to miss.
Programme Details
21/6 7:30pm
Sobering Up after Being Drunk
Main Cast: Yang Zhongyi, Jia Fentao, Peng Bingyan, Feng Huiling, Zhang Zhiqiang, Du Rui
Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall
22/6 7:30pm
Dotting the Eye of a Painted Dragon
Main Cast: Cheng Fengying, Jia Fentao, Guo Jing, Wang Maolin, Li Ruixing, Liu Hongliang, Du Rui, Kang Runquan
Delicate Lilting of Chiuchow Vernacular
Excels the Lyricism of South China Theatrical Arts
Introduction
Chiuchow Opera is a regional operatic genre that originated in the Chiuchow area of Guangdong Province, and is famed for its performing style and musical characteristics, performed in the charming Chiuchow dialect.
The Guangdong Chiu Chow Opera Theatre Number One Troupe and Hong Kong’s Sun Hon Kwong Chiu Chow Opera Troupe will be bringing us the Chiuchow Opera classic Princess of Eastern Wu, featuring Plum Blossom Award winner Zhang Yihuang and Lin Chufa, famous for his xiaosheng (young male) roles, while Plum Blossom award-winning work Poet Li Shangyin tells the anecdotes from the life of the romantic poet. Selected excerpts from famous traditional plays are showcased, highlighting its unique artistic techniques. These exquisite performances allow audiences to experience the distinctive charm and beauty of Chiuchow Opera.
Programme Details
28/6 7:30pm
Excerpt Mu Guiying’s Marriage Proposal
Main Cast: Wu Yimin, Lin Waimao
Princess of Eastern Wu
Main Cast: Zhang Yihuang, Lin Chufa, Zheng Jianying, Lin Wuyan
Theatre, Ko Shan Theatre
29/6 7:30pm
Excerpt Snow at the Plum Pavilion
Main Cast: Chen Chuyun, Lin Bifang
Poet Li Shangyin
Main Cast: Lin Yanyun, Zhan Chunxiang, Huang Yingwei
Theatre, Ko Shan Theatre
30/6 2:30pm
Excerpts: A Misunderstanding Caused by a Hairpin, Pawning His Wife, The Sagacious Empress, Meeting at the Pavilion, WreakingHavoc in Kaifeng
Main Cast: Zhan Shaojun, Lin Yanyun, Huang Yingwei, Weng Songmei, Wang Meifang, Zhan Chunxiang
Fascinating Liuzi Vocal Style
Exemplified by Unrivalled Operatic Gestures
Introduction
In the early days of the Qing dynasty, there were mainly four vocal styles in Chinese opera, known as Kun (Kunqu) of the South, Yi (Yiyang) of the North, Liu (Liuzi) of the East and Bang (Bangzi) of the West, in which Liu/Liuzi means Liuzi Opera. Liuzi Opera has a history of nearly 600 years, and has important value for research on Chinese opera music during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The one and only professional performing group of the genre, Centre for the Safeguarding of Liuzi Opera of Shandong, which received well acclaim for its performances in Hong Kong in 2007, will return this year with its best cast and repertoires.
Based on a story from Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the Liuzi Opera full-length play Zhang Fei Crashing the Palace Gate is taken from the climax of the work, showing how the brusque but likeable general Zhang Fei is won over by the brilliant strategist Zhuge Liang. Another representative work of Liuzi Opera, Sun An Presenting Memorials is set in the Ming dynasty. It tells the story of Sun An, a local official, petitioning the emperor thrice to impeach the evil grand preceptor Zhang Cong. Vivid portrayals of the characters performed by National Class One performers Wang Wei, Chen Fengying, Li Weiguo and others, perfectly demonstrate the explicit charm of regional operas.
Programme Details
5/7 7:30pm
Zhang Fei Crashing the Palace Gate
Main Cast: Wang Wei, Hou Pengtao, Zhou Jinwei, Zhang Zhongqiu, Chao Dahai, Peng Yanhui
Auditorium, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing
6/7 7:30pm
Sun An Presenting Memorials
Main Cast: Zhou Jinwei, Chen Fengying, Wang Wei, Li Weiguo, Chen Yanmiao, Chao Dahai, Zhang Zhongqiu
Celebrating the Legacy of the Legendary Yin Guifang –
A Plum Blossom Award Winners’Spectacular Showcase
Introduction
The Fujian Fanghua Yue Opera Troupe was founded by the great master Yin Guifang, whose elegant and expressive acting style made her one of the foremost performers of xiaosheng (young male) roles. 2024 marks the 105th birth anniversary of Yin Guifang. Three leading performers, including Wang Junan, Yin’s fifth-generation disciple, Li Min and Zheng Quan, will embody the elegant roles created by Yin.
The Jade Dragonfly is a work tailor-made for Wang Junan by Yin Guifang. Wang plays two characters in this story. Liu Yong is Wang Junan’s representative work, for which she won the Plum Blossom Award. In addition to these works, the troupe will be presenting classic opera excerpts. Actors of different generations will come together to showcase the beauty of inheritance.
Programme Details
12/7 7:30pm
Liu Yong
Main Cast: Wang Junan, Zheng Quan, Chen Cuihong, Zou Meiying, Mao Xiaoge, Shen Min, Xing Lihua
Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District
13/7 7:30pm
The Jade Dragonfly
Main Cast: Wang Junan, Li Min, Chen Cuihong, Wu Minfei, Xing Lihua, Shen Min
Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District
14/7 2:30pm
Showcase of Yue Opera Excerpt Classics of the Yin Guifang Style
Seeking Out His Wife at the Mulberry Orchard and Fortune-Telling from He Wenxiu
Delivering a Message from For the Love of the Country
The Cold Moon over the Mountain Pass from Prince Xinling
Wedding Night and The Lotus Pavilion from Questioning His Wife and Demanding to Find His Wife
The Cold Crescent Moon from The Desolate Moon in the Lonesome Palace of Liao
Fortune-Telling from The Prince of the Desert
Reading Romance of the Western Chamber from The Dream of the Red Chamber
Judge Bao Begs for Forgiveness from Chisang Town
Main Cast: Wang Junan, Li Min, Chen Cuihong, Xing Lihua, Shen Min, Mao Lexiao and a group of talented young actors
Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District
Northern Elegance of Kunqu
Revitalised by Artists of the Highest Calibre
Introduction
The Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre will be bringing the classic The Palace of Eternal Life and two selections of traditional opera excerpts to showcase the charm of northern Kunqu in this year’s Festival. The Palace of Eternal Life is one of two dramatic gems of the Qing dynasty and a Kunqu classic of the highest literary, musical and dramatic calibre. This version is centred on the tragic love story of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Imperial Concubine Yang.
The two excerpt series will highlight the distinctive acting techniques of the different role types of northern Kunqu, especially laosheng (old male), painted face, wusheng (military male) and zhengdan (virtuous female). This exquisite performance will leave you captivated.
Programme Details
19/7 7:30pm
The Palace of Eternal Life
Main Cast: Wei Chunrong, Wang Zhenyi
Auditorium, Kwai Tsing Theatre
20/7 7:30pm
Traditional Opera Excerpts I
Asking the Way from The Chain Scheme, A Farewell Feast from the Qing Court Opera Shengping Baofa, The Female Narrative Singer from The Story of a Street Vendor, Lady Zhaojun Going beyond the Great Wall from The Tomb of Wang Zhaojun, The Sword Banquet Trap from To the Banquet Armed
Main Cast: Zhang Nuan, Shi Shuyue, Zhang Zhumei, Zhang Yuanyuan, Yang Fan
Auditorium, Kwai Tsing Theatre
21/7 2:30pm
Traditional Opera Excerpts II
Zhong Kui Marrying His Younger Sister Off from Tian Xia Le – The Story of Zhong Kui and Du Ping, The Hunt from The Story of the White Rabbit, Looking Homeward from Su Wu Herding Sheep, Fleeing by Night from Lin Chong on the Run, Killing the Tiger from The Prophecies of Taoist Monk Iron Headgear
Main Cast: Yang Jianqiang, Liu Wei, Yuan Guoliang, Weng Jiahui, Liu Hen, Wei Chunrong, Shi Shuyue
Blending Vigour and Gentleness Wu Opera Classics Amalgamate Amazing Stunts
Introduction
The Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Centre’s debut at the Chinese Opera Festival in 2013 was an overnight success, and its performances last year were again overwhelmingly received. This year, the Research Centre will return with its latest hit Sun Wu Kong Thrice Beat the Bony Demon, a grand production based on a story from Journey to the West. The cast, including Yang Xiayun, Lou Sheng and Zhou Hongwei, will perform their best martial arts routines and stunts to once again amaze the Hong Kong audience.
This year will also see the return of the feisty female warriors in full gear. Yang Xiayun as Mu Guiying will be romanced by Yang Zongbao played by Lou Sheng in the full-length play Mu Guiying, an elaborate production crafted by Chen Meilan’s team featuring superior martial skills. Classic excerpts are performed with the traditional singing techniques and martial postures of Wu Opera, such as the face-changing tricks like wiping and blowing in Burning Zidu Alive and the act of hongsheng (red-faced male role) in Sworn Brothers’ Reunion at the Old City.
Programme Details
26/7 7:30pm
Sun Wu Kong Thrice Beat the Bony Demon
Main Cast: Zhou Hongwei, Yang Xiayun, Lou Sheng, Dong Xuyang, Liu Fuming, Zhang Ying, Gao Qian, Sun Zishan
Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall
27/7 7:30pm
Excerpts
Killing Cai Yang from Sworn Brothers’ Reunion at the Old City, Hanging up the Portrait, In the Prison Cell from Two Magical Gold Seals, A Bowl of Rice Noodles Outside the Window, Burning Zidu Alive
Main Cast: Li Xuanyu, Wu Qingfei, Lou Sheng, Chen Lili, Chen Jianxu, Lou Yiting
Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall
28/7 7:30pm
Mu Guiying
Main Cast: Yang Xiayun, He Xiaole, Lou Sheng, Chen Jianxu, Li Xuanyu, Gao Qian, Chen Xiaojian, Wu Yanxing, Liu Fuming, Song Baoduan
Heroes and Gallants Combat on Stage
Operatic Masters Revisit Ancient Acts
Introduction
In the new production of the full-length serial opera Seven Heroes and Five Gallants by the Shanghai Jinju Theatre Company, wusheng (military male), wudan (military female) and wuchou (military comic) will demonstrate their brilliant martial art skills. An excellent young cast will be led by Fu Xiru and Hao Shuai to bring the famous chivalrous characters such as Zhan Chao, Bai Yutang and Judge Bao to life.
Equally highly anticipated is The House of Wulong, a classic work of Peking Opera master Zhou Xinfang, interpreted by Chen Shaoyun, a master of the Qi School famed for his layered treatment of emotions and deep voice.
Programme Details
2/8 7:30pm
The House of Wulong
Main Cast: Chen Shaoyun, Yang Yang, Lu Su
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
3/8 2:30pm
Seven Heroes and Five Gallants – Part One
Main Cast: Fu Xiru, Hao Shuai, Hao Jie, Gu Liang, Gao Mingbo, Lu Su, Yang Nan, Yang Yang, Yang Yanan
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
4/8 7:30pm
Seven Heroes and Five Gallants – Part Two
Main Cast: Hao Shuai, Fu Xiru, Hao Jie, Yang Yang, Feng Yun, Gao Mingbo, Lu Su, Xie Tianci, Zhu Heji
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Shanghai Culture Week event
Shanghai Culture Week is co-presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and the Center for China Shanghai International Arts Festival.
3/6 (Mon) 7:30pm
Pre-performance Talk on Cyrano de Bergerac – A Cantonese Opera Interpretation
Speakers: Law Ka-ying, Liza Wang
Moderator: Lam Wai-ting (Cantonese Opera artist)
Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
In Cantonese
16/6 (Sun) After the performance
Post-performance Talk on Cyrano de Bergerac – A Cantonese Opera Interpretation
Speakers: Law Ka-ying, Liza Wang, Sun Kim Long
Moderator: Lam Wai-ting (Cantonese Opera artist)
Venue: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
In Cantonese
(Audience members can participate without registration after the performance)
20/6 (Thu) 7:30pm
The Artistic Features of North Road Bangzi Opera
Speakers: Yang Zhongyi, Cheng Fengying, Jia Fentao, Feng Huiling, Li Ruixing, Du Jianjun
Moderator: Chan Chun-miu (Chinese opera researcher)
Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
In Putonghua
27/6 (Thu) 7:30pm
The Artistic Features of Chiuchow Opera
Speakers: Zhang Yihuang, Zhan Shaojun, Lin Yanyun, Lin Chufa
Moderator: Chan Chun-miu (Chinese opera researcher)
Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
In Putonghua
4/7 (Thu) 7:30pm
Upholding Traditions and Innovating: The Artistic Essence of Liuzi Opera
Speakers: Chen Yuan, Yang Chunwei
Moderator: Chen Liangliang (Chinese opera researcher)
Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
In Putonghua
11/7 (Thu) 7:30pm
The Legacy and Development of the Yin Guifang Style in Yue Opera
Speakers: Wang Junan, Li Min, Zheng Quan, Chen Cuihong, Xing Lihua, Shen Min, Zhang Qianqian, Zhao Yang, Mao Xiaoge, Qiu Jie
Moderator: Chen Liangliang (Chinese opera researcher)
Venue: Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District
In Putonghua
18/7 (Thu) 7:30pm
The Legacy and Performing Styles of The Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre
Speakers: Yang Fengyi, Wei Chunrong, Wang Zhenyi, Yang Fan
Moderator: Chan Chun-miu (Chinese opera researcher)
Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
In Putonghua
25/7 (Thu) 7:30pm
The Legacy and Development of the Art of Contemporary Wu Opera
Speakers: Yang Xiayun, Lou Sheng, Chen Lili, Li Xuanyu, Xie Linghui
Moderator: Chan Chun-miu (Chinese opera researcher)
Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
In Putonghua
27/7 (Sat) 2:30pm
The Dissemination and Development of Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Centre
Speakers: Chen Jianxu, Xie Linghui
Moderator: Chan Chun-miu (Chinese opera researcher)
Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
In Putonghua
1/8 (Thu) 7:30pm
On the Artistic Features of the Shanghai-Style and Qi School
Speakers: Chen Shaoyun, Fu Xiru, Lu Su
Moderator: Hu Guangming (Chinese opera researcher)
Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
In Putonghua
Free admission. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required.
Talks on the Culture of Chinese Opera
5/6 (Wed) 7:30pm
Interpreting Foreign Literary Classics through Cantonese Opera: A Hong Kong Perspective
11/6 (Tue) 7:30pm
Migration and Morphing of Chinese Operatic Genres: A Case Study of Shanghai-Style Peking Opera, Northern Kunqu Opera and Fujian Yue Opera
Speaker: Lum Man-yee (Scholar-educator-critic of Chinese opera)
Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
In Cantonese
Free admission. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required.
Talks on the Art of Kunqu Opera
2/6 (Sun) 3pm
A Palace Maid Vowing to Avenge Her Country ─Killing the Tiger from The Prophecies of Taoist Monk Iron Headgear
Singing a Tale of Woe ─The Female Narrative Singer from The Story of a Street Vendor
2/6 (Sun) 7pm
The Roaring River Flows Eastward ─The Sword Banquet Trap from To the Banquet Armed
9/6 (Sun) 3pm
A Tearful Last Farewell to Home and Country ─Lady Zhaojun Going beyond the Great Wall from The Tomb of Wang Zhaojun
To the Corners of the Earth Alone ─Fleeing by Night from Lin Chong on the Run
9/6 (Sun)7pm
A Gentle Heart Beneath a Formidable Face ─Zhong Kui Marrying His Younger Sister Off from Tian Xia Le ─ The Story of Zhong Kui and Du Ping
Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
In Cantonese
Free admission. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required.
Talks and Masterclasses of Northern Kunqu Opera
19/5 (Sun) 2:30pm
The Classic Repertory of The Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre and Their Characteristic Charm
Speaker: Chan Chun-miu (Chinese opera researcher)
Venue: Resource Centre, Jao Tsung-I Academy Block G (800 Castle Peak Road, Mei Foo, Kowloon)
In Cantonese
24/5 (Fri) 7pm
The Tragic Romance of The Palace of Eternal Life
Speakers: Wang Zhenyi, Shao Tianshuai
Moderator: Chen Liangliang (Chinese opera researcher)
Venue: Theatre, Jao Tsung-I Academy Block I (800 Castle Peak Road, Mei Foo, Kowloon)
In Putonghua
25/5 (Sat) 2:30pm
Masterclass on Kunqu Opera, with Disaster Strikes from The Palace of Eternal Life as a Classic Example
Masters: Wang Zhenyi, Shao Tianshuai
Moderator: Cui Wendong (Chinese opera researcher)
Venue: Jao Tsung-I Academy Block I, Theatre (800 Castle Peak Road, Mei Foo, Kowloon)
In Putonghua
26/5 (Sun) 10am
Kunqu Vocal Masterclass (1)
Vocal Features of the Guimendan Role in Kunqu as Exemplified by an Extract from The Story of the Jade Hairpin
Master: Gu Weiying
Moderator: Cheung Lai-chun (Vice Chairman of Concordia Kunqu Society Hong Kong)
Venue: Jao Tsung-I Academy Block G, Resources Centre (800 Castle Peak Road, Mei Foo, Kowloon)
In Putonghua
26/5(Sun) 2:30pm
Kunqu Vocal Masterclass (2)
Vocal Features of the Jing Role in Kunqu as Exemplified by an Extract from To the Banquet Armed
Master: Yang Fan
Moderator: Dr. Chan Chuen-miu (Vice Chairman of Concordia Kunqu Society Hong Kong)
Venue: Jao Tsung-I Academy Block G, Resources Centre (800 Castle Peak Road, Mei Foo, Kowloon)
In Putonghua
22/7 (Mon) 5pm
The Timeless Song of the Rainbow Dress from The Palace of Eternal Life and Su Wu Herding Sheep
Speaker: Yuan Guoliang, Weng Jiahui
Ensemble: The Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre Ensemble
Venue: Theatre, Jao Tsung-I Academy Block I (800 Castle Peak Road, Mei Foo, Kowloon)
In Putonghua
Free admission. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrolment in the masterclasses is limited to sit-in participation only. Online registration is required.
Demonstration Performance of Peking Opera
3/8 (Sat) 5:30pm
Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company
Extracts of Picking Up the Jade Bracelet
Main Cast: Yang Yang, Yang Nan, Wang Dun
Venue: Foyer, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Free admission.
Chinese Opera Films
7/8 (Wed) 7:30pm Wu Song (1963)
Starring: Gai Jiaotian, Zhang Youfu, Ai Shiju
Directors: Ying Yunwei, Yu Zhongying
Colour / 118 mins
Lyrics with Simplified Chinese subtitles
14/8 (Wed) 7:30pm The Stage Craft of Zhou Xinfang (1961)
Starring: Zhou Xinfang, Wang Zhikui, Zhao Xiaolan, Wang Zhengping
Directors: Ying Yunwei, Yang Xiaozhong
Colour / 103 mins
Lyrics and dialogue with Simplified Chinese subtitles
21/8 (Wed) 7:30pm Murder in the Oratory (1937)
Starring: Zhou Xinfang, Yuan Meiyun
Director: Fei Mu
B&W / 84 mins
Lyrics and dialogue with Simplified Chinese subtitles
28/8 (Wed) 7:30pm Mu Guiying Routing Hongzhou (1963)
Starring: Liu Xiurong, Zhang Chunxiao
Directors: Chi Wei, Chen Huaiai
Colour / 132 mins
Lyrics with Simplified Chinese subtitles
4/9 (Wed) 7:30pm Sun Wu Kong Thrice Beat the Bony Demon (1960)
Starring: Liu Lingtong, Xiao Changshun, Qi Lingtong, Fu Machao, Xiao Yanqiu
Directors: Yang Xiaozhong, Yu Zhongying
Colour / 99 mins
Lyrics with Simplified Chinese subtitles
Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive
Source and information provided by China Film Archive
Cantonese Operatic Song Films
10/8 (Sat) 7:45pm Bitter Phoenix, Sorrowful Oriole (1947) +
Starring: Ma Si-tsang, Cheung Yuet-yee, Lam Mui-mui, Lau Hark-suen
Director: Yeung Kung-leong
Screenwriter: Mok Hong-si
B&W / 125 mins
24/8 (Sat) 7:45pm Prince of Thieves (1958)
Starring: Ho Fei-fan, Mui Yee, Lam Kau, Lee Bo-ying
Director: Luk Bong
Original Story: Chan Tin-tsung
B&W / 92 mins
Lyrics with Traditional Chinese subtitles
31/8 (Sat) 7:45pm The White Gold Dragon, Part Two (aka The Platinum Dragon, Part Two) (1937) +
Starring: Tong Suet-hing, Wong Man-lei, Lam Mui-mui, Fan Kok-fei
Directors: Sit Kok-sin, Gao Lihen
Screenwriter: Tong Tak-pui
B&W / 111 mins
7/9 (Sat) 7:45pm My Kingdom for a Husband (1957)
Starring: Tam Lan-hing, Cheung Ying, Leung Sing-por, Ning Meng
Director: Tso Kea
Original Story: Sit Kok-sin
B&W / 124 mins
Lyrics with Traditional Chinese subtitles
14/9 (Sat) 7:45pm Madam Butterfly (1954)
Starring: Sun Ma Si-tsang, Chow Kwun-ling, Yee Chau-sui, Wong Cho-san
Director: Chan Pei
Screenwriter: Lee Sau-kei
B&W / 110 mins
Lyrics with Traditional Chinese subtitles
Lectue Hall, Hong Kong Space Museum
+Courtesy of Mr Jack Lee Fong of Palace Theatre, San Francisco, USA
Conurtesy of Hong Kong Film Archive
Tickets will be available at URBTIX and the Xiqu Centre Ticket Office from 19 April onwards. (Unless otherwise specified for individual programmes)
❖ Limited-Time Offer 19 April – 3 May (Applicable to tickets for stage programmes only)
Group Booking Discount 15% discount for each purchase of 4–9 standard tickets 20% discount for each purchase of 10–19 standard tickets 25% discount for each purchase of 20–29 standard tickets 30% discount for each purchase of 30 or more standard tickets
Package Booking Discount 15%discount on each purchase of standard tickets for 3–4 different programmes 25%discount on each purchase of standard tickets for 5–6 different programmes 30%discount on each purchase of standard tickets for 7 or more different programmes
Discount Scheme
Concessionary Tickets
Applicable to tickets for stage programmes and film shows only
Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and the minder and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients*. Tickets for CSSA recipients are available on a first come, first served basis. Concessionary ticket holders must produce evidence of their identity or age upon admission.
* Half-price tickets of Fun Ride with Big Beard - Dancing Poems 2.0 are available on a first come, first served basis.
Group Booking Discount (from 4 May) Applicable to tickets for stage programmes only # 10% discount for each purchase of 4–9 standard tickets 15% discount for each purchase of 10–19 standard tickets 20% discount for each purchase of 20–29 standard tickets 25% discount for each purchase of 30 or more standard tickets
Package Discount (from 4 May) Applicable to tickets for stage programmes only # 10% discount on each purchase of standard tickets for 3–4 different stage programmes 20% discount on each purchase of standard tickets for 5–6 different stage programmes 25% discount on each purchase of standard tickets for 7 or more different stage programmes
# Group Booking Discount, Package Booking Discount and ticket arrangements of Xiqu Centre are not applicable to ticket purchase for the International Arts Carnival 2024: Me and My Youth.
Fun Ride with Big Beard - Dancing Poems 2.0 by Hong Kong Dance Company
For more discount details and enquiries: 3103 1888
The Ancient Tea Horse Route by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra
For more discount details and enquiries: 3185 1600
Smart Price
Applicable to tickets for the 'Chinese Opera Festival 2024'
You can enjoy a further reduction of $9 per ticket, even if you are already eligible for half-price / group booking / package discounts, by booking through the URBTIX website, mobile ticketing app or telephone.
Points to Note
Patrons can enjoy only one of the above discount offers for each ticket purchased. Please inform the box office staff at the time of purchase.
The discount for full-time students is also applicable to children aged 6 and under.
Events will normally be cancelled when Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, or the Black Rainstorm Warning is issued or remains in effect 3 hours before the event starts. Ticket holders are advised to visit www.ccf.gov.hk or to call 2268 7321 / 2268 7323 / 2268 7325 within normal office hours for details of programme schedule changes and refund arrangements.
Members of the audience are strongly advised to arrive punctually. Latecomers and those who leave their seats during the performance will only be admitted and allowed to return to their seats respectively during the intermission or at a suitable break. The presenter reserves the right to refuse admission of latecomers, or determine the time and manner of admission of latecomers.
The price of each discounted ticket will be rounded up to the nearest Hong Kong dollar.
Discounts are not applicable to HKD$100 and HKD$80 tickets for Fun Ride with Big Beard – Dancing Poems 2.0 by Hong Kong Dance Company.
The box offices of Hong Kong Space Museum and Hong Kong Film Archive only provide counter sales service for film programmes scheduled at the venue. Ticket collection service is available at the Ticket Dispensing Machine in the venue.
Please refer to each programme detail page for the counter booking dates of individual programmes.
In the event of any dispute regarding these Terms and Conditions and all other matters relating to the discount scheme, the interpretation and decision of Leisure and Cultural Services Department shall be final and conclusive.
Patrons can purchase a maximum of 40 tickets per transaction. Tickets can be bought in the following ways, up to one hour before the performance, or at any time before the show starts, at the performance venue box office or self-service ticketing kiosks.
Payment can be made in cash (Hong Kong currency and applicable to counter booking only), by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, Octopus, Alipay, WeChat Pay and Faster Payment System for all events.
For self-service ticketing kiosk booking, the maximum payment limit of credit cards per transaction is HK$1,000 in view of the requirement of respective card organisations and payment platform, while the Octopus is HK$3,000. For others such as Alipay, WeChat Pay and Faster Payment System, the maximum amount allowed is determined according to the customer's own payment settings. Customers may check with the respective organisations for details.
Xiqu Centre Ticket Office
Address: 88 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon (MTR Austin Station Exit F)
(10am – 9pm daily, please visit www.westkowloon.hk for details of the opening hours of the Xiqu Centre Ticket Office)
Internet Booking: www.urbtix.hk
Telephone Booking: 3166 1288 (10am – 8pm daily)
Mobile Ticketing App: URBTIX (Android , HarmonyOS and iPhone / iPad versions)
Internet Booking / Mobile Ticketing App Booking: Payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay and Faster Payment System (for Internet Booking only).
Telephone Booking: Payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard, American Express and UnionPay without a PIN authentication requirement.
For internet, mobile ticketing app or telephone booking services, there is a service fee of HK$9 per ticket purchased (no limit is set per transaction and purchases are non-refundable).
Customers can choose to collect their purchased tickets from self-service ticketing kiosks or at the sales counter at any URBTIX outlets by using the same credit card (except virtual card) used for the booking / claim ID, or by mail / courier to the customer’s designated address. Mail / courier delivery is available from 30 days until 7 days before the performance (depending on the delivery method). An extra service fee will be charged for mail / courier delivery. All service and mailing / delivery fees collected are non-refundable.
Service and mailing / delivery fees are subject to change from time to time in accordance with URBTIX updates.
Artistic Essence Everlasting - Chinese Opera Festival Photo Exhibition
Time flies and in a split second's time, the Chinese Opera Festival has already shared 11 vibrant summers with the audience, and proudly enters its 12th edition this year. The Festival is included as a core programme of the inaugural Chinese Culture Festival. Over the years, the Festival has showcased over 300 opera performances, having engaged over 7 000 performers from all regions of the Mainland to demonstrate their skills, participate in productions, and deliver outstanding performances. The Festival has gathered numerous outstanding maestros into the territory who never fail to shine brightly on stage. Such inheritance of past glamour not only limited to the exquisite traditional Chinese opera arts on stage but has extended to achieve a strong resonance among the audiences, allowing generations of opera lovers to appreciate the profound impact of Chinese cultural arts.
This photo exhibition features a fine selection of memorable moments from past performances on stage. It revisits the captivating brilliance of top-notch Chinese opera artists from various genres such as Peking Opera, Kunqu Opera, Cantonese Opera, Yue Opera, and regional operas. It puts on display countless awe-inspiring scenes that have left audiences astonished in the theaters. Let us immerse ourselves in this splendid visual feast of renowned masters and reminisce on unforgettable moments of their stage work together. Through looking back on the past, may we envision the future, and anticipate more spectacular performances in the upcoming Chinese Opera Festival.
