Hong Kong’s Cantonese opera virtuoso Lung Kim-sang will take the stage in October to perform classic excerpts from two masterpieces alongside budding performers, continuing her mission to pass on the legacy of the traditional performing art.

As the opener for the new series Pass It On! A Cantonese Opera Fiesta! organized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the stage program Carrying the Legacy - Lung Kim-sang Cantonese Opera Excerpts will run from Oct 10 to 15 at the Sha Tin Town Hall, with Lung also serving as the program’s artistic director.

The first half of the program features selected excerpts from Butterfly and Red Pear Blossom - including Stealing Glances at the Tipsy Beau and Reunion at the Pavilion, Ode to the Pear Blossoms and Three Misunderstandings during an Official Journey. They portray the intricate love story of the talented scholar Zhao Ruzhou and the famous courtesan Xie Suqiu.

The narrative starts with their encounter at the prefect's mansion without acknowledging each other. Later, they pour their hearts out using red pear blossoms in the back garden. The story culminates in a courtroom trial where all misunderstandings melt away, finalizing their twist-filled romance.

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The second half brings the timeless tragedy of Princess Changping, featuring the excerpts Reunion in the Nunnery and Recognition, Welcome Princess, Presenting the Memorial and The Fragrant Death, showcasing the wartime romance of Princess Changping and the imperial son-in-law Zhou Shixian.

This classic tale recreates their poignant moments with their reunion in a nunnery after surviving countless vicissitudes, followed by their feign allegiance to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) court. The story ends as they ultimately wed under a camphor tree before taking poison to die for their country.

The roles of Zhao Ruzhou and Zhou Shixian will be played by Lung, who will alternate with Lai Yiu-wai and Vong Seng-pan.  

Yue Ling-lung will portray Xie Suqiu, while Leung Tsz-kei will play the role of Princess Changping. Leung Wai-hong, Lo Lai-see, Fu Shu-wang and Kwan Hoi-shan will also join the cast. The cast will showcase the artistic depth of Cantonese opera that endures through the ages.

Tickets for this program will be available through online public sale and registration for ticket ballot. Online public sale is applicable to four of the performances on Oct 10, 11, 12 and 15 and the sale will start from 10 am on Aug 24.

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Tickets for another two performances slated for on Oct 13 and 14 are available through registration for ticket ballot. Applicants can choose up to two tickets, of which at least one must be a concessionary ticket for senior citizens. They will have seats assigned by a computer system, and receive an SMS notification with a dedicated code to purchase their tickets at the department’s performance venue within a designated period.