Workshops at the Xiqu Centre

Our hands-on workshops are inspired by different elements of Chinese traditional theatre and regional cultural heritage, and offer interactive experiences for children, families and art lovers of all ages and abilities

West Kowloon 101 Foyer Talks

05.10.2019 to 08.03.2020, 2/F Foyer, Xiqu Centre

West Kowloon 101 Foyer Talks on 7 and 8 March 2020 have been cancelled

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

Dunhuang Murals: Ancient Depictions of Daily Life

23.10.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre

In this talk, Special Researcher of Dunhuang Academy Lee Mei-yin will introduce the history and cultural background of Dunhuang. Using photographic illustrations of the precious Dunhuang murals, Lee looks at the folk customs of the ancient people and explores their relationship with modern cultures

Exhibition: Cantonese Opera and Banknote Design

02.09.2019 to 21.10.2019, Atrium, Xiqu Centre

From now until 21 October 2019, visit the exhibition in the Xiqu Centre Atrium to appreciate the design of the 2018 Series HK$100 notes, which feature Cantonese opera as the thematic subject, as well as the design of the four other denominations of the same banknotes series

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

Introducing Cantonese Opera Music: What is Erhuang?

08.09.2019 to 11.09.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre

The talk scheduled on 8 & 11 September 2019 (Sunday and Wednesday) is cancelled. Programme Enquiries: (852) 2200 0804

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

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Cantonese Opera Art Development Forum

13.08.2019, Tea House Theatre, Xiqu Centre

Bringing together renowned scholars and artists from the region, this forum looks at the development of Cantonese opera over the last decade, as well as the legacy of the art form and future directions for education and promotion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Between Cantonese Opera and Film: Connie Chan and Female Cross-dressing

27.04.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre

Since the post-war years, the convention of nüwenwusheng – female performers playing civil and military male roles – in Cantonese opera has been a popular practice in Hong Kong. In this talk, Prof Li Siu-leung looks at the recent history of female cross-dressing in Hong Kong Cantonese opera and film, with special reference to Connie Chan Po-chu

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

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

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

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

The Melodies of Nanyin

26.02.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre

In this talk, members of the arts group The Gong Strikes One illustrate with live demonstrations how the vocal and instrumental melodies of nanyin are created and developed based on the lyrics

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

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

Handicraft Workshops

01.01.2019 to 06.01.2019, Studio 5, Xiqu Centre

Join us during the Xiqu Centre Pre-opening Gala week for free workshops offering a hands-on introduction to three of Hong Kong’s most recognisable heritage arts: lion dances, Cantonese opera and paper cutting

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

Pre-opening Gala Film Screenings

30.12.2018 to 06.01.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre

To complement our Grand Theatre performances we present five Cantonese opera films produced between 1957 and 2011 and featuring some of the legends of the golden age of Cantonese opera film

Pre-opening Gala Guided Tours

30.12.2018 to 06.01.2019, Xiqu Centre

Explore our new facilities and discover fun facts about the rich art of xiqu on our 60-minute guided tours

Presentations by the Tea House Rising Stars Troupe

30.12.2018 to 06.01.2019, Tea House Theatre, Xiqu Centre

Our special narrated programme offers visitors an introduction to Cantonese opera through a selection of short excerpts demonstrating a range of vocal and music styles

Stage Dedication and Open Day Cantonese Opera performances

30.12.2018 to 06.01.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

Featuring two specially selected set pieces and a series of excerpt performances, this auspicious programme is presented by the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong and features some of the city’s most talented performers

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