New Vision Cantonese Opera: 'To Be or Not To Be' Premieres in Hong Kong This June

"New Vision Cantonese Opera: 'To Be or Not To Be'" brings together Hong Kong and Shenzhen artists in June to reimagine classic legend

"New Vision Cantonese Opera: 'To Be or Not To Be' - The Legendary Story of Lu Wenlong", jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Shenzhen Cantonese Opera Troupe, will be staged in Hong Kong this June. With renowned Hong Kong director Fredric Mao serving as artistic director, director and co-playwright, the production brings together talented performers and creative elites from Hong Kong and Shenzhen and reinterprets the classic story of "double-spear general" Lu Wenlong from a contemporary perspective. Peng Qinghua, winner of the China Theatre Plum Blossom Award and the Head of the Shenzhen Cantonese Opera Troupe, will lead a group of outstanding performers from the troupe to perform in Hong Kong, demonstrating the collaborative achievement in a high-quality cultural creation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

"To Be or Not To Be" is co-produced by the LCSD of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Shenzhen Association for International Culture Exchanges, the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, and the Shenzhen Bao'an District People's Government. This production not only showcases the dedication of the Hong Kong and Shenzhen governments to foster arts, cultural development and talent exchanges in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), but also encourages innovation in Cantonese opera and promotes Chinese culture. With this premise, Mao has innovatively defined this epic opera with the concept of "new vision, new approach, new audience" - using more creative approaches to preserve the artistic essence of traditional Cantonese opera and bring it into a new era.

Mao selected the newly adapted story of Lu Wenlong, a legendary figure from the Qing dynasty novel "The Story of Yue Fei". The narrative unfolds after the Jingkang Incident, where the Song general Lu Deng and his wife die in the name of their country, leaving their infant son Lu Wenlong. He is adopted by Jin prince Wuzhu, and raised to become a formidable warrior. Upon learning the truth of his origins, Wenlong is torn between national loyalty and the bond of his upbringing. "To Be or Not To Be" explores this classic story through a contemporary narrative approach. By refining the script, developing characters and pursuing the truth, it brings a modern flair to a Cantonese opera classic while preserving the traditional essence.

The creative team of "To Be or Not To Be" boasts exceptional talent. Alongside Mao, it features local young Chinese opera performing arts creator Jason Kong as co-playwright; seasoned Cantonese opera music designer Sunny Li for vocal and music design; lighting designer of the National Theatre of China Han Jiang for lighting design; with set and costume design by veteran Hong Kong artists Ricky Chan and Mandy Tam respectively.

Leading the cast, Peng, who received the title of "Leading Talent in Sheng Roles in Chinese Traditional Theatre", will take on the role of Lu Wenlong. Lin Haitao, a fifth-generation inheritor of the Southern School of Cantonese opera, will portray Jin Wuzhu. Other key performers from the Shenzhen Cantonese Opera Troupe include Bu Meiling and Huang Hui, alongside outstanding young artist Lin Feng.

The collaborative creation on "To Be or Not To Be" fully leverages the complementary strengths of artistic elites from Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Building upon the legacy of traditional Cantonese opera, it infuses modern aesthetics and values, providing a platform to nurture young Cantonese opera talent, as well as enhancing the cohesion and expressive power of culture within the GBA.

The two Hong Kong performances will be held at 8pm on June 12 and 13 (Friday and Saturday) at the Auditorium of Kwai Tsing Theatre. Tickets priced at $180, $280, $380 and $480 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. A 30 per cent early bird discount will be offered from now until April 21 for purchasing standard programme tickets. Additionally, a 30 per cent family package discount on standard tickets will be offered for each purchase of two standard tickets and one student or senior citizen concessionary ticket. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2734 2930 or visit www.cxlo.gov.hk/en/gba/page-1712.html.

This programme features two sharing sessions (in Cantonese). The first session, titled "Defining Heroes on Stage: The Challenges of Chinese Opera Adaptation", will be held at 7.30pm on May 5 (Tuesday) at Function Room AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The speakers will be Mao and Kong. The second session, titled "Beyond Fan Culture: Promotion Strategies for Performing Arts in Hong Kong and Shenzhen", will be held at 3.30pm on May 17 (Sunday), at Bar Lemna, Lemna of the Alchemist, G/F, Restaurant Block, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The speakers will be Mao and the artistic producer of Actors' Family, Mandy Yiu. The General Manager of the International Association of Theatre Critics (Hong Kong), Ms Bernice Chan, will serve as the moderator of both sessions. Admission is free, while online registration (www.iatc.com.hk/doc/107849) is required on a first-come, first-served basis. For the second session, a minimum purchase of one drink per participant is required.

Two Shenzhen performances of "To Be or Not To Be" will be held at 8pm on May 23 and 24 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Shenzhen Grand Theatre. Please visit the above-mentioned programme web pagefor more information.

"New Vision Cantonese Opera: 'To Be or Not To Be'" brings together Hong Kong and Shenzhen artists in June to reimagine classic legend Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"New Vision Cantonese Opera: 'To Be or Not To Be'" brings together Hong Kong and Shenzhen artists in June to reimagine classic legend Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"New Vision Cantonese Opera: 'To Be or Not To Be'" brings together Hong Kong and Shenzhen artists in June to reimagine classic legend Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by SJ at Opening Ceremony of New Premises of Law Society of Hong Kong

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the Opening Ceremony of the New Premises of the Law Society of Hong Kong today (April 8):

President Roden Tong (President of the Law Society of HongKong), Council members, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is a great honour to join you today to officiate the opening of the new premises of the Law Society of Hong Kong at The Center and to celebrate the 119th anniversary of the Law Society's incorporation. This is a momentous occasion, not just for the Law Society, but for the legal community of Hong Kong. It is a celebration of heritage, of progress and of our shared commitment to the rule of law.

For over a century, the Law Society has stood as a steadfast pillar of Hong Kong's legal system. From the early days of this city's development to its current status as a leading international financial, shipping and trading centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent, generation after generation of solicitors have been the custodians of professional standards, the advocates for access to justice and the trusted advisors to individuals, business and the community at large.

Reaching such a historic milestone is a testament to the vision of your predecessors and the dedication of your current leadership and members. The legal landscape of HongKong has transformed dramatically over these 119 years and even more so recently given the rapid technological development and increasing globalisation. However, the core values of integrity, professionalism and service upheld and embodied by the Law Society have remained constant, guiding the profession through times of change and challenge.

Today, however, we are not just looking back at a rich history; we are looking forward to a bright future. In an era characterised by rapid technological advancement and evolving legal landscapes, the need for a strong, united and forward-looking professional body is greater than ever. Against this backdrop, the opening of the new premises is timely and symbolic of the Law Society's commitment to nurturing young legal talent, as well as generating innovative ideas through fruitful collaborations.

As Hong Kong further consolidates its role as a leading centre for international legal and dispute resolution services as supported by the National 15th Five-Year Plan approved last month, the Department of Justice (DoJ) is itself embarking on an exciting project to develop a new HongKong International Legal Service Building next to the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation in Wan Chai.

The construction of this new international legal hub reflects the Government's firm commitment to provide enhanced infrastructure for our legal and dispute resolution communities. Just as the Law Society's new premises will serve as a focal point for the solicitors' profession, the new international legal hub will stand as another landmark for Hong Kong's legal services sector as a whole. I also look forward to even closer collaboration between the Law Society and the DoJ in advancing the cause of justice and the rule of law, as well as to harnessing our unique legal system under the principle of "one country, two systems" to contribute to our country.

Once again, I extend my warmest congratulations to the Law Society, to its presidents past and present, and to all its members. May these new premises be a place where professional excellence, integrity and a deep commitment to justice continue to flourish. I am confident that this new chapter for the Law Society will be defined by continued excellence and an even stronger commitment to serve both its members and the people of Hong Kong. Thank you.

Source: AI-found images

Speech by SJ at Opening Ceremony of New Premises of Law Society of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Source: AI-found images