Experimental Chinese Opera Series 2019

01.10.2019 to 24.11.2019, Studio, Xiqu Centre

Join us for three original experimental works offering a new perspective on traditional practices: The Chairs by the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, Destiny of Rebirth by the Shanghai Yue Opera Group, and the Xiqu Centre’s experimental Cantonese opera Farewell My Concubine (New Adaptation)

Past event

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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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

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M+ Matters: Archigram Cities – Call for Papers

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

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Five Artists: Sites Encountered

07.06.2019 to 20.10.2019, M+ Pavilion, Art Park

Five Artists: Sites Encountered brings together an international group of artists whose varied approaches offer ways to rethink ideas of site and place

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A Brilliant Showcase of Cantonese Opera

10.10.2019 to 13.10.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre 

The programme scheduled on 10-13 October 2019 (Thursday-Sunday) is cancelled. Programme Enquiries: Ms Lee (852) 9865 9821 / Mr Cheung (852) 9481 8083

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Edward Lam Dance Theatre – Art School Musical

06.10.2019 to 13.10.2019, The Box, Freespace

This October, Art School Musical returns to Hong Kong for a fourth restaging adapted for The Box at Freespace. Featuring 18 original songs, and a cast from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, the plot centres around three young students and their struggle to find meaning in love, art and life

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Experimental Cantonese Opera “Farewell My Concubine” (New Adaptation) by Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District

06.10.2019 to 12.10.2019, Xiqu Centre Studio 1

Experimental Cantonese "Farewell My Concubine" (New Adaptation) by Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District on 6 October is rescheduled earlier to 7:00pm.

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Hong Kong Palace Museum Preview @ Fine Art Asia 2019

04.10.2019 to 07.10.2019, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Hong Kong Palace Museum’s first pre-opening programme features a lively dialogue between traditional art and technology and between the past and the present. Accompanying programmes include talks, performance and workshops

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Boomabliss 31^st Anniversary Presentations

26.09.2019 to 03.10.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

Showcase of Boomabliss 31st Anniversary Presentations scheduled on 1 October 2019 (Tuesday) is rescheduled. Ticketing Enquiries: (852) 2200 0022

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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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Kunqu: Gu Yanwu

21.09.2019 to 22.09.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

Full description is available in Chinese only

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Memorial Concert Commemorating Wong Yuet-sang, Maestro of Cantonese Music Culture

19.09.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

To mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Wong Yuet-sang, maestro of Cantonese music culture in Hong Kong, the Xiqu Centre and the Centre for Chinese Music Studies of the CUHK present a memorial concert showcasing a selection of Wong’s compositions and a series of talks

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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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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

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Passing Down the Legacy: Cantonese Opera Showcase

15.09.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

In this special tribute showcase, stage veterans and emerging talent perform side by side in two Southern School classics known for their spectacular action sequences, Wu Song and The Hero’s Blood on Mount Pipa

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Memorial Talk Series Commemorating Wong Yuet-sang, Maestro of Cantonese Music Culture

11.08.2019 to 15.09.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre

To mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Wong Yuet-sang, maestro of Cantonese music culture in Hong Kong, the Xiqu Centre and the Centre for Chinese Music Studies of the CUHK present a series of talks on his work

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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

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Youth & Art Festival – Autumn

14.09.2019, Art Park

Youth & Art Festival – Autumn, co-organized by Yau Tsim Mong District Organizing Committee on Cultural Arts Events and Yau Tsim Mong District Office, will be held on 14 September 2019 at West Kowloon Art Park Harborside Lawn, provide a platform for the local art creators through different activities

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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

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Hong Kong Repertory Theatre – A Dream Like a Dream

07.09.2019 to 11.09.2019, The Box, Freespace

Conceived by acclaimed theatre director Stan Lai, A Dream Like a Dream is one of the most talked about Chinese-language theatrical innovations. With an eight-hour duration, four-sided stage and revolving seating design, the play presents a dreamlike journey through a life

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Back to the Golden Age: An Evening of Spirited Cantonese Music

08.09.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

The programme scheduled on 8 September 2019 (Sunday) is cancelled. Ticketing Enquiries: (852) 2200 0022

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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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Showcase of Classic Cantonese Opera Excerpts

06.09.2019 to 07.09.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

The programme scheduled on 6-7 September 2019 (Friday-Saturday) is cancelled. Ticketing Enquiries: (852) 2200 0022

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Music and Cantonese Opera Concert by Huang Ziliang

02.09.2019 to 03.09.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

This performance is presented by Ngao Cheong Cantonese Opera Club

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GuoGuang Opera Company “Dowager Xiao-Zhuang and Dorgon”

30.08.2019 to 31.08.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

Based on Qing dynasty folklore, GuoGuang Opera Company’s royal tragedy explores the depths of the human condition and reflects the new aesthetics of Peking opera in Taiwan

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Exhibition: Constructing the Xiqu Centre

30.12.2018 to 31.08.2019, Atrium, Xiqu Centre

This exhibition of stunning photographs by photographer Ducky Tse documents the eight-year development process of the Xiqu Centre from initial design drafts to completed venue

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The Legend of Mulan

11.08.2019 to 24.08.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

Fung Cheung Hung Troupe’s production of the familiar classic The Legend of Mulan blends traditional Confucian concepts with contemporary dramatic elements. Opening with a war between good and evil that is resolved by Mulan’s love for her country, the story conveys an important message of world peace

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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

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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

Past event

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

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Screening: Teachers and Students

02.08.2019 to 16.08.2019, The Room, Freespace

Co-curated by Edward Lam, this screening series features seven international films on teachers, students and education. Looking at the role of schooling beyond transmission of knowledge, it presents a range of perspectives on how our minds and hearts are shaped during our formative years

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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

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Screening: Edward Lam Dance Theatre – Four Works

03.08.2019 to 04.08.2019, The Room, Freespace

Edward Lam Dance Theatre showcases four of the company’s original stage works written between 1997, the year of the handover, and 2000, the year of extensive educational reforms in Hong Kong – two events that had a major impact on the dreams and aspirations of the young people of Hong Kong

Past event

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

Past event

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

Past event

Cantonese Opera Concert

23.07.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

This performance is presented by Tang Fung Cantonese Opear Society. Full description is available in Chinese only

Past event

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

Past event

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

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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

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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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Cantonese Opera Excerpts

14.07.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

This performance is presented by Echo Cantonese Opera Association. Full description is available in Chinese only

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A Dream of Red Mansions

13.07.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

This performance is presented by Echo Cantonese Opera Association. Full description is available in Chinese only

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The Harmony of Cantonese Opera Songs

12.07.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

This performance is presented by Eastern Association Limited

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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

Past event

Legend of Luo's Music

11.07.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

This performance is presented by Eastern Association Limited

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Cantonese Opera Performance

06.07.2019 to 08.07.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

This cantonese opera performance is presented by JV Entertainment Productions Ltd

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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

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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

Past event

Victor Fung in Residence – From The Top (Final Edit)

29.06.2019, The Room, Freespace

This work-in-progress presentation explores the interdependence of choreographers and dancers and offers a witty and beguiling take on the everyday life of dance artists and what it means to make art

Past event

Guo Feng Nu Performance Art

27.06.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

This performance is presented by Guo Feng Nu Arts Association. Full description is available in Chinese only

Past event

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

Past event

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

Past event

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

Past event

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

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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

Past event

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

Past event

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

Past event

Cantonese Opera Excerpts

05.06.2019 to 06.06.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

05.06.2019 - Princess Chang Ping and Cantonese Opera Excerpt Performances 06.06.2019 - Fan Li Xian Xi Shi and Cantonese Opera Excerpt Performances

Past event

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

Past event

Shanghai Pingtan Troupe "Gao Bowen performs Blossoms"

23.05.2019 to 02.06.2019, Tea House Theatre, Xiqu Centre

This four-part adaptation of an award-winning novel brings to life an intricate tale and showcases the unique charm of the narrative Pingtan tradition. Each part is performed on consecutive evenings, with two complete four-night runs over the programme period

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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

Past event

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)

Past event

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”

Past event

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

Past event

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

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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

Past event

Four Dreams in the Camellia Hall by the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe: The Peony Pavilion

05.05.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

After dreaming of an encounter with a handsome stranger, the lovesick young Du Liniang is so bewitched that she dies of longing. Later, when the scholar Liu Mengmei discovers a portrait of Liniang, he is filled with a sense of romantic déjà vu…

Past event

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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Four Dreams in the Camellia Hall by the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe: A Dream Under the Southern Bough

04.05.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

In a depressed and drunken slumber, recently demoted Tang dynasty general Chun Yufen dreams he visits a strange land where he is presented with riches and power. When his fortune is squandered through greed and corruption, he wakes full of remorse

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Four Dreams in the Camellia Hall by the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe: A Pair of Purple Hairpins

03.05.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

After pledging his love to Xiaoyu, the beautiful daughter of Prince Huo, the handsome young Li Yi suddenly disappears. Broken hearted, Xiaoyu assumes she has been deserted, until the arrival of a knight in yellow robes reveals the truth…

Past event

Four Dreams in the Camellia Hall by the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe: The Tale of Handan

02.05.2019, Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre

At a small inn in the city of Handan, a scholar named Lu encounters a Taoist immortal who lends him a magical porcelain pillow. The same night, Lu has a vivid dream that changes the course of his life

Past event

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

Past event

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

Past event

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

Past event

Noguchi for Danh Vo: Counterpoint

16.11.2018 to 22.04.2019, M+ Pavilion, West Kowloon

The exhibition presents art and design works by the celebrated modern sculptor Isamu Noguchi in dialogue with newly created work by Danh Vo, one of the most critically acclaimed conceptual artists active today

Past event

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

Past event

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

Past event