West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
e-Newsletter
2013 / Dec Issue
Top notch local and national Cantonese opera stars shine at West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre 2014

As a focal point of the Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, the popular West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre is in its third run and it will be staged at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade for the first time against the backdrop of one of the world’s most spectacular cityscapes to welcome the Year of the Horse.

A winner of numerous accolades and the holder of the esteemed title ‘a National Treasure’ in the operatic arts of China, Pei Yanling will perform at the West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre.

Curated by theatre master Mr Fredric Mao Chun-fai with a specific direction ‘promote the excellence of Chinese opera’, this year’s programme will not only feature local Cantonese opera virtuosi but also an acclaimed cast of the Plum Blossom Award winners, which is the highest level of recognition in Chinese theatre. The performances to be staged are carefully selected, representing the most traditional and typical plays in Chinese opera. Through this occasion, we hope to establish a network with mainland Chinese opera troupes and artists of nationally acclaimed standard to forge overseas partnerships for the future Xiqu Centre, which is scheduled for completion in 2016.

From 17 to 20 January 2014, a total of 61 artists including 33 Plum Blossom Award winners and National first-class performers will present four nights of excerpt performances in various theatrical genres including Jingju, Kunju, Yueju and mixed Xiqu excerpts to captivate audiences.

The traditional Cantonese opera performances will then be staged from 25 to 28 January and from 2 to 5 February 2014, featuring renowned virtuosi Law Ka-ying, Lung Koon-tin, Wong Chiu-kwan, Sun Kim-long, Lee Lung, Yuen Siu-fai, Wan Fei-yan, Leung Siu-ming, Chan Wing-yi, Ng Chin-fung and Nam Fung.

WKCDA’s Performing Arts Executive Director Louis Yu and a number of Cantonese opera virtuosi introduce this year’s spectacular at the press conference.

Apart from 14 nights of stage performances, the Bamboo Theatre will also offer an exhibition displaying the interior design concepts of the future Xiqu Centre, six free movie sceenings of different Xiqu genres on 29 and 30 January, as well as handicraft stalls and dining services on performance and movie screening dates.

To encourage the professional development of emerging Cantonese opera stars and recognise their outstanding performances, the Rising Stars in Cantonese Opera Showcase will debut at the West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre 2014, providing a platform to release their potential and untapped artistic vigour. Shortlisted applicants will perform during the “On-stage Showcase” on 8 and 9 February 2014 and the final result will be announced following the second night’s performance. Winners will be given priority of participation in future training, performance, contracting and exchange activities at the Xiqu Centre.


Performance tickets will be available at URBTIX from 13 December 2013 while Bamboo Cinema and Xiqu Centre exhibition are free-admission programmes. Shuttle bus service to the Bamboo Theatre will be available from Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui or Exit A of the MTR Kowloon Station on performance and movie screening dates.

With a parade of star-studded performances together with other celebratory activities, West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre 2014 is a joyous festive not to be missed during the coming Lunar New Year!

Details

Date: 17 January – 9 February (except 21 - 24 January, 31 January – 1 February, 6 – 7 February)

Time: 5pm - 10pm (opens from 3pm on weekends and public holidays)

Venue: West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade

Website: www.westkowloon.hk/bambootheatre

Enquiries: 2200 0093

Credit card telephone booking: 2111 5999

Internet booking: www.urbtix.hk

Programmes

Date

Time

Details

Ticket Price / Admission*

Performances by The Plum Blossom Award Art Troupe

17.01.2014

7.30pm

Jingju Excerpt Performance

$280, $200

18.01.2014

Kunju Opera Excerpts Performances

19.01.2014

Multi-opera Excerpt Performances

20.01.2014

Yue Opera Excerpt Performance

Cantonese Opera Performance by virtuosi

25&26.01.2014


7.00pm

Execution of the Duke’s Second Brother

Main cast: Law Ka-ying, Wong Chiu-kwan, Lung Koon-tin

27&28.01.2014


The Lady’s Sash

Main cast: Lee Lung, Wan Fei-yin as Yuen Siu-fai

2&3.02.2014


Contention for the Seal

Main cast: Leung Siu-ming, Chan Wing-yee

4&5.02.2014


Two Heroic Families

Main cast: Ng Chin-feng, Nam Fung

Rising Stars in Cantonese Opera Showcase

8&9.02.2014


7.00pm

The aim of the event is to encourage the professional development of new talent

$150, $100

Xiqu Seminar

18.01.2014

*take place at WKCDA office

2.30pm


Ji Guoping, vice-chairman of the Chinese Dramatists Association, will give a talk on the development of Chinese opera

Free admission

Bamboo Cinema

29&30.01.2014


5pm - 10.30pm

Screening of six movies of different Xiqu genres

Curated by Fredric Mao and Law Kar

Exhibition on the Xiqu Centre


17.1-9.2.2014 (except 21-24 January, 31 January-1 February, 6-7 February)

5pm - 10pm (opens from 3pm on weekends and public holidays)

Displaying the interior design concepts of Xiqu Centre

Handicraft Stalls & Dinning Services


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* Half-price tickets are available to senior citizens, full-time students, Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients and people with disabilities and their accompanying minder.