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Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe of Shaoxing

Introduction

Yue Opera, also known as Shaoxing Opera, is originated from Shengzhou, Shaoxing city of Zhejiang Province, i.e. where the ancient kingdom Yue was located, and thus the genre is named for ‘Yue Opera’. Yue Opera is usually formed by the all-female cast. It is characterised by its lyrical singing and the subtlety and tenderness of the melodies, while the makeup style of the actors is graceful and glamorous. Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe of Shaoxing will be staging four plays in this series, including the grand production of Qu Yuan, as well as classic titles including How a Dead Cat was Substituted for a New-born Prince, The Lady General Mu Guiying Leads Her Army to War and Three Glimpses of the Princess. All these four full-length plays are performed by Wu Fenghua, a xiaosheng (young male) role player of the Fan (Ruijuan) school, two-time winner of the Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre and National Class One Performer. She is joined by three other winners of the Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre and National Class One Performers, namely, Wu Suying from the Lu (Ruiying) school, Chen Fei from the Fu (Quanxiang) school, as well as Zhang Lin from the Yin (Guifang) school. Strong cast of virtuosi gathered on the same stage is undoubtedly attractive.

Qu Yuan is a distinguished Yue Opera play of virtuoso Yin Guifang in her later years. The play expanded the artistic aspects of Yue Opera to present the solemn and tragic story of the historic figure Qu Yuan. It requires a high-level of singing and acting skills. Wu Fenghua has made breakthroughs in the role of xiaosheng in her powerful interpretation of the patriotic and noble poet. The audience will be able to experience intense drama tension. How a Dead Cat was Substituted for a New-born Prince was the play that won Wu Fenghua her second Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre. It is also one of the most popular productions of the Troupe in recent years. The Lady General Mu Guiying Leads Her Army to War is a civil and martial play characterised by complicated singing and gesturing. Wu Fenghua plays the role of Yang Zongbao and highly demonstrates her marvellous civil and martial skills. Famed for her handsome look and elegant demeanour, Wu stands out from fellow female actors in the xiaosheng role. Three Glimpses of the Princess, on the other hand, is a timeless classic comedy. Each of the four plays is unique on their own characteristic and not to be missed.

Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe of Shaoxing

Programme Details

19/7 (Thu)20/7 (Fri) 21/7 (Sat)22/7 (Sun)

19/7 (Thu) 7:30pm

Qu Yuan

A historical epic that retains the subtle charm of Jiangnan Yue Opera.

To revive the State of Chu, Qu Yuan advocates to reform the country to eliminate weaknesses and to resist against Qin. Qu drafts constitutional laws, rectifies the legal system and demonstrates extraordinary talent in governance and administration of state affairs. Zhang Yi, the Prime Minster of Qin, does not only sabotage the alliance between Chu and Qi, but also bribes Jin Shang, tricks the Southern Queen, deceives King Huai of Chu, and slanders Qu Yuan. Yet, in adversity, Qu Yuan works as a government official but worries about his fellow people. When he lives in wilderness, he still looks up to the imperial court and upholds his own aspirations to perfect the political system. He challenges the political mistakes of the State of Chu, the corruptness of local government officers, and the greed of aristocrats. He even challenges King Huai of Chu, blaming him for being non-competitive, non-observant and indecisive. Qu also feels sorry for the King’s bad luck. He sighs that a clueless king has harmed the state. The sparkles in winter emit a dashing spirit. When the State of Chu collapses, Qu Yuan would rather give up his life than leaving his home country. The sun and the moon can prove his loyalty to the country and to his king. Qu tries to clean up the world with his own pureness. He does not care for personal grudges. To protect the interest of the State of Chu, he dies for his home country, for his beliefs and for his aspirations, leaving everlasting regrets, resentment, and sadness behind. Qu misses his home country and wishes to serve her until his last breath. Qu’s student Song Yu shoulders what Qu Yuan entrusted him and proceeds on a life journey in search of the appropriate ways to resolve problems without hesitation.

Main Cast: Wu Fenghua, Wu Suying, Zhang Lin, Yu Weiping, Lou Huiqin

The running time of the performance is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes including an intermission of 15 minutes.


20/7 (Fri) 7:30pm

How a Dead Cat was Substituted for a New-born Prince

The lingering allure of singing is technically presented by the techniques of the sonorous and powerful Fan school, the brilliant and glamorous Lu school, as well as the subtle and extensive Fu school. The ancient case of injustice is played out with meticulously designed movements. Human integrity is sung out with intense sensitivity.

During the reign of Emperor Zhenzong of Song, Queen Li gives birth. The jealous Consort Liu teams up with the eunuch Guo Huai and swaps the crown prince with a skinned dead cat. Consort Liu asks palace maid Kouzhu to throw the crown prince into the pond from the Nine-twist Bridge and drown him to death. Kouzhu does not want to kill him, and seeks help from eunuch Chen Lin. They put the prince into a vanity box and secretly send him to the Eighth Prince, Zhao Defang, who can raise the crown prince. Consort Liu slanders Queen Li for giving birth to a monster. Zhenzong puts Queen Li into the Cold Palace and bestows the title of queen to Consort Liu. Guo Huai reports the encounter between Kouzhu and Chen Lin at the Nine-twist Bridge to Consort Liu, who demands Chen Lin to interrogate Kouzhu. Kouzhu does not submit and knocks herself onto a pillar to death. Consort Liu asks Guo Hua to burn down Cold Palace. Queen Li is rescued from prison and goes on exile to lead a civilian’s life. Eighteen years later, Emperor Zhenzong dies. Zhao Zhen, the son of Queen Li, ascends the throne and becomes Emperor Renzong. As Bao Zheng carries out relief work in Chenzhou, he is met with Queen Li’s plea for injustice. Bao takes up her case and cleans up her name. Emperor Renzhong receives his mother back to the palace. He also kills Guo Huai and demotes Consort Liu.

Main Cast: Wu Fenghua, Wu Suying, Chen Fei

The running time of the performance is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including an intermission of 15 minutes.


21/7 (Sat) 7:30pm

The Lady General Mu Guiying Leads Her Army to War

The play demonstrates the artistic character of Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe of Shaoxing – ‘singing civil plays with martial skills; performing martial acts with civil techniques’. A narrative with unfolding drama, singing styles that are bold yet tender, and exhilarating martial sequences make this play as fascinating and as memorable as it should be.

During Northern Song, Xiao Tianzuo of the Northern Liao state invades at the border and sets up the Tianmen battle formation at Jiulongyu, trying to take over the Central Plains. Yang Yanzhao is summoned by the emperor to go on the military expedition. However, the military food supplies fall into the hands of Mu Guiying. Yang Zongbao is asked to retrieve the food supplies, but is captured at the stockade by Mu Guiying, who asks him to be her husband. After Yang Yanzhao finds out Mu Guiying is indeed a loyalist with good civil and martial skills, he convinces her to leave her stockade and work for the Song government to break up the Tianmen battle formation together. The Commander’s position is given to young Mu Guiying. Treacherous minister Wang Xin has made secret plans with the State of Liao. He puts up an evil plan to stop Mu Guiying from leading the army. Mu Guiying is strong and does not give up. She eliminates the mole of the country and leads the army to take apart the Tianmen battle formation.

Main Cast: Wu Fenghua, Chen Fei

The running time of the performance is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including an intermission of 15 minutes.


22/7 (Sun) 7:30pm

Three Glimpses of the Princess

The story is told through ‘three visits’: the first visit sees love in the air; the second confirms mutual romantic feelings; the couple vow their love to each other in the third. The play is poetic, romantic and atmospheric.

Liu Jinding, a princess, visits a temple. The son of a minister Feng Jiajin disguises himself as a villager to get a glimpse of the princess. The two fall in love at first sight. Liu Jinding misses Feng after she returns to the palace. Feng Jiajin disguises himself as a physician and makes his way to the palace to get another glimpse of Jinding. At the follow up consultation, Feng Jiajin gets a third glimpse at Liu Jinding and confesses his love. Jinding gives Jiajin the connected brushes gifted to her by the emperor and makes vows to love Jiajin forever. The matter is found out by Liu Tianhua, the father of Liu Jinding. Jiajin is charged for flirting with a royal and is sentenced to execution. Liu Jinding negotiates with the emperor, who pardons Feng Jiajin and gives his blessings to the marriage between Liu Jinding and Feng Jiajin.

Main Cast: Wu Fenghua, Wu Suying

The running time of the performance is approximately 3 hours including an intermission of 15 minutes.




Information provided by Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe of Shaoxing

Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe of Shaoxing

Performing Group

Since its establishment in 1986, the troupe has created and performed some 40 full-length plays and more than 50 excerpts. Their works have received a long list of honours, including the ‘Five One Project Awards’ of Zhejiang, the Outstanding Repertory Award and Special Award at the Theatre Festival of Zhejiang Province, the Gold Award at China Yue Opera Arts Festival, the Repertory Award at the China Theatre Festival, and the China Xiqu Society Award. The main cast of the troupe, including Wu Fenghua, Wu Suying, Chen Fei and Zhang Lin, are winners of the Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre. Wu Fenghua is a two-time winner of the Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre. The new edition Yue Opera, How a Dead Cat was Substituted for a New-born Prince was rated an outstanding stock repertory of Zhejiang Province, and was invited to participate in the All China Outstanding Repertory Showcase. The troupe is active in the regions of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. It has travelled to and performed in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore. The troupe’s performances have been enthusiastically received and highly popular.

Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe of Shaoxing

Ticketing

19-21/7   (Thu-Sat)   7:30pm
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Price    price 1 $450   price 2 $350   price 3 $250   price 4 $150
Internet Booking: www.urbtix.hk
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
22/7   (Sun)   7:30pm
Auditorium, Tuen Mun Town Hall
Price    price 1 $340   price 2 $280   price 3 $220   price 4 $150
Internet Booking: www.urbtix.hk
Auditorium, Tuen Mun Town Hall
  • With Chinese and English surtitles
  • Please refer to the Extension Activitiespage for details of extension activities
  • The running time of each performance is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes including an intermission of 15 minutes.

Programme Enquiries: 2268 7325
icketing Enquiries: 3761 6661
Credit Card Telephone Booking: 2111 5999
Internet Booking:www.urbtix.hk

Please click here for discount scheme details.

Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe of Shaoxing

Programme Trailer

Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe of Shaoxing

House Programme

house programme