The chamber opera "Kungfood" will stage a work-in-progress preview in June.
 
     "Kungfood" is an original Cantonese comic opera which pays tribute to the kung fu world. Local composer Chan Hing-yan joins hands with scriptwriter and librettist Mak Su-yin to create the chamber opera with an original story, which integrates Western chamber opera with Chinese kung fu and culinary art. The work-in-progress preview will contain a guided introduction, a preview and an open discussion session. The programme will be performed in Cantonese by a group of outstanding local opera singers.
 
     Led by Japanese director Tomo Sugao and Singaporean conductor Joshua Tan, the chamber opera will be performed by renowned local opera singers including tenor David Quah, bass-baritone Apollo Wong, sopranos Candice Chung and Athene Mok and mezzo-soprano Samantha Chong, as well as pianist Timmy Tsang, percussionist Jojo Ho and the Hong Kong New Music Ensemble. The opera is backed by a strong production team that includes set and costume designer Ricky Chan, lighting designer Billy Chan, video designer Oliver Shing and movement director Ata Wong.
 
     "Kungfood" tells a story about the catastrophe of a kung fu sect. On Wu Lung Mountain, the leader of the Black Dragon Sect, Master Shifu, was killed by an usurper sect uncle, leaving behind a wife and three male disciples with mediocre kung fu skills, and a secret book of kung fu that no one can find. The sect uncle, himself injured, flees Wu Lung Mountain and studies the dark arts. Renaming himself "Divine Lord of the Coiled Dragon", he returns to Wu Long Mountain to claim leadership over the sect and transform it into the "Coiled Dragon Cult". The Black Dragon Sect is thus on the cusp of being annihilated. The master chef and his three female apprentices of the Black Dragon Diner, a noodle shop at the foot of Wu Long Mountain, also get caught in this conflict. A fierce battle between good and evil is about to unravel.
 
     The work-in-progress preview of chamber opera "Kungfood" (with Chinese and English surtitles) is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The performance will be staged at 8pm on June 8 (Tuesday) at the Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $160 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 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1134.html.

Ends/Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Issued at HKT 12:30

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