Explore more events in Hong Kong > >

First Troupe of the China National Peking Opera Company | Show Introduction

The fine art of Peking opera in five masterpieces starring the best from the world’s leading Peking opera troupe

Established in 1955, the China National Peking Opera Company is the country’s leading Chinese opera company, performing both the classic Peking opera repertoire and new works based on and extending the tradition, with a pool of top-class artists in the genre.

After a six-year absence, the China National Peking Opera Company makes its long-awaited return to the HKAF, appearing in three programmes featuring five richly diverse works including a full-length opera and excerpts from classics and masterpieces—each representing pinnacles of excellence in the company’s extensive repertoire. Featured in these compelling dramatic works are two of China’s most famous and charismatic Peking opera superstars, Yu Kuizhi and Li Shengsu.

Following its sold-out performance at the 46th HKAF, which received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences, the company’s performance of Princess Changping is a not-to-be-missed highlight for Chinese opera lovers this year. Adapted from one of the best-known Cantonese operas, it pays tribute to the classic work written by the legendary Tong Tik-sang, which premiered in 1957. Set in the dying days of the Ming dynasty, it recounts the ill-fated love between Princess Changping and Zhou Shixian.

The Cosmos Sword, created by famed Peking opera actor Maestro Mei Langfang (1894-1961), is considered the pinnacle of the Mei School of Peking opera artistry. It tells a long story full of intrigue about the feud between two political blocs during the Qin dynasty that ruins the happy marriage of a young couple. The three climactic scenes to be staged this time involve a variety of virtuosic singing and complex dance movements for the role of Lady Zhao, which will be played by Li Shengsu, the most prominent disciple of the Mei School today.

Reconciliation between the General and the Prime Minister is a famous story set during the Warring States epoch based on historical accounts with great cultural resonance throughout China. This classic Peking opera features the role types laosheng (senior male) and hualian (painted face), with plenty of opportunities to show off their acting and singing. The three most exciting scenes from this opera will be performed.

The Loss of Jieting, Defending an Unguarded Fortress and Executing Ma Su, which are usually staged in a single work known as The Zhuge Liang Trilogy, form an important part of the traditional Peking opera repertoire. The three excerpted works are adaptations of stories from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. This evergreen classic is replete with drama and is famous for its singing segments. Despite their disparate themes, the three excerpts are coherently interwoven and pack a dramatic punch. Meanwhile, Escorting Su San to Trial is a sympathetic portrayal of downtrodden prostitute Su San (played by Li Shengsu), whose grievances have long moved audiences.

Show Details

• First Troupe of the China National Peking Opera Company
• 26 Feb 2024 | Princess Changping
• 27 Feb 2024｜The Cosmos Sword & Reconciliation between the General and the Prime Minister
• 28 Feb 2024 | Escorting Su San to Trial & The Zhuge Liang Trilogy
• Venue: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
• Address: 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Ticket Details

• Ticket purchase website: Urbtix
• Ticket prices: HKD 480 / 380 / 280 / 200 / 140
• Students: HKD 190 / 140 / 100 / 70

Source of the above information: Hong Kong Arts Festival 2024 official website