For over two thousand years, the writing of the Chinese philosopher Confucius has influenced Chinese and Asian culture. Despite his importance, there are few works of Chinese opera based on his life, work and thought. One work that does is The Peregrinations of Confucius by Woo Kwok-yin.

In this series of two talks, playwright Woo discusses the inspiration behind his work and how Cantonese opera, as a multidisciplinary art form, can breathe new life and relevancy into classic texts. In the first talk, Woo shares how he incorporated lines from the Analects – an important compilation of Confucius’s teachings – into his script. In the second talk, he looks at how the Records of the Grand Historian – a detailed document of ancient Chinese history – provided insight into Confucius’s life and a deeper understanding of the historical context, helping him add detail and depth to his writing. Both talks are supplemented with video clips of Woo’s work.

Talk 1: Using the Analects and Confucian Thought in a Cantonese Opera Script

Date:
27 October 2020 (Tuesday)

Time:
7:30pm–9:00pm

Venue:
Seminar Hall, 2/F, Xiqu Centre

Talk 2: Using the Records of the Grand Historian in a Cantonese Opera

Date:
3 November 2020 (Tuesday)

Time:
7:30pm–9:00pm

Venue:
Seminar Hall, 2/F, Xiqu Centre

Language:
Cantonese

Speaker:
Woo Kwok-yin

Fee:
Free admission. Limited capacity on a first come, first served basis. Please register online in advance.

Special Arrangements in Response to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Enquiries:
Please contact Ms Chan at (852) 2200 0812 during office hours or email learning@wkcda.hk.

Accessibility Services:
Live Cantonese audio description and Hong Kong sign language interpretation are available upon request with at least 14 days’ advance notice. Wheelchair accessible seats and companion seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Please request at least four days in advance.

Adverse Weather Arrangements:
If a black rainstorm warning or a typhoon signal no. 8 or above is in force three hours before the start of the event, the event will be cancelled.

About the Speaker:

Woo Kwok-yin

Woo Kwok-yin, also known by his pen name Ji Hun, is a prolific writer, educator and literature researcher based in Hong Kong. His writings have appeared in many anthologies in Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas, as well as in local textbooks. In 1997, he was appointed writer-in-residence by the Provisional Urban Council. A former university guest lecturer, Woo is frequently invited to judge at literary awards, including the Hong Kong Youth Literature Award, the Hong Kong Biennial Award for Chinese Literature and the Award for Creative Writing in Chinese. In recent years, he has taken up writing Cantonese opera and classical-style Chinese poetry. He is the playwright of The Peregrinations of Confucius.