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"Classics Revisited", a performance of Peking and Kunqu opera by the Jingkun Theatre from Hong Kong and the Shandong Peking Opera Theatre and presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will be staged in August.
The performance will include a selection of classic pieces including the Peking and Kunqu opera, ˇ°The Legend of the White Snakeˇ±, and excerpts from the Peking Operas, "The Meandering Valley", "Chastising the Nephew and Visiting the Grave", "The Teahouse from Romance of the Iron Bow" and "Attacking the White Tiger Brigade".
Famous Peking and Kunqu opera artists Tang Yuen-ha, Cai Zhengren, Wang Yujin, Liu Jianjie, Zhang Baozhi, Pang Huanliang and Qiu Xiujuan will perform.
The Jingkun Theatre was formerly the Hong Kong Jing Kun Arts Association,which promoted Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera. Over the years, the association has organised and co-ordinated various kinds of performances, talks, workshops, courses and exhibitions. The more recently held events include the ˇ°Northern & Southern Kunqu Virtuosi Showcaseˇ± and a Kunqu Opera production revival "Wu Song and Pan Jinlian", as well as ˇ°The Return of the Condor Heroesˇ±, which was part of the Third China Peking Opera Festival organised by China's Ministry of Culture in 2001.
In recent years, Jingkun Theatre has been dedicated to audience building by introducing the art form to primary and secondary school students, and exposing them to Chinese dramatic arts and Chinese culture through guided appreciation workshops. The company has toured Europe in 2006 to introduce the art of Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera to an international wider audience.
Accredited as one of the "top 10 Peking Opera troupes of national standing" in China, the Shandong Peking Opera Theatre is renowned for its cast of performers capable of performing all the stock roles in Chinese opera with professionalism and attention to detail. Many outstanding performers in Peking Opera have come from the company, including the venerable artists of the first generation and celebrated contemporary artists, as well as budding young performers. Many of these young artists have won awards in provincial and national competitions.
The company's repertory encompasses a wide spectrum of themes and types including traditional repertoire and new adaptations as well as modern and contemporary pieces. The company has toured many cities in China and has gone on overseas cultural exchanges, visiting Europe and Asia and winning popular as well as critical acclaim.
"The Legend of the White Snake" will be staged on August 10 (Thursday); and Excerpts from Peking Opera on August 11 (Friday) at 7.30pm at the Auditorium, Kwai Tsing Theatre. (Chinese and English subtitles will be provided).
Tickets priced at $300, $220 and $100 are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-price concessions will be granted to senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients.
For programme enquiries, call 2268 7323; for ticketing enquiries and reservations, call 2734 9009; for credit card telephone bookings, call 2111 5999; for more information, visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp.
Ends/Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:31
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