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The Hong Kong Children and Juvenile Chinese Opera Troupe began a week of performances and activities for Hong Kong Week at World Expo 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo) today (October 18).
Twenty-five children and teenagers, aged from nine to 19, displayed their passion for this traditional performing art with two performances today. Two performances a day all week are planned.
Dressed in beautiful costumes, they acted, sang and performed martial arts and acrobatics, involving difficult jumps, somersaults and balancing acts.
Under the artistic direction of Cantonese opera veteran Ms Cheung Po-wah, these young enthusiasts presented a mix of Cantonese opera excerpts, such as "The Fairy's Baby", "Magic Lotus Lamp-Rescuing Mother" and "Princesses Cheung Ping - Sacrifice of Princess and Returned to the Palace in Heaven".
"To showcase Hong Kong's creativity, vibrancy and diversity, we have included popular excerpts that are full of dynamism, such as 'Romance of the Phoenix Tower' and 'Legend of the White Snake'," said Ms Cheung, a prominent Hong Kong Cantonese opera actress specialising in the "hua-dan" (female) role who has trained with famous opera maestros in Hong Kong.
"We are thrilled that Hong Kong Cantonese opera, among the diverse art culture of Hong Kong, is being showcased during Hong Kong Week."
In addition to performances, the progamme also includes workshops on hairpiece production and make-up demonstrations, as well as a dressup photo zone.
The Hong Kong Children and Juvenile Chinese Opera Troupe includes young Chinese opera enthusiasts keen to promote Cantonese opera through performances.
The group has taken part in numerous cultural exchange activities in the United States, Malaysia and the Mainland.
It will stage more enriching programmes until Hong Kong Week ends this Friday (October 22). Details are as follows:
Venue: Baosteel Stage (Small), Expo Park, Pudong
Time: (October 19) 1pm, 2pm, 3.30pm, 5pm and 5.30pm
(October 20-22) 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3.30pm and 4pm
During the five-day Hong Kong Week, close to 1,000 performers and staff of 12 organisations will present a kaleidoscope of activities and performances.
For details, please visit www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk.
Ends/Monday, October 18, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:25
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