Classic Cantonese Opera ‘Pavilion of a Hundred Flowers’ Gets a Contemporary Makeover

Description

The historic romance follows Prince Anxi who has long planned to revolt. The Yuan court orders marshal Zou Hualong and undercover agent Jiang Liuyun to infiltrate his mansion as spies. When Jiang is tricked into entering the forbidden Pavilion of a Hundred Flowers by eunuch Bala, he meets Princess Baihua, who immediately falls for his graceful demeanour. While the princess offers Jiang a sword and her hand in marriage, deception and turmoil threaten to enmesh them.

Written in 1958, the opera has remained a popular work in the repertoire of great actors such as Ho Fei-fan and Ng Kwan-lai. For this contemporary adaptation, Mao teamed up with young playwright Kong Chun-Kit to incorporate new performance components and a modern point of view into the script. This modern twist showcases the artistry of the next generation of Cantonese opera performers with the production’s evocative portrayals and emphasis on unfolding drama.

Pavilion of a Hundred Flowers (Reboot) is a part of the 47th Hong Kong Arts Festival. Please note that the opera will be performed in Cantonese and supplemented with Chinese and English subtitles.