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.

Language:
Cantonese

Date:
17 November 2020 (Tuesday)

Time:
7:30pm–9:00pm

Venue:
Seminar Hall, 2/F, Xiqu Centre

Speaker:
Paris Wong

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

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 rescheduled or cancelled.

Remarks:
For the safety of participants, visitors, artists and staff, please note the following health precautions:

• Please bring your own mask and wear it at all times in the venue.
• Temperature checks will be carried out before admission. Visitors showing a temperature of 37.5°C or above will not be able to participate.
• If you have travelled outside of Hong Kong in the past 14 days or are wearing a home quarantine tracking wristband, please wait until your quarantine period is over before visiting West Kowloon.
• Special Arrangements in Response to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

About the 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.