Experimental Chuanju Opera – Farewell My Concubine

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Farewell My Concubine (New Adaptation), the first experimental Cantonese opera commissioned and produced by the Xiqu Centre, has consistently been the most popular programme of the Black Box Chinese Opera Festival each year. Inspired by its originality and success, the legendary xiqu artist Shen Tiemei – widely regarded as the “Queen of Sichuan Opera ” – led a collaboration between the Chongqing Chuanju Theatre and the Hong Kong creative team behind the smash hit. The result, a brand new experimental Sichuan opera titled Farewell My Concubine, is set to make its world premiere in Hong Kong.

Carrying the innovative DNA of the original Cantonese version, the new work takes the historic source material and infuses it with experimental theatrical elements and a modern sensibility. And while the focus is kept on the core romance between the warlord Xiang Yu and his beloved concubine, the additional themes of camaraderie and loyalty gives the classic tragedy fuller dimensions.

Sichuan opera, also known as chuanju, is known for employing a blend of comedic and tragic storytelling to create a more potent emotional juxtaposition. To honour this tradition, Farewell My Concubine installs comic roles in the story for the first time, making it a showcase of all five major role types in Chinese opera. Musically, it features traditional Sichuan opera melodies with the addition of kunqu elements. It also gives the audience a great opportunity to sample the genre’s many idiosyncratic singing styles, which helps bring to life the protagonist’s heroism and tragic downfall.

11–12 October 2024 (Friday to Saturday)
2:30pm