Theatre/Xiqu

Jointly led by veteran Cantonese opera performing artist Yuen Siu-fai and seasoned performing arts coordinator Barbara Tang, Spring Glory Cantonese Opera Workshop is dedicated to the education, promotion and research on the art of Cantonese opera.

This is a modern drama with both English and Cantonese dialogues, written and directed by professional stage actor Tsang Mo-suet. After debuting at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2014, the critically acclaimed show has already toured in three European countries.

This is a story that takes place in the backstage of a Cantonese opera troupe. The performance is about to start, and artists are getting ready for the show. A young foreign-born Chinese reporter who does not speak Cantonese is visiting the troupe in the backstage. She sees the Monkey King rehearsing a combat scene with the leading actor who is dressed in dazzling military costumes. The leading lady shows her stylized movement in her 3 inches shoes. The bearded man who shows his technique with his long beard…The reporter is curious and puzzled by all these. The producer answers her queries. At the same time, an aged artist steps into the backstage and is mistaken as a substitute musician. He rehearses with other musicians. As the Cantonese opera starts, everybody leaves the backstage for the show. The aged artist remains in the backstage alone and reminisces his past as he sings a nanyin (a particular soft style in Cantonese music). When all artists come back to the backstage, they then realise this old gentleman is a renowned opera star…

Students will be able to appreciate and learn more about the colourful and vibrant elements of Cantonese opera through the programme, which is presented with an easily comprehensible and casual approach. An interesting interactive session will be conducted after the performance.

Remark: Dialogues are mostly in English with Chinese & English surtitles.