Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

New Cantonese Opera 'Princess Wencheng' to Premiere in Hong Kong This October

HK

New Cantonese Opera 'Princess Wencheng' to Premiere in Hong Kong This October
HK

HK

New Cantonese Opera 'Princess Wencheng' to Premiere in Hong Kong This October

2024-09-19 12:26 Last Updated At:12:48

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October

The New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" by Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Theatre Company will be staged at the Sha Tin Town Hall in Hong Kong in October. Featuring a star-studded lineup of virtuosi, the opera reshapes the legendary life of this iconic woman to praise her commitment to values and her love for her family and country, demonstrating the unity and solidarity of the country's ethnic groups and the inheritance of national spirit through generations. The programme is part of the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival and the Guangzhou Culture Week.

More Images
New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" is an epic opera based on the history of Princess Wencheng's marriage to the King of Ancient Tibet in the Tang dynasty. Unlike the traditional melancholic image of a princess in a political marriage, the play portrays Princess Wencheng as an intelligent, playful, courageous and responsible woman. It also captures the unwavering commitment to her values, relentless pursuit of ideals, and chosen path in life, paving the way for establishing a new era in Han-Tibetan relations.

On the basis of inheriting and promoting Cantonese opera, the music of the play integrates the melodies from the Tang dynasty, and with Tibetan, Buddhist and modern elements. Through spectacular and elegant stage design, lighting, and costumes reflecting both Han and Tibetan styles, the audience will be able to experience the prosperous atmosphere of ancient Tang and the beauty of national harmony from a thousand years ago.

The production will also feature an impressive lineup of outstanding artists. Among them, Li Jiayi, who portrays Princess Wencheng from the age of 15 to 55 and with roles ranging from xiaosheng (young male), huadan (female lead), daomadan (female warrior), qingyi (virtuous female) to laodan (old woman), has won the China Theatre Plum Blossom Award for this play. Other performers include two-time recipient of the Plum Blossom Award Ou Kaiming, who plays the role of Songtsen Gampo, and Plum Blossom Award winners Li Junsheng and Chen Yunhong, who portray Tang Hao and Madam Li respectively. More than 100 performers and backstage staff from the Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Theatre Company will participate in the performances.

The play tells the story of Li Xueyan, who is designated as Princess Wencheng and sent to marry in the distant land of Tǔfān (or Great Tibet). Though torn by internal turmoil, she accepts her fate, viewing it as her duty to serve her country, and sets off for her new home far away without qualms. On her journey, she has an accident near a cliff but is saved by the King of Ancient Tibet Songtsen Gampo, who has come to welcome his bride. It is love at first sight. Despite facing numerous trials and enduring severe challenges to her familial ties, love, loyalty to her country and even her own life, Princess Wencheng overcomes them all with a benevolent heart, wisdom, and courage. She devotes 40 years of her life to assisting her husband in governing the country. She also becomes a close friend of Ancient Tibet's Tang Hao, fostering cultural exchange and integration between the peoples of Han and Ancient Tibet.

The Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Theatre Company was established as the Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Workshop in 1953 through the merger of the Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Troupe and the Guangzhou Hongdou Cantonese Opera Troupe. The troupe's notable productions include "Guan Hanqing", "The Crafty Princess and Her Reckless Husband, and "Revolution Comes to the Mountain Villages". Upholding the principles of "Preservation, Reform, Innovation, and Development", the troupe is dedicated to grooming talents and staging outstanding productions as its core mission. With these principles, it steadfastly moves along the path of sustainable development for the Chinese opera art form, exploring scientific and modern practices, and strives to promote this rich art of South China.

The New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" by Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Theatre Company will be held at 7.30pm on October 22 (Tuesday) and 23 (Wednesday) at the Auditorium of Sha Tin Town Hall. Lyrics and dialogues are with Chinese and English surtitles. Tickets priced at $180, $260, $340 and $420 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. Discount schemes are available for the programmes under the Guangzhou Culture Week (including Grand Chinese Dance Drama "Awakening Lion" by Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre on October 26 and 27), including "Guangzhou Culture Week" package discount, group booking discount and concessionary tickets. Additional early bird discount is available until September 26 for purchasing the above-mentioned programmes through any of the discount schemes. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7325 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_1770.html.

The programme will feature a creative sharing session and a post-performance talk. Both sessions will be conducted in Cantonese. The creative sharing session will be held at 7.30pm on October 20 (Sunday) at AC1, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Speakers include Li Jiayi, Ou Kaiming, Li Junsheng, Chen Yunhong and renowned local Cantonese opera artist Lau Wai-ming, while local young Chinese opera performer Lam Wai-ting will be the moderator. Admission is free and online registration is required (www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_1770.html#tab_5_0). Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The post-performance talk will be held after the performance on October 22 (Tuesday). The speakers include Li Jiayi, Ou Kaiming, Li Junsheng and Chen Yunhong. Members of the audience are welcome to stay behind to join.

In addition, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)will hold the "Guangzhou Culture Week" Programme Exhibition from October 8 to 27 at the Foyer of Sha Tin Town Hall. The exhibition will feature the costumes and props of the Cantonese opera "Princess Wencheng" and dance drama "Awakening Lion". Admission is free. Members of the public are welcome to join on the spot. The Guangzhou Culture Week is jointly organised by the LCSD and the Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau.

Hong Kong is hosting city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival for the first time. It organises and co-ordinates over 260 performances and exchange activities to be held across the "9+2" cities of the Greater Bay Area. The festival aims to showcase the vibrant and diverse cultural richness of the region and foster cultural exchange and co-operation among the cities. For detailed information about the festival, please visit www.gbacxlo.gov.hk.

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New Cantonese Opera "Princess Wencheng" to be staged in Hong Kong in October Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025

Officiated by Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Pan Yundong and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, a reception in celebration of International Customs Day (ICD) 2025 was held by Hong Kong Customs at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (January 21).

The World Customs Organization (WCO) set the theme of this year's ICD as "Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity", highlighting the crucial and diverse roles of Customs in streamlining customs clearance procedures, safeguarding society safety, and fostering economic growth.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered a pre-recorded speech to express his appreciation for the unwavering dedication of Hong Kong Customs in shaping Hong Kong into a world city and trade hub. He emphasised that under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. He expressed his confidence that Hong Kong Customs will continue to promote international co-operation and enhance Hong Kong's roles as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between the Mainland and the world.

In his speech, Mr Chan elaborated on the diverse responsibilities of Hong Kong Customs in streamlining clearance procedures, facilitating trade and ensuring the well-being and safety of society. He also highlighted the significance of Hong Kong Customs' role as the Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific region of the WCO, underscoring Hong Kong's proactive and leading role in global customs affairs. Mr Chan said that Hong Kong Customs would continue to tell good stories of Hong Kong to a worldwide audience, and will remain committed to contributing to the overall development of the country and the Chinese modernisation process.

Hong Kong Customs became a member of the WCO in 1987, and ICD has become an annual event of Hong Kong Customs ever since. At the celebration reception, Mr Pan presented WCO Certificates of Merit to Hong Kong Customs' officers and business stakeholders in recognition of their remarkable contributions to various customs affairs pertinent to the theme of ICD.

Over 300 guests, including officials of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, representatives of various offices of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong and Customs administrations of the Mainland and Macao, Consuls-General, foreign Customs attachés, as well as private stakeholders, attended the reception.

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Recommended Articles
Hot · Posts