What's On
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West Kowloon 101 Foyer Talks
05.10.2019 to 08.03.2020, 2/F Foyer, Xiqu Centre
The West Kowloon 101 Foyer Talks on 7 and 8 December 2019 will be rescheduled to 28 and 29 December 2019 at 1:45pm – 2:15pm
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West Kowloon Young Fellows Scheme (Performing Arts) 2019: Awardee Sharing Session
16.12.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this session, Bonnie Chan Yuen-yan, one of our 2019 fellowship awardees, talks about the practice and findings of “Little Bean – Cantonese is Fun!” – a project providing fun Cantonese-language drama and music workshops to help ethnic minority children enhance their language proficiency
Past events
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The Music of Cantonese Opera
10.12.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
This talk explores the wide range of musical elements used in Cantonese opera, looking at the different vocal styles used for male and female roles, and the use of percussive instruments and rhythmic melodies to enhance mood and narrative
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Chinese Culture Talk Series IV
28.08.2019 to 30.10.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this series of expert talks, renowned academics and artists including Ou Da-wei, Dr Otto Lee, and Tony Miller introduce some of the ancient arts of Chinese literati and scholar-officials
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Cantonese Opera and Modernity
26.10.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Prof Li looks at Cantonese opera in the social context of modern Hong Kong, and examines how elements of Western modern music, literature and film culture have been adapted for use in this traditional performing art form
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What is Stage: Space as Poetry
01.07.2019 to 27.09.2019, The Box & The Room, Freespace
This September, renowned German stage and costume designer Anna Viebrock joins us for a public seminar and five-day artist workshop on how stage design goes beyond space. In preparation for the workshop, Edward Lam introduces Viebrock’s work with a public talk and series of professional screenings exploring the aesthetics of some of her most important opera and stage productions
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The Music of Cantonese Opera
24.09.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
This talk explores the wide range of musical elements used in Cantonese opera, looking at the different vocal styles used for male and female roles, and the use of percussive instruments and rhythmic melodies to enhance mood and narrative
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The Stage Movements of Cantonese Opera
10.09.2019 to 17.09.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In two separate talks, experienced Cantonese opera performers look at how acting, martial arts and dance are combined in Cantonese opera to create patterns of formulaic gesture that contribute to the unfolding of plot and help define character for male and female roles
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Seminar: The Innovation and Conservation of Cantonese Opera
07.09.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
The seminar scheduled on 7 September 2019 (Saturday) is cancelled. Programme Enquiries: (852) 2200 0441
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Work-in-progress: Every Time You Walk into Our Class
06.08.2019 to 18.08.2019, The Room, Freespace
This August, Edward Lam Dance Theatre presents their first work-in-progress series in which Taiwanese actor Shih Yi-hsiu and a small audience of 60 people interact to shape both content and performance. Blending workshop and presentation, Shih Yi-hsiu revisits the role of teacher, this time with the audience as his students
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Cantonese Opera and Kunqu: Major Works
03.08.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Chinese opera scholar Chan Chun-miu uses audio and video demonstrations to illustrate and compare the literary styles of a selection of Kunqu and Cantonese opera works with similar themes
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Love or Hate: Dowager Xiao-Zhuang and Dorgon
01.08.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
To accompany GuoGuang Opera Company’s production of Dowager Xiao-Zhuang and Dorgon, lead cast members – Wei Hai-min (Dowager Xiao-Zhuang) and Tang Wen-hwua (Dorgan) – join us for a pre-performance discussion and sharing session about their work and the relationship between their characters
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Chinese Culture Talk Series III
26.06.2019 to 31.07.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Throughout history, tea and incense have played an important part in traditional Chinese culture. This series of talks looks at the historic and contemporary cultural uses of incense and tea, and explores their aesthetic and ritual significance
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The Heartless Men of Cantonese Opera
25.06.2019 to 23.07.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this series of two talks, theatre practitioner and critic Dr Cheung Ping-kuen examines the psychological and emotional journeys of some of Cantonese opera’s iconic “heartless men”, looking at the motivation behind their behaviour, and exploring the relevance of these characters for modern day audiences
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Cantopop and Local Indie Music in the Digital Era
16.07.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Stella Lau, former Programme Director in Performing Arts at HKU SPACE, explores the Hong Kong recording industry, the evolution of Cantopop, the characteristics of mainstream and indie music and the challenges and opportunities that the digital era has opened up for local pop music culture
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Kunqu: Portrayals of Human Nature
06.07.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Chinese opera scholar Chan Chun-miu looks at the development of Kunqu productions over time, and explores how stories of life and human nature have become central themes for the genre
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Seminar on the Culture of Ritual Opera Performance
23.06.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Through four expert talks, this seminar explores regional and ethnic variations in the genre, style and practice of ritual opera culture in Hong Kong, Guangdong, Chaoshan and Hailufeng
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The Face Painting, Costumes and Props of Kunqu
22.06.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre
Exploring the makeup and costumes of different role-types and characters, Chinese opera scholar Chan Chun-miu looks at how stage presentation lends richness and meaning to Kunqu performances
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The History of Hong Kong Indie Music: 1980s–2010s
18.06.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Stella Lau, former Programme Director in Performing Arts at HKU SPACE, looks at the development of indie music in Hong Kong from the 1980s to the 2010s in relation to social development and post-handover culture in Hong Kong
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From a True Story – Christian Rizzo
14.06.2019 to 15.06.2019, The Box, Freespace
Incorporating eight male dancers and two live drummers, French choreographer Christian Rizzo’s acclaimed dance work From a True Story blends folkloric gesture and contemporary movement with repetitive tribal rhythms, creating a work that strikes at the core of human experience. Hong Kong debut
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Choreographic Landscapes
07.06.2019 to 12.06.2019, The Room, Freespace
French choreographer Christian Rizzo joins us to lead a five-day professional workshop for dancers and visual artists on choreographic compositions and the relationship between movement, performance and space. The collaboration opens with a public discussion on his work and the importance of emptiness as a space for imagination
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The Face Painting and Costumes of Cantonese Opera
04.06.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre
This talk looks at the face painting and dressing processes used in contemporary Cantonese opera, and at the ways in which costumes contribute to the portrayal of different characters
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ExecLab: Executive Short Courses 2019 – University of the Arts London
31.05.2019 to 02.06.2019, Studio, Xiqu Centre
Presented in collaboration with the University of the Arts London Short Courses, this three-day professional course offers insight into the skills required for managing arts and cultural events and developing sustainable creative business
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The Music of Cantonese Opera
01.06.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Professor Yu Siu-wah examines the concepts and characteristics of Cantonese opera music, offers insight into basic structures and arrangements, and discusses some of the transformations that have taken place over the centuries
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Ming Furniture
29.05.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this illustrated talk, renowned local Ming furniture expert Dr Yip Shing-yiu offers insight into the artistry, style and development of some of the finest Chinese furniture design
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Reading Cantonese Music Notation
28.05.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, members of the arts group The Gong Strikes One demonstrate how to read traditional gongche music sheets and perform live on the zheng (Chinese zither) and dongxiao (bamboo flute)
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The Musicality of Kunqu
25.05.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Dr Chan Chun-miu offers audiences insight into the distinctive sounds and melodies of the Kunqu art form, exploring the relationship between the use of dialects and the evolution of the art form, and the way that music and language is used to highlight different roles and characters
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Indie Music – An International Perspective
21.05.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Using examples from the US and Britain, Stella Lau, former Programme Director in Performing Arts at HKU SPACE, explores the musical, social and economic relationships that underpin independent music labels, and whether independent artists who become popular in the mainstream can still be labelled “indie”
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Dialogue | Cantonese Opera
07.05.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Cantonese opera plays an important role in the lives of people in Hong Kong. This talk explores its transition from the use of Mandarin to the Cantonese vernacular, demonstrating vocal styles and techniques and offering a deeper understanding of the aesthetic features of the art form
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Cantonese Opera and Modernity
04.05.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
This talk looks at Cantonese opera in the social context of modern Hong Kong, and examines how elements of western-modern music, literature and film culture have been adapted for use in the traditional performing art form
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The Literature in Kunqu
30.04.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Chinese opera scholar Chan Chun-miu looks at some of the literary texts used in Kunqu, and shares insight into Kunqu influence on xiqu songs and performance
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Chinese Culture Talk Series II
27.02.2019 to 24.04.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this series of three talks, local experts share their understanding of poetry, calligraphy and the ancient Chinese divination text the I Ching, and explore the relevance of traditional literary arts in a contemporary society
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The Stories Behind the Xiqu Centre
09.04.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, West Kowloon’s Executive Director of Performing Arts Louis Yu offers insight into the design and venue positioning of the Xiqu Centre, looking at the venue’s unusual use of space and its relationship with local Cantonese opera communities
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The Stage Movements of Cantonese Opera
06.04.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio 5, Xiqu Centre
This talk looks at how acting, martial arts and dance are combined in Cantonese opera stage movement to create patterns of formulaic gesture that help define character and contribute to the unfolding of plot
Past event -
The Music of Cantonese Opera
02.04.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
This talk explores the wide range of musical elements used in Cantonese opera, looking at the different vocal styles used for male and female roles, and the use of percussive instruments and rhythmic melodies to enhance mood and narrative
Past event -
ExecLab: Executive Short Courses 2019 – RADA Business
15.03.2019 to 17.03.2019, Studio, Xiqu Centre
Working closely with RADA Business, the commercial arm of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), the world-class learning programme builds on dramatic arts, helping people at work to become brilliant communicators
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The Application of Nanyin in Cantonese Opera
05.03.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Looking at popular nanyin excerpts, this talk explores the history and evolution of nanyin, a form of Cantonese narrative singing, as one of the delivery styles used in Cantonese opera
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Face Painting and Costumes of Cantonese Opera
02.02.2019 to 23.02.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
This talk looks at the face painting and dressing processes used in contemporary Cantonese opera, and at the ways in which costumes contribute to the portrayal of different characters
Past event -
The Stage Movements of Cantonese Opera
26.01.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
This talk looks at how acting, martial arts and dance are combined in Cantonese opera stage movement to create patterns of formulaic gesture that help define character and contribute to the unfolding of plot
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The “Analects” in Cantonese Opera
24.01.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Cantonese opera playwright Woo Kwok-yin shares insight into the creative process behind his work The Peregrinations of Confucius, and explores how xiqu as a multidisciplinary art form can breathe new life and relevancy into classic texts
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Cantonese Opera and Cinema
06.01.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Between 1940 and 1970, a large number of stars from the Cantonese opera stage entered the film industry in Hong Kong. This talk looks at the impact of this phenomenon, and the importance of Cantonese opera films as historical records of performances from that era
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West Kowloon 101 Foyer Talks
31.12.2018 to 06.01.2019, 2/F Foyer, Xiqu Centre
During the Xiqu Centre Pre-opening Gala, experienced professional performers share their experience and insight on various aspects of Cantonese opera in free and informal lunchtime and evening talks
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Cantonese Opera in the Hong Kong Religious Context
05.01.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Professor Chan Sau-yan, expert on the musical structure, performance practice, ethnographic and historical aspects of Cantonese opera, looks at the tradition of religious operas in Hong Kong, and the challenges of preserving an ancient art form in a market-oriented economy
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Perfect Wives in Cantonese Operas
04.01.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Cantonese operas are often based on stories of love and married life. The wives in these tales may be meek and loving or powerful and cunning. This talk looks at some of the Xiqu Centre opening performances to explore what makes a “perfect wife” on the Cantonese opera stage
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The Functions and Practice of Xiaoqu (short tunes) in Cantonese Opera
03.01.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Melodic and song-like, xiaoqu can incorporate traditional instrumental melodies, folk songs, contemporary pop songs and even theme tunes from films and TV shows. This talk explores the origins and development of xiaoqu and its unique function in Cantonese opera
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Samson Young: Songs for Disaster Relief World Tour
09.02.2018 to 06.05.2018, M+ Pavilion, West Kowloon
Conceived originally for the 57th Venice Biennale, the Hong Kong edition of the Songs for Disaster Relief exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Samson Young re-examines the concept of charity singles and offers a unique audiovisual experience through a series of sculptures, objects, videos, sound installations and site-specific pieces
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The Weight of Lightness: Ink Art at M+
13.10.2017 to 14.01.2018, M+ Pavilion, West Kowloon
Featuring work by more than forty artists from across Asia and beyond, The Weight of Lightness: Ink Art looks at the diverse explorations that have taken place over the past sixty years
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Canton Express
23.06.2017 to 10.09.2017, M+ Pavilion, West Kowloon
Canton Express is the new iteration of the Canton Express project that was part of the exhibition Zone of Urgency curated by Hou Hanru for the 2003 Venice Biennale
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Ambiguously Yours: Gender in Hong Kong Popular Culture
17.03.2017 to 21.05.2017, M+ Pavilion, West Kowloon
Ambiguously Yours: Gender in Hong Kong Popular Culture offers new insights into Hong Kong popular culture through representations of androgyny and gender fluidity in Cantopop, fashion, film, photography, and graphic design
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