Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District｜Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2025 Xiqu Centre Original Production: Experimental Cantonese Opera “Wenguang Explores the Valley”

Description

A contemporary retelling of a classic warrior tale based on the stories of a legendary family of military leaders

Set 1,000 years ago, in the Northern Song dynasty, Wenguang Explores the Valley is an experimental retelling of an historic tale centred around the legendary Yang family generals.

The adaptation features renowned Cantonese opera actors Keith Lai, Janet Wong, Ng Lap-hei and Shum Pak-chuen, who showcase martial arts skills that combine Northern and Southern influences and portray characters from three generations of the family.

Through a mix of traditional and new set pieces, stunning multimedia visuals and contemporary theatre technology and practices, the adaptation presents Wenguang’s contemplation of his family legacy as a metaphor for the preservation and innovation of Cantonese opera in the modern era.

Wenguang Explores the Valley is the Xiqu Centre’s second experimental Cantonese opera production. Since its 2019 premiere in Beijing, the critically acclaimed 70-minute work has been recognised with a number of prestigious awards.

Synopsis

Yang Wenguang hails from a family of legendary warriors. But a dream about a renowned late forefather, and a failed attempt to rescue his father from enemy hands, cause him to doubt his ability to master the martial arts skills of his ancestors. When a manservant reveals that the key to honouring his family’s legacy lies not in study but within his heart, Wenguang finds the strength to fight on.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes without intermission

Producer / Director: 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 

Video Designer: Dan Fong 

Deputy Producer: Peter Lee* 

Production Manager: Cherry Kwan* 

Technical Coordinator: Simon Lau 

Producer Assistant: Phoebe Ng*

Cast: 

Keith Lai as Yang Jiye (Yang Linggong) / Yang Zongbao 

Janet Wong as Yang Qiniang (Du Jiner) 

Ng Lap-hei as Yang Wenguang 

Shum Pak-chuen as Yang Hong / Wang Wen

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, Wong Hon-keung, Zhong Shi-ling, Zhu Xiaolin

*Staff of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority