"Reunion at the Lotus Pond" reinterprets traditional paichang plays

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     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present "Revisiting a Fine Selection of Cantonese Opera: Reunion at the Lotus Pond", featuring Cantonese opera virtuosi and rising stars, in May. The cast, which features three principal actors and two principal actresses, includes Loong Koon-tin, Nam Fung, Sun Kim-long, Ruan Dewen, Li Fung, Liu Kwok-sum (May 29), Ryder Chan (May 26 and 27), Juliana Kwan and Ng Lap-hei.

     The programme is a new interpretation of traditional paichang (formulaic) plays, with Sun Kim-long as playwright and artistic director. This is a rare opportunity for patrons to enjoy paichang plays, which were the foundation of today's traditional Cantonese opera repertory.

     "Reunion at the Lotus Pond" is about the love stories of two couples. Zier of the Wang family and Baolian of the Chen family were engaged to each other by their families since before they were born. However, the engagement is annulled owing to the decline of the Wang family. Baolian asked her cousin Baochai to give all her savings to Zier and urge him to sit for the imperial examination. Baolian hopes that they can get married after Zier has won high honour and social recognition. Baochai encounters Zhang Yanxiong, who adores her, and makes an appointment with him. However, Baochai is snatched by a local tyrant, Zhang Dahong, and forced to marry him. The two couples undergo turbulent experiences until Zier and Yanxiong become the top academic and military scholars. Returning to their hometown, they happen to see Baochai and Baolian sailing on a boat in a lotus pond and have a happy reunion.

     Details of the performances are as follows:

May 26 (Saturday): Auditorium, Tuen Mun Town Hall
May 27 (Sunday): Auditorium, Tai Po Civic Centre
May 29 (Tuesday): Auditorium, Tsuen Wan Town Hall

     All performances will start at 7.30pm. Tickets priced from $120 to $280 are now available at URBTIX (http://www.urbtix.hk).

     For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7325 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_474.html.

     A pre-performance talk (in Cantonese) will be held at 2.30pm on May 1 (Tuesday) at AC1, 4/F, Administrative Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Speakers will include Loong Koon-tin, Nam Fung and Sun Kim-long. Admission is free. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ends/Thursday, March 29, 2018
Issued at HKT 10:00

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