Guangdong Chiu Chow Opera Theatre Number One Troupe and Sun Hon Kwong Chiu Chow Opera Troupe will collaborate for three performances in March and April. The programme, comprising "The Story of an Unintended Tonsure", "Wang Mang's Usurpation of the Han Throne" and "Liu Xiu's Restoration of the Han Dynasty", is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

     Chiu Chow opera is performed in the Chiu Chow dialect and is one of the principal Chinese operatic genres. The genre's repertory origins lie in south China's operatic plays of the Song and Yuan periods, and the works are characterised by vivid, affable dialogue and lyrics, making the performances highly accessible and enjoyable. The main cast members of the coming performances are National Class One Performers from the Guangdong Chiu Chow Opera Theatre Number One Troupe, including Lin Chufa, Wu Yimin, Lin Wuyan, Chen Hongfei, Lin Yanyun, Chen Xingxi and Li Sihai.

     Founded in 1958, Guangdong Chiu Chow Opera Theatre Number One Troupe has built up a repertoire of outstanding and well-loved opera works, in the form of both new productions and adaptations. Over the years the troupe has given widely acclaimed performances in Europe and the United States. Troupe members include National Class One Performers and National Class Two Performers.

     Sun Hon Kwong Chiu Chow Opera Troupe, formerly Hon Kwong Chiu Chow Opera Troupe, was founded in 1959 and turned professional in 1987. Its repertoire totals nearly 100 titles, including "Qin Xianglian", "The Magic Lotus Lantern" and "The Female Generals of the Yang Family". Its members consist of virtuosi in Chiu Chow opera in Hong Kong, as well as young artists groomed in recent years. The troupe has maintained close contacts with other troupes in the Mainland and often collaborates with them in giving joint performances. The artistic exchanges are conducive to the development of the genre.

     Details of the performances are as follows:

"The Story of an Unintended Tonsure"
March 30 (Friday), 7.30pm
Auditorium, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing

"Wang Mang's Usurpation of the Han Throne"
March 31 (Saturday), 7.30pm
Theatre, Sheung Wan Civic Centre

"Liu Xiu's Restoration of the Han Dynasty"
April 1 (Sunday), 7.30pm
Theatre, Sheung Wan Civic Centre

     The performances will have Chinese surtitles, and English synopses will be available upon request. Tickets priced at $140, $180 and $220 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7325 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_452.html.
 

Ends/Friday, January 26, 2018
Issued at HKT 11:00

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