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QINGDAO TODAY
在线翻译:
szdaily -> News -> 
Cantonese Opera to bring fresh charm
    2019-03-28  08:53    Shenzhen Daily

Wang Jingli


wangjingli0715@163.com


THE classical Cantonese opera, “Pavilion of a Hundred Flowers,” will be staged tomorrow and Saturday at Shenzhen Poly Theater as part of the 2019 Shenzhen Belt & Road International Music Festival.


Fredric Mao Chun-fai, director of the opera, said he used fresh approaches to update different aspects of the opera, such as the script, acting, music and production, for last year’s Hong Kong Arts Festival, and it was a great success.


“Many people, even those who had not watched Cantonese Opera, spoke highly of the updated version. So we are glad to bring it to Shenzhen,” he said.


“Pavilion of a Hundred Flowers” tells a story set during the Yuan Dynasty (1271—1368). After learning that Prince Anxi was planning to revolt, the court ordered Marshal Zou Hualong and Jiang Liuyun to infiltrate the prince’s mansion as spies. However, Jiang immediately fell in love with Princess Baihua at the forbidden Pavilion of a Hundred Flowers and received a sword from Princess Baihua as a marriage promise.


Mao maintained that the best way to inherit a traditional artform is not to completely change it. “We still need to keep the basic and fundamental content or the essence of Cantonese Opera. But as far as the other aspects, such as costumes and music, we should keep innovating to help it develop along with the times,” said Mao.


“For example, we reduced the duration of a traditional Cantonese Opera, which normally lasts around three to four hours, to just two hours and 30 minutes without affecting the full performance. We also avoid the repetition of certain content,” added Mao.


Cantonese Opera was officially listed as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2009.


The artists are the key to each performance. A brilliant performance can provide the audience with an enlightening experience, said Mao, who is very serious about rehearsal.


“I have to return to Hong Kong tonight for the rehearsal for the Shenzhen show. There is still room for improvement.”

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