Telephone Registration Only

starting from 10am on 17 May 2021 (Mon)

29.5.2021 (Sat) 3:00pm

The Spoken Parts of Kunqu

In Kunqu, the delivery of lines is a highly tuneful spoken part of the libretto, the phonology of which is based on Zhongzhou yun, or the ancient dialect of the Central Plains.  The tonal inflection was derived from Hongwu Zhengyun (the official compilation from the Ming dynasty) and Zhongyuan Yinyun (written by Zhou Deqing in the Yuan dynasty).

It is recognised in Kunqu circles that, in a performance, speaking the lines is more challenging than singing them.  This is because, without any accompanying music, the performer has to control and interpret the pitch, tone, rhythm, tempo, volume and cadence of the utterances.  There is little wonder, therefore, for the saying “singing is easy, speaking is hard”.  This talk uses some examples from actual performances to introduce the beauty of Kunqu’s delivery of spoken lines.

5.6.2021 (Sat) 3:00pm

The Chou Role in Kunqu

Chou, is one of five major role types in Kunqu, and includes the sub-categories xiao chou and fu chou.  On the Kunqu stage, there are numerous classic performances featuring a chou as the main protagonist.  They are all colourful and interesting regardless of whether the character’s antics consists of impromptu jesting, witty ridicule, cunning malice or queer eccentricity.  This talk introduces the rich countenances of some chou roles with classic Kunqu excerpts.

12.6.2021 (Sat) 3:00pm

Two Famous Portraiture Scenes - Painting the Portraits and The Portrait

Painting the Portraits from The Story of the Lute and The Portrait from The Peony Pavilion are both classic excerpts that depict the main character making a portrait in the story. The former is where Zhao Wuniang draws from memory a likeness of her father- and mother-in-law, while the latter is where Du Liniang paints a self-portrait using a mirror. The lyrics of the former are simple and direct, while those of the latter are elegant and charming. Both scenes are highly emotive and memorable for the audience. Through the lyrical content, this talk analyses the exquisite interpretations of the actors on stage. 

Speaker: Cheung Lai-chun (Seasoned Kunqu researcher)

In Cantonese

Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

The running time of each talk is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Registration:

1. Date & Time: from 10am on 17 May 2021 (Mon) till quota lasts. (Free admission. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

2. Telephone: 2268 7267 (Mon-Fri: 10am-1pm, 2-5:30pm; except public holidays)

3. Quota: Each person can reserve one seat of each talk. Name and contact number are required upon registration.

4. Reserved seat(s) will be released if any registered person does not show up at the venue 10 minutes after the commencement of the talk.

Programme Enquiries: 2268 7325

The presenter reserves the right to change the programme and speaker.

The programme does not represent the views of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.