One of the most expressive regional opera genres of Hebei Province is its Bangzi Opera, known for its impassioned intensity, soaring vocal lines, and richly varied stylised movements. The Hebei Bangzi Opera Theatre of Hebei Province returns to Hong Kong with a stellar line-up of Plum Blossom Award winners, four of whom will lead the cast in Zhong Kui the Ghosteater, a signature production and perennial favourite since its premiere in the 1980s. The Magic Lotus Lantern is a mythological drama that culminates in the climactic close, when the son axes open the mountain to rescue his celestial mother. Crossing dimensions of mortals, spirits, and celestials, the performance presents highly challenging martial art techniques enhanced by delicate dance movements. A dedicated programme of excerpts further showcases the vitality and living legacy of Hebei Bangzi Opera.
24/7 (FRI) 7:30pm
Zhong Kui the Ghosteater
Main Cast : Wu Guiyun, Hao Shichao, Sun Na, Qiu Ruide, An Shuancheng
25/7 (SAT) 7:30pm
The Magic Lotus Lantern
Main Cast : Sun Na, Hao Shichao, Qiu Ruide, An Shuancheng
26/7 (SUN) 2:30pm
Excerpts Crying at the City Wall from North and South Make Peace, The Hu Homestead, On the Execution Ground from The Injustice Done to Dou E, The Bloody Battle at Waqiao from Waqiao Pass
Main Cast : Wu Guiyun, Hao Shichao, Sun Na, Zhang Jingyue
The performance will run for about 2 hours 30 minutes including a 15-minute intermission.
Programme offerings differ by date. With Chinese and English surtitles.
Extension Activity
23/7 (THU) 7:30pm
Meet-the-Artists: A Fine Mix of the Lyrical and the Vigorous in Its Civil and Martial Repertoires
Speakers: Wu Guiyun, Qiu Ruide, Hao Shichao, Sun Na
Moderator: Hu Guangming
Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
In Putonghua
Free admission. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required, please refer to Cultural Presentations Section website.