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The closing programme of the Chinese Opera Festival 2015 will be performed by the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theatre of Jiangsu and Su Opera Troupe.
Originating in Suzhou, the development of Su opera is closely related to that of Kunqu opera. The first Su opera troupe was formed in the 1940s by "sutan" (Suzhou "tanhuang") artist Zhu Guoliang and Kunqu artists Zhou Chuanying, Wang Chuansong and others. Its major vocal style, "taipingdao", blends the soft and smooth sound of "tanci" with the refinement of "Kunqu" while maintaining the popular charm of "sutan", from which it originates.
For the first time in Hong Kong, the troupe will stage both Su and Kunqu opera. "Dan" actress Wang Fang, who was personally coached by the first generation of "sutan" artists in refining her techniques, will perform with famous "sheng" actor Yu Jiulin, who is equally conversant in both genres, for the classic Su opera "The Story of the Most Famous Beauty". For this highly awaited performance talented young actors and actresses from the troupe will present excerpts from traditional Su and Kunqu opera. This is a rare chance for local audiences to see both genres in one performance. Wang Fang and "sheng" actor Zhao Wenlin will perform in the Kunqu opera "Scepters Piling on the Couch", with a reconstruction of excerpts personally passed down by veteran artist Ni Chuanyue. Five excerpts, namely "Birthday banquet", "Taking a concubine", "Kneeling at the door", "Begging for a son" and "Return of the concubine" will be joined to make a complete story, which tells of the inability of the protagonist to escape from the pressure of traditional social values despite being honourable and thoughtful. Wang Fang's remarkable interpretation and enactment of the character's internal conflict is highly touching. An unexpected ending further reinforces the underlying theme, inspiring much thought.
Details of the performances are as follows:
August 1 (Saturday) 7.30pm
Kunqu Opera "Scepters Piling on the Couch"
August 2 (Sunday) 2.30pm
Excerpts from Su Opera and Kunqu Opera
August 2 (Sunday) 7.30pm
Su Opera "The Story of the Most Famous Beauty"
All performances will be staged at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $120, $220, $320, and $420 for evening performances; $100, $140, $200 and $280 for matinee performance are now available at URBTIX. Half-price tickets are available for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and their minders, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients (limited tickets for full-time students and CSSA recipients are available on a first-come-first-served basis). Please refer to the Chinese Opera Festival website or programme leaflet for group booking discount schemes. For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7325, or visit www.cof.gov.hk. For credit card telephone bookings, please call 2111 5999. For Internet bookings, please visit www.urbtix.hk .
A talk by artists on the topic, "On Kunqu Opera and Su Opera - Staging, Performance and Their Legacy", will be held at 7.30pm on July 31 (Friday) at AC1, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Chinese opera researcher Chan Chun-miu will be the moderator. Guest speakers will include the renowned artists Wang Fang, Zhao Wenlin and the director Fan Jixin. The talk will be conducted in Putonghua. Admission is free with limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ends/Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:56
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