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Description
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The Xiqu Centre’s third experimental Cantonese opera production The Imperial Decree looks at how individual lives are shaped by predetermination and freewill.
Emperor’s brother Wu, Concubine Wen and Prince Dunhua are summoned to hear the ageing Emperor’s imperial decree. Believing they are soon to learn who will inherit the throne, a state of intrigue and infighting ensues – with each of them revealing their true colours as they battle for the seat of power.
Produced and directed by Naomi Chung, written, directed and performed by Keith Lai, Janet Wong, and Ng Lap-hei – the award-winning creative team behind Experimental Cantonese Opera Farewell My Concubine (New Adaptation) and Wenguang Explores the Valley – The Imperial Decree combines traditional performance techniques with contemporary music and stage design.
The Imperial Decree marks the Xiqu Centre’s first cooperation with the Deaf community. Revised and adapted after the initial preview in 2022, the production features Deaf artist Jason Wong among the cast, and audio description and theatrical interpretation at the performance on 14 October.
Pre-show workshop
On 14 October (Saturday), ticket holders are invited to join a free, pre-show workshop offering a brief introduction to the use of Hong Kong Sign Language and theatrical interpretation in Cantonese opera performances. The 45-minute workshop takes place at the Xiqu Centre at 5:30pm. Registration details will be emailed to ticket holders in late September.
This programme is commissioned and produced by the Xiqu Centre, and presented as part of the Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2023. The Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2023 is presented by the Xiqu Centre, with the Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin Charitable Foundation as title sponsor.
Title Sponsor:
Collaborating Partner:
Artistic and Production Team:
Producer and Co-director: Naomi Chung*
Co-directors, Script and Music Arrangement: Keith Lai, Janet Wong
Assistant Director: Ng Lap-hei
Technical Director: Rae Wu*
Set Designer: Wong Yat-kwan
Lighting Designer: Leo Siu
Sound Designer: Wan San-hong
Video Designer: Dan Fong
Assistant Producer: Peter Lee*
Production Managers: Fung Chi*, Cherry Kwan*
Producer’s Assistants: Sam Ko*, Eunis Chan*
Cast:
Keith Lai as Emperor’s brother Wu
Janet Wong as Concubine Wen
Ng Lap-hei as Prince Dunhua
Shum Pak-chuen as Rongqian
Jason Wong as Rongfu
Musicians:
Ensemble Leader: Mao Yijun
Percussion Ensemble Leader: Chan Ting-pong
Musicians: (In alphabetical order): Chen Yifan, Ho Cheuk-chun, Lai Ka-wai, Leung Shuk-in, So Siu-fun, Wong Yuen-ling, Zhong Shi-ling
*Staff of West Kowloon Cultural District