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

Global Museums in Shifting Times

07.12.2019, JC Cube Auditorium, Tai Kwun

In this M+ Matters | Keynote, Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate, discusses the significance of these projects and the institution’s overall strategy in the context of a global sociopolitical climate that is shifting more rapidly than ever

Arts and Cultural Management: A Series of Three Talks

29.10.2019 to 26.11.2019, VTC Tower

In this series of three talks, practitioners from a range of local cultural industries share the requirements and unique functions of their areas of expertise, present case studies on successful execution of projects, and explore and compare Hong Kong’s current landscape with the international art scene

Wikipedia Asian Month 2019: Edit-a-thon on Exhibition Histories

23.11.2019, Asia Art Archive A Space

Co-presented by Asia Art Archive and M+, this event is part of an ongoing effort to contribute to discussions about the representation of art and visual culture in Asia on open-source knowledge platforms. It brings together participants to discuss, create, improve, and share Wikipedia articles about exhibitions in and about Asia

Make Your Own Chinese Knot-Inspired Coaster Set

16.11.2019, Studio, Xiqu Centre

By learning the techniques derived from the ‘double-coin’ knot, participants will be able to create a set of delicate coasters of their own

Dramaturgy and Beyond

12.10.2019 to 31.10.2019

The second year of our three-year “Dramaturgy and Beyond” programme and explores the role of dramaturgy in curating and festival making through a series of public seminars and professional workshops

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

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

M+ Matters: Archigram Cities – Call for Papers

We invite scholars, practitioners, and educators in the field of architecture and beyond to propose papers

Bookbinding Workshop

19.10.2019, Studio, Xiqu Centre

By learning the basic bookbinding techniques, participants will be able to create their own schedule book decorated with a traditional and exquisite cover inspired by Chinese paper-cutting

SHOWTIME! West Kowloon’s Artistic Strategy for Performing Arts

15.10.2019, Jockey Club Innovation Tower, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Alison M Friedman, West Kowloon’s Acting Executive Director and Artistic Director, Performing Arts shares the artistic vision and strategies for our two major performing arts venues – the Xiqu Centre, a contemporary gateway to the ancient art form of Chinese traditional theatre, and Freespace, Hong Kong’s new centre for contemporary performance

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

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

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

LED light workshop: Create an Auspicious Cloud

15.09.2019, Atrium, Xiqu Centre

Join a hands-on workshop to create a LED neon light sign in the shape of an auspicious cloud and learn about the use and symbolism of cloud patterns in Chinese traditional theatre

Paper Lantern-crafting Workshop

14.09.2019, Studio, Xiqu Centre

In this hands-on workshop, local paper-crafting master Au Yeung Ping-chi guides participants to make an auspicious traditional bottle-shaped lantern from bamboo splints and strips of coloured paper and rice paper

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

Make Your Own Xiqu-inspired Pencil Case

18.08.2019, Atrium, Xiqu Centre

Join a hands-on workshop and make your own wooden pencil case inspired by the wooden storage trunks used by xiqu troupes and learn more about life backstage at a Cantonese opera performance

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

Cantonese Opera Makeup Workshop

17.08.2019, Studio, Xiqu Centre

In this two-hour artist-led workshop, participants learn about the face-painting process used for lead female and male roles and how to apply a basic Cantonese opera makeup

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

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

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

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

Make Your Own Xiqu-inspired Badge Holder

21.07.2019, Atrium, Xiqu Centre

Decorate a badge holder with a fun image of one of the four main roles in Chinese traditional theatre – male, female, painted face and comic – and learn fun facts about this traditional performing art at the same time

Mini Flower Plaque Workshop

20.07.2019, Studio, Xiqu Centre

Learn about the history and art of one of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage crafts and create your own mini flower plaque in a two-hour artist-led workshop

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

Screendance School Programme

The Screendance School Programme connects artists and secondary school students to explore the synergy of dance and cinematography through talks and interactive workshops

M+ / Design Trust Research Fellowship

The M+ / Design Trust Research Fellowship programme supports original research projects investigating issues relating to design and architecture in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and Asia through a transnational lens

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

Two Decades Revelling in Cantonese Opera Golden Oldies

25.06.2019

This cantonese opera performance is presented by Tak Yee Cantonese Opera Association

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

West Kowloon at Hong Kong Trade Development Council Education and Careers Expo

24.01.2019 to 27.01.2019, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Visit our booth to find out more about our latest developments and career opportunities. We will also be conducting on-site interviews during the fair. Register now

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

Creation for Freespace: Dramaturgy and Beyond

Through a range of public round-table discussions, small group practicum sessions and workshops, “Dramaturgy and Beyond” will delve into the discourse in and around the practice of dramaturgy and the tools that are useful to the creation of dance and theatre within the contemporary context

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