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To celebrate the Xiqu Centre’s 5th anniversary, the acclaimed Ming Chee Sing Chinese Opera presents an all-star performance of the popular, gender-switching production The Dainty Gallant.
The performance showcases the skill and artistry of expert wen wu sheng performer (military and scholarly male roles played by a female) Koi Ming-fai – revisiting her role as Wan Siu-pan, a lead female character who cross-dresses as the gallant young man Chor Wan – and long-time collaborator Ng May-ying as the lead huadan (female role).
Written by renowned late playwright Yip Shiu-tuck, The Dainty Gallant features fine martial arts sequences and romantic intrigue. The production is also a stellar example of the art of female-to-male crossing-dressing, a signature feature of Hong Kong Cantonese opera less widely seen in other regional xiqu forms.
Cast:
Koi Ming-fai as Chor Wan / Wan Siu-pan
Ng May-ying as Chin King-chu
Chan Hung-chun as Lau Biu / Wan Bik-yan
Lai Yiu-wai as Lee Kwong
Chan Ka-ming as Madame Wan
Lui Hung-kwong as Chin’s Father
This programme is co-presented by the Xiqu Centre and Ming Chee Sing Chinese Opera. Ming Chee Sing Chinese Opera also performs Romance of the Phoenix Tower on 3 February 2024.
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Synopsis
Dissatisfied with the marriage that has been arranged for her, Wan Siu-pan leaves home and disguises herself as Chor Wan, a young male warrior who soon becomes known as “The Dainty Gallant”.
One day, while staying at an inn owned by Chin King-chu and her father, she discovers that her intended fiancé, Lee Kwong, is the benefactor of the Chin family and has helped them establish the inn as their means of livelihood.
When Chin King-chu is kidnapped by the covetous tyrant Lau Biu, Chor Wan joins forces with Lee Kwong to rescue her. Unaware of Chor Wan’s true identity, Lee Kwong makes “him” his sworn brother and acts as a matchmaker, trying to bring Chor Wan and King-chu together. Meanwhile, Chor Wan finds herself falling for Lee Kwong.
As the three characters become ever more entangled in a complex web of love and deception, what will be the outcome of their story?