Xiqu

“No matter what kind of theatre art form, modern drama or traditional Chinese opera, what’s real is always the core values in our artistic pursuit. We should embrace it in our creative process with the utmost pleasure.”
—Fredric Mao
A ravishing tale of star-crossed lovers that redefines traditional aesthetics

INTRODUCTION

In partnership with revered theatre director Fredric Mao, this 2018 project sets out to create a Cantonese opera production with a refreshed approach to script writing, stage design, lighting, music and costume, as well as vigorous preparation, rehearsals and performance practices. It is not only a re-staging of a Cantonese opera classic in an updated form, but a development strategy that will bring this traditional art form to a broader audience in Hong Kong.

A historical tale of political intrigue, romance and honour, Pavilion of a Hundred Flowers is a widely acclaimed Cantonese opera by Tong Tik-sang, who drew inspiration for the work from a Kun opera. Prince Anxi has long planned to revolt, and so the court has Zou Hualong and Jiang Liuyun infiltrate his mansion as spies. Tricked into entering the forbidden Pavilion of a Hundred Flowers by eunuch Bala, Liuyun meets Princess Baihua, who falls for his graceful demeanour. While the Princess gifts Liuyun with a sword and her hand in marriage, a backdrop of deception and conflict is about to enmesh them.

Written in 1958 for the Lai Sing Opera Troupe, Pavilion of a Hundred Flowers has been a widely popular work among audiences since its premiere, which featured renowned actors such as Ho Fei-fan and Ng Kwan-lai. To revamp this classic, director Fredric Mao has teamed up with young playwright Kong Chun-Kit to rework the script and to introduce new performance components and a modern perspective into this classic. With evocative portrayals of the characters and their emotions, the new production also highlights the artistry of the cast and the promise of the next generation of Cantonese opera performers.