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

The Roles of Perfect Wives, Heartless Men and Abandoned Women in Cantonese Opera

31.10.2020 to 28.11.2020, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre

In this series of four talks, Dr Cheung Ping-kuen looks at three character types commonly found in Cantonese opera, exploring the social and cultural significance of these roles and some of the iconic tales they have inspired

The Face Painting and Costumes of Cantonese Opera

17.11.2020, 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

Blending Peking Opera, Street Dance and Rock

15.11.2020, Studio, Xiqu Centre and live-streaming

The young artists of Contemporary Legend Theatre, Taiwan share insight on creating cross-genre Peking opera productions for contemporary audiences and discuss their internationally acclaimed production Wu Song – The Tiger Warrior

Wearable Xiqu-inspired Jewellery – Simple Sequin Brooch

15.11.2020, 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

Chinese Dance and Martial Arts Workshop

08.11.2020, Atrium, Xiqu Centre

In a 45-minute workshop, dancers Ho Ho-fei and Liu Wai-yee from the Hong Kong Dance Company lead young participants to explore the connections between Chinese dance and martial arts. The workshop is presented alongside the HKDC performance Convergence

A Woman’s Perspective, Past and Present

31.10.2020, Studio, Xiqu Centre and live-streaming

The Shanghai Yue Opera House discuss their immersive avant-garde production Destiny of Rebirth – a contemporary reimagining of a classic lyrical poem that merges modern aesthetics and traditional Yue opera techniques to explore past and present perspectives on female identity

Traditional Music Notation in Kunqu and Cantonese Opera

14.01.2020 to 28.10.2020, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre and live-streaming

Talk 2 Literati Manuscripts due to take place on 28 October (Wednesday) has been cancelled

Make Your Own Xiqu-inspired Pencil Case

18.10.2020, 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

Gaojia Opera’s Comic Tales of Human Lives

17.10.2020, Studio, Xiqu Centre and live-streaming

Artists from the Jin Liansheng Gaojia Opera Troupe of Xiamen City introduce their production Sister A Da – a morality tale about a well-meaning but hapless protagonist – and discuss how traditional comic techniques can be merged with contemporary elements to tell stories that resonate with audiences today

From Theatre of the Absurd to Kunqu

10.10.2020, Studio, Xiqu Centre and live-streaming

The Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe discuss their acclaimed production The Chairs – a Kunqu adaptation of Eugène Ionesco’s 1952 classic absurdist play Les Chaises – a minimalist production that incorporates traditional Kunqu techniques to offer a new perspective on the absurdity and loneliness of human existence

The Stage Movements of Cantonese Opera

02.09.2020, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre

The Stage Movements of Cantonese Opera due to take place on 2 September 2020 (Wednesday) has been cancelled

Dialogue | Cantonese Opera

30.06.2020, 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