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

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

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

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

Chinese Fan Painting and Movement Workshop

16.06.2019, Atrium, Xiqu Centre

In this free family workshop, Cantonese opera artist Xie Xiaoyu, and facilitator Vivian Ng and Ava Yau, show you how to decorate a flat fan with an image of a Chinese opera character and demonstrate how fans are used by performers in dan (female) roles

Wearable Xiqu-inspired Jewellery Workshop – Imitation Kingfisher Feather Brooch

15.06.2019, Studio, Xiqu Centre

Join a hands-on workshop and learn how to process and use ribbon to imitate the effect of kingfisher feathers, and design and create your own individual brooch

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

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

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

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)

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

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”

Wearable Xiqu-inspired Jewellery Workshop – Hairpin with Imitation Kingfisher Feather

19.05.2019, Atrium, Xiqu Centre

In this fun, free workshop, local artists Kong Hoi-kan and Ng Sze-yu demonstrate how to use ribbons to imitate the effect of kingfisher feathers and help you discover fun facts about the symbolic role of garments and head pieces in xiqu performances

Xiqu Paper Headdress Workshop

18.05.2019, Studio, Xiqu Centre

Make your own life-size paper model and learn fun facts about xiqu headdresses in a fun, hands-on workshop

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

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

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

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

Egg-painting Workshop

21.04.2019, Atrium, Xiqu Centre

This Easter, join us at the Xiqu Centre Atrium for a new spin on egg painting, and learn about the face-painting process used for female Cantonese opera roles at the same time

Stone-painting Workshop

20.04.2019, Studio, Xiqu Centre

During this 2-hour stone-painting workshop, Hong Kong’s first and only full-time stone painter Kam Shing-yan guides you through basic techniques, and helps you achieve a sense of focused calm that acts as a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city

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

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

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

Open Up Tuen Mun @ West Kowloon

24.03.2019, Art Park, West Kowloon

Join us and experience the transformation and vitality of Tuen Mun District! A community engagement event to present the local characteristics, art and culture of Tuen Mun from the perspective of past, present and future

Hong Kong Flower Show 2019 – West Kowloon Cultural District

15.03.2019 to 24.03.2019, Victoria Park, Hong Kong

West Kowloon is staging a landscaped garden at this year’s Hong Kong Flower Show, taking inspiration from the Chinese hibiscus – the theme flower of this year’s event – and our upcoming venue, Freespace, in the West Kowloon Art Park. Join us at Victoria Park to explore a picture-perfect floral display

Eastern Ethos Express @ West Kowloon

17.03.2019, Art Park, West Kowloon

Come and get a taste of the characteristics of Eastern District and West Kowloon! A community engagement event to share the precious community memory and invite general public to explore the uniqueness of the districts

Wearable Xiqu-inspired Jewellery – Simple Sequin Brooch

17.03.2019, Atrium, Xiqu Centre

In this fun, free workshop, local artists Kong Hoi-kan and Ng Sze-yu show you how to make a simple xiqu-inspired brooch using colourful sequins and share insight into the symbolic role of garments and head pieces in xiqu performances

Wearable Xiqu-inspired Jewellery – Resin Stone Brooch

16.03.2019, Studio, Xiqu Centre

In this fun creative workshop, local artists Kong Hoi-kan and Ng Sze-yu show you how to make a xiqu-inspired costume brooch using coloured resin stones and share insight into the symbolic role of garments and head pieces in xiqu performances

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

Kowloon City Art Festival @ West Kowloon

23.02.2019 to 24.02.2019, Art Park, West Kowloon

Join us to explore the vitality of Kowloon City District and West Kowloon! A community engagement event in the themes of creativity, education and sharing with a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. Learn more about the uniqueness of Kowloon City and West Kowloon

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

Paper Doll Workshop: Cantonese Opera Roles and Costumes

17.02.2019, Atrium, Xiqu Centre

Learn about the costumes, colours and accessories worn by different characters in Cantonese opera plays in a fun free workshop for participants of all ages

Paper Puppet Making Workshop: Lion Dance Head

16.02.2019, Studio, Xiqu Centre

For an auspicious start to the Lunar New Year, join our handicraft workshop and create a personalised paper puppet of a lion dance head and learn more about this unique cultural tradition!

Contributing to an Open Society through Digitised Museum Collections

15.02.2019, Hotel Stage

In this talk, the speaker discusses efforts to embrace the digital era’s potential to improve access to museum collections for creative reuse and public engagement

Visitors Making Meaning – Constructivist Learning in Museums

31.01.2019, Hotel Stage

In this session, the speaker introduces the idea of constructivist pedagogy and how it can be applied in museums to the creation of all kinds of interpretation materials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chinese Culture – A series of four talks

21.10.2018 to 18.12.2018

What is the relationship between modern society and these time-honoured art forms? In this series of talks, speakers from specialist fields will take you on a journey of discovery that reveals the beauty and history behind specific arts for your appreciation

Arts and Cultural Management – A series of five talks

09.10.2018 to 11.12.2018

In this series of talks, local practitioners offer insight into the different areas of work involved in running cultural organisations and explore the qualifications and passion required for a career in the arts and culture field

Building Louvre Abu Dhabi

07.12.2018, Asia Society Hong Kong Center

In this M+ Matters | Keynote talk, Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi and a key figure in the development of the project, discusses this twenty-first-century encyclopedic museum as ‘a museum of experimentation, and a museum of meeting points’

Negotiating Access and Preservation in the Contemporary Museum

06.12.2018, Hotel Stage

In this talk, the speaker examines the relationship between the notions of access and preservation in museums

The Stories Behind the Xiqu Centre

24.11.2018, Asia Society Hong Kong Center

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

The Music of Cantonese Opera

20.11.2018, H6 CONET

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

Face Painting and Costumes of Cantonese Opera

13.11.2018, D2 Place ONE

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

The Design of the Tea House Theatre

08.11.2018, CityU SCOPE Admiralty Learning Centre

In this talk, West Kowloon’s Head of Xiqu, Naomi Chung, offers insight into the positioning and operation of the Tea House Theatre, looking at how the venue offers visitors an intimate experience with the productions and how programmes are curated with first-time audiences in mind

SHOWTIME! Launching West Kowloon’s Artistic Strategy for Performing Arts

27.10.2018, Asia Society Hong Kong Center

In this free talk, Alison M Friedman, West Kowloon’s Artistic Director, Performing Arts shares the vision and plans for the district’s upcoming performing arts venues, the Xiqu Centre, Freespace and the Art Park, and looks at some of the projects lined up for the future

The Stage Movements of Cantonese Opera

23.10.2018, CityU SCOPE Admiralty Learning 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

Behind the Design of the Xiqu Centre

18.10.2018, Hong Kong Polytechnic University

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

Dialogue | Cantonese Opera

18.09.2018, Campfire – Wong Chuk Hang

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

Dialogue | Gender Fluidity in Traditional Indonesian Dance

06.09.2018, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Looking at gender fluidity in traditional Indonesian dance forms and the recognition of multiple genders in Indonesian cultural practices, dance artist Rianto, shares how his training and cultural background have helped him develop a unique dance vocabulary that embodies gender fluidity

Envisioning the Museum in the Age of Participation

03.08.2018, Hotel Stage

The talk invites the audience to consider the roles a museum plays in society, as well as the forms of participation that can both emerge from and shape a contemporary museum of visual culture

Cantonese Opera 101 - Music

17.07.2018, H6 CONET

This talk explores the musical elements of Cantonese opera, including vocal styles used by actors playing male and female roles, “melo-rhythmic” vocal forms and programmatic tunes, and more

Post-1949 Visual and Material Culture in China

05.07.2018, Asia Society Hong Kong Center

The talk considers critical issues in the first decades of the socialist state in China through a multidisciplinary lens, examining design and visual art

M+ Rover 2018

M+ Rover is a major school and community outreach programme first organised by M+ in 2016. The customised trailer is a travelling creative studio and exhibition space that tours to local secondary schools and community spaces