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An array of Cantonese opera stars will perform in Li Ming-hang's newly written play, titled "The Seven Captivations of Meng Huo by Zhuge Liang", in April.
The story takes place during the three kingdoms period. Liu Bei of Shu has just passed away and the lord of the south, Meng Huo, seizes the opportunity to revolt. The prime minister of Shu, Zhuge Liang, takes over as commander and leads the army south. Using clever stratagems, he captures Meng seven times but always releases him afterwards. This leniency finally brings Meng round and he surrenders to Shu. On the way back, the Shu army comes to the banks of the Lu River. The sky suddenly grows dim and the wide river becomes stormy. No man or horse can cross. Zhuge Liang sets up an altar and conducts a rite of appeasement for those who lost their lives in the war. Soon the sky clears, the water stills, and the army crosses the river safely to return to its own land.
A star-studded cast includes Yuen Siu-fai, Liang Zhaoming, Wan Fei-yin, Liu Kwok-sum, Lui Hung-kwong, Pak Suet-mui, Chan Ka-ming, Lai Yiu-wai, Song Hongbo and Hong Wah.
Lee Ming-hang notes that "The Seven Captivations of Meng Huo by Zhuge Liang" is a famous play from the martial arts repertory, with lead actors performing wusheng (military male) and xiaowu (young military male) roles following the interpretations of the 10 orthodox role types. The play's theme song is "Libation to the Lu River". Lee has adapted the play based on the classical novel "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and incorporated the ancient paichang (formulaic play) presentation. The theme song will appear at the end and will be sung by Yuen Siu-fai. This performance offers an exciting opportunity for Cantonese opera fans to revisit the ancient operatic forms, both in vocal and theatrical terms.
"The Seven Captivations of Meng Huo by Zhuge Liang" is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. It will be staged at 7.30pm on April 27 (Sunday) at the Auditorium of the Tuen Mun Town Hall and 7.30pm on April 28 (Monday) at the Theatre of the Ko Shan Theatre. The lyrics and dialogue will be supplemented with Chinese surtitles. Tickets ranging from $100 to $350 are now available at URBTIX outlets, on the Internet and by telephone credit card booking. 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.)
A post-performance talk (conducted in Cantonese) will be held at 2.30pm on May 6 (Tuesday) at the Rehearsal Room 1 of the Ko Shan Theatre. Speakers will include Yuen Siu-fai and Li Ming-hang. Admission is free with limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7325 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/program_507.html. Ticketing enquiries can be made on 3761 6661 and telephone credit card bookings on 2111 5999. Tickets can also be booked online at www.urbtix.hk.
Ends/Monday, March 17, 2014
Issued at HKT 11:20
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