Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District｜Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2025 —— Xiqu Centre Original Production: Experimental Cantonese Opera “Farewell My Concubine” (New Adaptation)

Description

An innovative, award-winning production shedding new light on a familiar tragic tale

Blending traditional Cantonese opera techniques with contemporary stage and lighting design, this groundbreaking adaptation of a Peking opera classic reinterprets the legendary story of the downfall of Xiang Yu, the self-proclaimed “Overlord of Western Chu”.

Told from the perspective of warlord Xiang Yu, the 70-minute production reimagines the last moments of a hero caught between reality and illusion. From the siege and defeat of his troops, to his separation from his lover and subsequent suicide, we follow the hero as he descends into isolation and despair.

Throughout the performance, innovative manipulation of modern and traditional music and lighting, interaction between actors and musicians, and flamboyant battle scenes create a heightened sense of time and emotion and immerse the audience in a spectacular experience.

Farewell My Concubine (New Adaptation) premiered in 2017 as the Xiqu Centre’s first commissioned work. The award-winning production has been staged multiple times to rave reviews and critical acclaim.

Runtime：Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes without intermission

Producer: Naomi Chung* 

Script / Direction / Music Arrangement: Keith Lai, Janet Wong 

Technical Director: Rae Wu* 

Set Designer: Wong Yat-kwan 

Lighting Designer: Leo Siu 

Sound Designer: Wan San-hong 

Costume Designer: Mandy Tam 

Headgear Designer: Ken Tsang 

Deputy Producer: Peter Lee* 

Production Manager: Cherry Kwan* 

Technical Coordinator: Simon Lau 

Producer Assistant: Phoebe Ng*

Cast: 

Keith Lai as Xiang Yu 

Janet Wong as Yuji (Concubine Yu) 

Ng Lap-hei as Groom / Soldier

Music Ensemble: 

Ensemble Leader: Mao Yijun 

Percussion Ensemble Leader: Chan Ting-pong 

Musicians: Chen Yifan, Ho Cheuk-chun, Lai Ka-wai, Leung Shuk-in, Mak Yongqi, Zhong Shiling, Zhu Xiaolin

*Staff of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority