Shangdang Prefecture, located atop the Taihang Mountains, is the birthplace of Shangdang Bangzi Opera, one of the four Bangzi Opera genres of Shanxi Province. Shaped by this distinctive landscape, it developed a rich repertoire based on the saga of the loyal Yang generals of the Song dynasty, marked by clear moral contrasts, impassioned singing, and bold, resonant music. On its Hong Kong debut, the troupe will be presenting the classic The Banquet at Sanguan, portraying Dowager She’s tragic decision to place justice above blood ties. Selected excerpts recount emotional conflicts between loyalty, filial piety, love for one’s spouse, and heroic sacrifice on the battlefield. They illustrate how bravery and emotional intensity define the distinctive theatrical impact of Shangdang Bangzi Opera.
14/8 (FRI) 7:30pm
The Banquet at Sanguan
Main Cast : Chen Suqin, Qi Suzhen, Zheng Fagen, Dong Xiaoqin, Li Dan
15/8 (SAT) 7:30pm
Excerpts To Kill His Wife, Assassinating Empress Dowager Xiao and The Great Battle from Yanmen Pass, Forced into Insanity from Incidents at the Temporary Imperial Palace
Main Cast : Chen Suqin, Zheng Fagen, Wang Zhen, Li Dan, Li Fan, Wu Yanyan
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
13/8 (THU) 7:30pm
Meet-the-Artists: The Unique Artistic Features and Vocal Characteristics of Shangdang Bangzi Opera
Speaker: Chen Suqin
Moderator: Sheng Yihui
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.