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Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Ko Lai Sum Cantonese Opera Troupe will perform "A Selection from the Prized Repertoire of Fung Wong Nui". Fung Wong Nui was an acclaimed Cantonese opera virtuoso. Acclaimed Cantonese opera artists Lung Koon-tin, Ko Lai, Chan Hung-chun, Man Po-sum, Lui Hung-kwong, Yam Bing-yee, Sun Kim-long and Wai Chun-long will perform the chosen pieces.
Details of the performances are as follows:
August 30 (Saturday) 7.30pm
Auditorium, Tai Po Civic Centre
Programme: "The Princess in Distress"
Having lived as a hostage in Jin for years, Hongluan, sister of Prince Di, returns to Song, escorted by her lover, General Yelü from Jin. As they part from each other they sing "The Barbarian's Song". While sailing home, Hongluan's men rescue a woman, Ni Xiudian, from the sea. Soon bandits come to plunder the ship, and the people aboard scatter. Prince Di's men assume Ni Xiudian, who is wearing Hongluan's cape, to be the princess, and take her to the prince's house. On the other shore, Ni's father happens to rescue Hongluan, who has lost her memory. Hongluan is brought to Shang's home in his daughter's place to get married. Finally, the two ladies' identities are revealed.
September 2 (Tuesday) 7.30pm
Theatre, Ko Shan Theatre
Programme: "The Marshal's Marriage"
Set in the Spring and Autumn period, the weak state of Song is subject to invasions from neighboring states. The king of Song and his daughter, Caifeng, decide to find her a husband that can be a champion and defender of the state. The king invites the princes of different states to vie for the princess by revealing the treasures they have brought. Yet none of them manages to win the princess's favor. Marshal Gai Shiying of Cai arrives, bearing no treasure to display, but he impresses Caifeng so much with his civil and military skills that she agrees to marry him. This enrages the princes of Han and Zhao who join forces to attack Cai in revenge. The new husband's pride prevents him from listening to the princess's advice on the first day of battle, and he belittles her for knowing nothing about war. He learns his lesson, however, after suffering a humiliating defeat and having to be rescued by the princess. Having reassembled his men with the counsel of the princess, Gai finally beats the troops of Han and Zhao.
Tickets priced from $100 to $260 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, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients (limited tickets for full-time students and CSSA recipients).
For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7325, or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/program_545.html. For ticketing enquiries, please call 3761 6661. For telephone credit card booking, please call 2111 5999. For Internet bookings, please visit www.urbtix.hk.
A pre-performance talk (in Cantonese) will be held at 2.30pm on August 9 (Saturday) at AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Speakers include Lung Koon-tin, Ko Lai and Chan Hung-chun. Admission is free. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
An exhibition will also be held from August 16 to September 3 at G/F & 1/F Foyer, Ko Shan Theatre. Admission is free.
Ends/Friday, July 4, 2014
Issued at HKT 11:10
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