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Over 100 acclaimed artists from Hong Kong will next month stage classic Cantonese opera works for Expo 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo) in two star-studded performances.
Presented by the Hong Kong Arts Festival and the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong, "Hong Kong Cantonese Opera Treasures" will be performed on August 19 and 20 in the Academy Theatre of the Shanghai Theatre Academy as a HKSAR cultural programme for Shanghai Expo.
Chairperson of the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong, Ms Liza Wang, said: "The inscription of Cantonese opera on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity last year was a milestone in the development of the performing arts in Hong Kong.
"In our Expo production, the plays are carefully selected to form the'Hong Kong Cantonese Opera Treasures', signifying the most traditional and typical plays in Cantonese opera.
"With the diverse background and ample experience of our artists and crew members, we are delighted to demonstrate our best to Shanghai people and audiences from all around the world through this opportunity."
The two performances for Shanghai Expo will feature renowned Cantonese opera talent, including Mr Yau Sing-po, Ms Liza Wang, Mr Law Kar-ying, Mr Yuen Siu-fai and Mr Sun Kim-long.
The performances consist of set pieces and regular repertoires.
Set pieces are a unique part of the Cantonese opera repertoire, rarely found in other Chinese regional operas. They are performed on special occasions to pay tribute to the occasion and to arouse the interest of audiences before the regular repertoire. A regular repertoire is often performed after one of the traditional set pieces.
The first evening (August 19) will feature two exciting performances. "The Imperial Emperor of Heaven Holding Court" is a set piece to showcase the Association's strong cast. "Luk Long Reprimands His Son", a glittering piece chosen from the renowned "18 Grand Classic Pieces", is sung in the authentic classical dialect with strict adherence to the traditional style.
On the second evening (August 20), "Towering Legends of the Three Kingdoms", part of the regular repertoire, focuses on intrigue and warfare as well as entanglements of the main characters in the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".
For full programme details and ticketing information, please visit the Event Calendar section on Hong Kong's Expo website, www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk.
"The Imperial Emperor of Heaven Holding Court" and "Luk Long Reprimands His Son"
Date: August 19, 2010
"Towering Legends of the Three Kingdoms"
Date: August 20, 2010
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Academy Theatre, Shanghai Theatre Academy
Length: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
In Cantonese with Chinese and English subtitles
Ticket prices: RMB 380ĦB280ĦB200ĦB150ĦB100
Online booking: www.ticket2010.com
Booking hotline: (86 21) 962388
Programme enquiries:
(Hong Kong Arts Festival) (852) 2828 4922
(Shanghai) (86 21) 6190 6163
Ends/Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:00
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