THE PURPLE HAIRPIN / THE MOON PAVILION

CANTONESE OPERA (Hong Kong)

15, 16, 17/10;Friday, Saturday, Sunday;8pm     Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium     Tickets: MOP 500, 400, 300, 200

Artistic Director, Musical Director, Director: Leung Hon Wai
Supervisor, Director: Clifton Ko Chi Sum
Playwright: To Kwok Wai
Main Cast (The Purple Hairpin) : Joyce Koi Ming Fai and Ng Mei Ying
Main Cast (The Moon Pavilion) : Leung Hon Wai and Nam Fung

In 2009, Cantonese (or Yueju) Opera was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This unique and mesmerising Chinese performing art combines Mandarin operatic extravaganza and Cantonese dialect to render a rich array of stories that provide a cultural bond among Cantonese speakers all over the world. This year, the MIMF invites top stars from the Hong Kong opera scene to bring to life two of the most moving love stories of the Yueju repertoire.

The Purple Hairpin, originally written by Tang Xianzu (1550- 1616), often praised as the “Shakespeare of the East”, tells the classic tale of the two young lovers Lei Yik and Fok Siu Yuk and their unremitting struggle against the iniquities of officialdom, when Commander Lou sets his mind on separating the couple and making Lei Yik his son-in-law. In The Moon Pavilion, we are taken back to the chaotic period of the Mongolian invasions, when love blossoms between Cheong Sai Long and Wong Soi Lan, the daughter of Minister Wong Zen, who is intent on hampering the couple’s union but is faced with the all-conquering power of destiny. Two absolute must-sees!

Duration: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one interval

FESTIVAL+: Pre-Concert Talk