Let’s have a show of hands – who knows what Chinese opera is really all about? Our bet is not that many.
With its distinctive ‘mask’ makeup and high-pitched, dramatic music, it’s a relic of Chinese heritage that is instantly recognisable. But what you might not know is that, alongside Greek tragicomedies and Sanskrit opera, it’s one of the oldest performance arts in the world, and been used as a vehicle for political commentary for years.
If you’re interested in learning more, the fourth episode of the West Kowloon Cultural District‘s Xiqu Centre’s seminar series “Do Cities Need Xiqu?” will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27. Xiqu experts Mao Weitao and Dr Liza Wang will be discussing Xiqu and its relevance to contemporary city life.
Dr Wang is one of the biggest names in Cantonese opera in Hong Kong. She has dedicated herself to preserving its heritage and nurturing budding talents, so much so that she earned herself the affectionate nickname ‘Big Sister’ in the entertainment industry.
Mao, on the other hand, is head of the Zhejiang Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe, which pioneered modern Yueju opera. Apart from the seminar, she will also be hosting a workshop/master class for young people interested in trying Chinese opera for themselves.
“These two divas in Chinese opera will shed light on how Cantonese Opera has evolved from ritual performance and popular entertainment to a theatrical art in Hong Kong and Chinese communities around the world, and how the Zhejiang Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe[…]created the new ‘urban Yueju’,” says Louis Yu, Executive Director, Performing Arts of WKCDA.
Yu also added, “I am confident that the coming Xiqu Centre Seminar will be a key event for both arts practitioners and lovers of Xiqu to learn from the best in the industry.”
Language: Putonghua and Cantonese
Venue: Yau Ma Tei Theatre, 6 Waterloo Road, Kowloon.
Tickets (HKD80) available here, at all URBTIX outlets, and by telephone booking (+852) 2111-5999). Senior citizens, full-time students, people with disabilities and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients are eligible for a 50 percent discount.
Photo: West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
