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,{"name":"programmeDescription", "type":"text", "value":"The treasured essence of Cantonese opera curated by a revered legend<br /><br />The year 2025 marks the beginning of the HKAF’s three-year deep dive into the heart of Cantonese opera, showcasing on stage the timeless grace and treasured essence of the ancient art form. In the first year, audiences can experience a series of thoughtfully curated programmes helmed by Yuen Siu-fai, one of the most esteemed Cantonese opera artists with a versatile career spanning seven decades, and starring three of today’s most sought-after performers: Lam Tin-yau, Keith Lai and Wyborn Leung Wai-hong.<br /><br />Traditional Cantonese opera paichang (formulaic) plays dating back to the origins of the art form will be taking centre stage. From the singing style, dialogue delivery through to the mise en scène, these practices require performers to have acquired a deep understanding of the art form at its core. In the past, Cantonese opera performers underwent rigorous training in the fundamentals of paichang, but this is now less common among the current generation of artists. The opening performance features a comprehensive selection of excerpts, showcasing a diverse range of classic scenes, roles and techniques. This is followed by a rare presentation of the complete version of Wu Song performed in the ancient style, while the final evening features Executing the Duke’s Second Brother, a compelling story full of theatrical tension. This exciting collection of classics, adapted and refined with full respect for their original formats, offers an exquisite window into the traditional essence and unique artistry of Cantonese opera. <br /><br />Programme 3—Executing the Duke’s Second Brother (in the ancient singing style)<br /><br />Executing the Duke’s Second Brother is one of the 18 ancient Cantonese opera paichang, showcasing various elements with a compelling story full of theatrical tension in which an emperor loses his way and executes his loyal sworn brother in a drunken moment. A valuable work of the Southern school of Cantonese opera, it includes classic paichang scenes that are at risk of being forgotten in modern times."}]}
The treasured essence of Cantonese opera curated by a revered legend
The year 2025 marks the beginning of the HKAF’s three-year deep dive into the heart of Cantonese opera, showcasing on stage the timeless grace and treasured essence of the ancient art form. In the first year, audiences can experience a series of thoughtfully curated programmes helmed by Yuen Siu-fai, one of the most esteemed Cantonese opera artists with a versatile career spanning seven decades, and starring three of today’s most sought-after performers: Lam Tin-yau, Keith Lai and Wyborn Leung Wai-hong.
Traditional Cantonese opera paichang (formulaic) plays dating back to the origins of the art form will be taking centre stage. From the singing style, dialogue delivery through to the mise en scène, these practices require performers to have acquired a deep understanding of the art form at its core. In the past, Cantonese opera performers underwent rigorous training in the fundamentals of paichang, but this is now less common among the current generation of artists. The opening performance features a comprehensive selection of excerpts, showcasing a diverse range of classic scenes, roles and techniques. This is followed by a rare presentation of the complete version of Wu Song performed in the ancient style, while the final evening features Executing the Duke’s Second Brother, a compelling story full of theatrical tension. This exciting collection of classics, adapted and refined with full respect for their original formats, offers an exquisite window into the traditional essence and unique artistry of Cantonese opera.
Programme 3—Executing the Duke’s Second Brother (in the ancient singing style)
Executing the Duke’s Second Brother is one of the 18 ancient Cantonese opera paichang, showcasing various elements with a compelling story full of theatrical tension in which an emperor loses his way and executes his loyal sworn brother in a drunken moment. A valuable work of the Southern school of Cantonese opera, it includes classic paichang scenes that are at risk of being forgotten in modern times.
The year 2025 marks the beginning of the HKAF’s three-year deep dive into the heart of Cantonese opera, showcasing on stage the timeless grace and treasured essence of the ancient art form. In the first year, audiences can experience a series of thoughtfully curated programmes helmed by Yuen Siu-fai, one of the most esteemed Cantonese opera artists with a versatile career spanning seven decades, and starring three of today’s most sought-after performers: Lam Tin-yau, Keith Lai and Wyborn Leung Wai-hong.
Traditional Cantonese opera paichang (formulaic) plays dating back to the origins of the art form will be taking centre stage. From the singing style, dialogue delivery through to the mise en scène, these practices require performers to have acquired a deep understanding of the art form at its core. In the past, Cantonese opera performers underwent rigorous training in the fundamentals of paichang, but this is now less common among the current generation of artists. The opening performance features a comprehensive selection of excerpts, showcasing a diverse range of classic scenes, roles and techniques. This is followed by a rare presentation of the complete version of Wu Song performed in the ancient style, while the final evening features Executing the Duke’s Second Brother, a compelling story full of theatrical tension. This exciting collection of classics, adapted and refined with full respect for their original formats, offers an exquisite window into the traditional essence and unique artistry of Cantonese opera.
Programme 3—Executing the Duke’s Second Brother (in the ancient singing style)
Executing the Duke’s Second Brother is one of the 18 ancient Cantonese opera paichang, showcasing various elements with a compelling story full of theatrical tension in which an emperor loses his way and executes his loyal sworn brother in a drunken moment. A valuable work of the Southern school of Cantonese opera, it includes classic paichang scenes that are at risk of being forgotten in modern times.