During the early decades of the 20th century, Cantonese opera went through a drastic evolution. Inspired by the modernisation of Peking opera carried out by maestro Mei Lan-fang (1894–1961), Cantonese opera artists began to emulate the makeup and dressing processes of Peking opera and to incorporate the cosmetics used in Western film. Using photographic illustrations, emerging Cantonese opera actor, producer and educator Paris Wong introduces the face-painting process of the leading female and male roles and illustrates how different patterns symbolise different character types. He also demonstrates the fitting of wigs, hairpins and headgear and the dressing process for operatic costumes, and explains how costumes contribute to the portrayal of different personages within an opera.

Date:
4 June 2019 (Tuesday)

Time:
7:30pm-9:00pm

Venue:
Seminar Hall & Studio 5, 2/F, Xiqu Centre
(The talk will take place in the Seminar Hall, with live transmission to Studio 5.)

Speaker:
Paris Wong, Cantonese Opera Artist

Language:
Cantonese

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

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

Accessibility Services:
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 with at least 4 days’ advance notice.

Adverse Weather Arrangements:
The talk will be cancelled if a black rainstorm warning or a typhoon signal no. 8 or above is in force at/after 3:30pm on the day of the event.

About Speaker:

Paris Wong

Paris Wong graduated from the School of Chinese Opera at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts with a bachelor’s degree in Chinese Opera. Performing mainly in the dan role, Wong represented Hong Kong at the first Hou Baolin Cup China National Youth and Teenage Qu Yi Competition Singing Contest, where he was recognised with The Judge’s Special Award. Paris works as a producer for Cantonese opera, and in 2007 founded the Pine Moon Cantonese Cultural Arts Centre to promote Cantonese opera education. He also hosts and performs in Cantonese opera music programmes.