The Hung Ka Po Cantonese Opera Troupe will stage two works, namely “An Official’s Promotion – a newly adapted Cantonese Opera” and “Chuncao Breaks into the Trial Court”, in March. Details are as follows:
“An Official’s Promotion – a newly adapted Cantonese Opera”
Adaptation: Loong Koon-tin, Chan Hung-chun and Lai Yiu-wai
2.15pm, March 8 (Sunday)
Auditorium, Yuen Long Theatre
Tickets: $140, $220 and $340
7.30pm, March 9 (Monday)
Theatre, Ko Shan Theatre
Tickets: $140, $200, $280 and $380
Cast: Loong Koon-tin, Cheng Wing-mui, Chan Hung-chun, Lai Yiu-wai, Wang Kit-ching, Vong Seng-pan, Yat Dim-hung, Fu Shuwang and Leung Fei-tung
Adapted from the Ping opera and Fujian opera work “The Demotion”, the story of “An Official’s Promotion” sees Bian Yixiao get demoted by the newly appointed Inspector of Three Provinces, Cui Yunlong, due to Bian’s marriage to a courtesan, Zhang Xiuyu. When Bian has a case to investigate, he disguises himself as a fortune teller and goes to a teahouse to gather clues. There he meets Cui, who is also undercover as a doctor. The two become friends, and Bian takes Cui home to stay. Later, Bian lets Cui take his place in presiding at court and Cui deliberately frees a prime suspect. Bian, angry at the misjudgement, sends Cui to jail. His wife also takes Cui to task for not exercising justice. At this point, Cui is finally convinced that Bian and Zhang are a couple of upright principles and feels guilty for demoting Bian.
“Chuncao Breaks into the Trial Court”
Playwright: Law Ka-ying
7.30pm, March 10 (Tuesday)
Theatre, Ko Shan Theatre
Tickets: $140, $200, $280 and $380
Cast: Loong Koon-tin, Cheng Wing-mui, Chan Hung-chun, Lai Yiu-wai, Wang Kit-ching, Vong Seng-pan, Yat Dim-hung and Leung Fei-tung
The Prime Minister’s daughter Li Banyue goes to Huashan on an incense-offering pilgrimage with her maid, Chuncao, and is harassed by the son of the Minister of Civil Service, Wu Du. Xue Meiting happens to pass by and comes to their rescue. Unfortunately, Xue kills Wu by accident and is taken into custody and sent to the court. Wu’s mother tries to flog Xue to death in revenge. In a desperate attempt to save Xue, Chuncao barges into the court and lies that Xue is the Prime Minister’s son-in-law. All officials send gifts and congratulations. Even the Emperor bestows a plaque to mark the happy occasion, and the Prime Minister eventually agrees to the marriage.
The performances by the Hung Ka Po Cantonese Opera Troupe are presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Tickets 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_948.html.
Two free performance-related talks (in Cantonese) will be held at 7.30pm on February 24 (Monday) at AC2, 4/F, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC), and at 7.30pm on March 23 (Monday) at AC1, 4/F, Administration Building, HKCC. Speakers will include Loong Koon-tin, Cheng Wing-mui and Chan Hung-chun. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. read more
