Virtues and Morality—Four Cantonese Operas | Show Introduction

Learn about traditional Chinese virtues through Cantonese operas

Virtues and Morality—Four Cantonese Operas is a quartet of original Cantonese operas that illustrate traditional Chinese values in an entertaining and accessible way. Following its acclaimed debut in 2022 with three operas revolving around family, fealty and faith, the series is making a triumphant return to the stage this February with new productions centred on themes of loyalty, propriety and righteousness. The operas tell the tales of a patriot who chooses a harsh life of exile, a mother lauded for her brilliance as a teacher, a captive king willing to endure temporary humiliation and a chivalrous warrior who stays true to his word despite extreme circumstances. These beloved stories and characters will take you on a journey of discovery and reflection.

The programme is helmed by Yuen Siu-fai, an esteemed Cantonese opera veteran with a career spanning six decades who has been celebrated for his dedication to fostering young talent. Serving as Artistic Director, Yuen has handpicked some of the brightest emerging Cantonese opera stars to headline the productions, showcasing their immense talent and charisma.

Audience members will enjoy two stories in each 90-minute performance. From their conceptualisation to the scriptwriting and production, the shows have been designed to be educational, fun and accessible to viewers from all walks of life, but will be of particular interest to children, young adults and those new to Cantonese opera or traditional Chinese ethics, history and art. The performances will be perfect family activities that facilitate intergenerational bonding, or learning opportunities for those wishing to know more about Cantonese opera or Chinese culture. Regardless of whether you are looking for emotional drama, action sequences, or the visual and aural spectacle of Chinese opera, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Virtues and Morality—Four Cantonese Operas.

Story of Loyalty: Su Wu Tends the Sheep

Su Wu is sent by the Han emperor on a mission to the tribal confederation of Xiongnu, where he is detained and forced into servitude when he refuses to surrender. After 19 years of tending sheep, he is finally allowed home and is hailed for his loyalty.

Story of Shame: Gou Jian Prepares to Avenge the Nation

Goujian, the King of Yue, is held captive and coerced into tending horses for the King of Wu after being defeated in a war. After returning to his home country, he forces himself to sleep on hay and taste bile in order to remember his humiliations during his captivity in Wu. After years of preparation, he finally defeats the Wu army in a war of retaliation.

Story of Etiquette: Mencius’ Mother Admonishes Her Son

Mencius, a philosopher devoted to propriety, is outraged when he sees his wife sitting in her room in an unruly manner, and requests a divorce. His mother, however, reminds him of his own failure to knock on her door before entering, prompting Mencius to come to his senses and reconcile with his wife.

Story of Righteousness: Guan Yu Escorts his Sisters-in-Law Home on a Thousand-Mile Journey

Separated from his sworn brother and lord, Liu Bei, and surrounded in a small town with his two sisters-in-law, Guan Yu is forced to work for Cao Cao under the condition that he will not surrender himself. When he learns about Liu Bei’s whereabouts, Guan Yu immediately sets off on a long journey and fights tooth and nail to escort Liu Bei’s wives to his camp.

There will be a Meet-the-Artist session after the performance at 7:30 pm on 18/2 (Sat).

Show Details

• Virtues and Morality—Four Cantonese Operas | HKAF2023
• Date & Time:
• Story of Loyalty and Story of Shame: 18 Feb 2023, 15:30 | 19 Feb 2023, 17:00
• Story of Etiquette and Story of Righteousness: 18 Feb 2023, 19:30 | 19 Feb 2023, 14:00
• Venue: Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre
• Address: 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Ticket Details

• Ticketing website: Urbtix
• Prices: HKD 180 / 100
• Students: HKD 90 / 50
• Tickets are available for purchase from 7 December 2022

Information Source: Hong Kong Arts Festival's official website