Xiqu Centre Presents A Thousand Faces: Cantonese Opera Legend Yau Sing-po, Tea House Theatre Experience Returns

The Xiqu Centre is pleased to present A Thousand Faces: Cantonese Opera Legend Yau Sing-po, in remembrance of Yau Sing-po’s substantial and lifelong contributions to Cantonese Opera. The exhibition highlights the accomplishment of this late Cantonese Opera veteran and the development of local Cantonese Opera in recent years.

The free-entry exhibition, staged at the Atrium of the Xiqu Centre, opens to the public from today till 31 December 2022. Besides, signature programme Tea House Theatre Experience is back for bringing an introductory Cantonese opera experience to audience.

Revisiting the Glorious Legacy of the Acclaimed Cantonese Opera Artist
Widely known as the “Chameleon of a Thousand Faces”, Yau Sing-po appeared in countless major Xiqu productions over 80 years and awarded multiple accolades. In this exhibition, visitors will have access to rare stage recordings and interview footage of his major roles-types, including Sheng (male role), Dan (female role), Jing (painted face male role) and Chou (clown role). In addition, an array of costumes and props from Yau’s classic shows such as Madame She and A Pair of Purple Hairpins will be displayed.

Tea House Theatre Experience Returns with New Additions of Cantonese Opera Excerpts
Tea House Rising Stars Troupe will greet the audience again on stage every Friday to Sunday. This season’s highlights include Tang Ti-sheng's "Saving Pui from the Trap" from The Reincarnation of Red Plum, as well as "Meeting in a Dream" from Goddess of the Luo River (this show was first performed by renowned Cantonese Opera actor Law Ka-ying). Giving an added touch of tradition, the Cantonese Opera Song Selection features Romance of the Phoenix Tower and Lady Zhaojun Going beyond the Great Wall.

Tea House Theatre Experience is a 90-minute programme presented by young artists and musicians of the Xiqu Centre's Tea House Rising Stars Troupe led by Artistic Curator and Director Law Ka-ying. The introductory narrated and surtitled programme showcases a selection of short classic excerpts plus a range of vocal and music styles.

To comply with the social distancing measures in place, tea and dim sum experience at the Tea House Theatre will temporarily be suspended until further notice, and a 15% discount will be offered on all Tea House Theatre Experience tickets including family packages and concession tickets. Patrons will get a complimentary drink after the show.

Naomi Chung, Head of Xiqu, Performing Arts, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority said, "Despite the unprecedented challenging times, our team did not give up and continue to proactively plan for the venue reopening. Members of the Tea House Rising Stars Troupe spent the time wisely to improve themselves when staying home. The Xiqu Centre is excited to welcome audience back again with a range of high-standard programmes and events of this heritage art.”

A Thousand Faces: Cantonese Opera Legend Yau Sing-po

Tea House Theatre Experience

Remarks

About the West Kowloon Cultural District
The West Kowloon Cultural District is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural projects in the world. Its vision is to create a vibrant new cultural quarter for Hong Kong on forty hectares of reclaimed land located alongside Victoria Harbour. With a varied mix of theatres, performance spaces, and museums, the West Kowloon Cultural District will produce and host world-class exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, providing twenty-three hectares of public open space, including a two-kilometre waterfront promenade.

About the Xiqu Centre
The Xiqu Centre at the West Kowloon Cultural District is the first landmark performing arts venue. It acts as the eastern gateway to the District. Specifically built for performances of Chinese traditional theatre, the Xiqu Centre is designed to conserve, promote and develop the art of xiqu. It will also provide a centre for the production, education and research of this unique art form. Xiqu Centre was selected as one of TIME Magazine's 2019 World's Greatest Places.