Hailed as a genius and a versatile maestro of the art, Cantonese opera veteran Yuen Siu-fai leads a new generation of Cantonese opera artists to perform in this showcase of four major roles

In Cantonese opera, role types refer to the kinds of characters that feature in a repertoire.  While there were ten role types in the genre in the classical eras, they were subsequently streamlined into the five types of sheng (male roles), dan (female roles), jing (painted face roles), mo (supporting male roles) and chou (comic roles).  The type of a role is based on the age, gender, personality and appearance of the character.  This production by Spring Glory Cantonese Opera Workshop presents three classic Cantonese opera excerpts performed by Cantonese opera master Yuen Siu-fai, as the programme dazzles with the rich finesse of classic repertoire.

An Investigation in Disguise from Fifteen Strings of Cash is an iconic scene for the Cantonese opera audience, while the opera is an exhilarating drama that spotlights chousheng and laosheng roles.  This production features captivating performance by Zhan Hao-feng and Leung Wai-hong that shows us the brilliance of Cantonese opera beyond the popular love stories, as different roles emanate eclectic charms and dramatic nuances.

Scramble for Umbrella from The Moon Pavilion was adapted into Cantonese opera from Praying to the Moon, one of the four major nanxi plays.  It is a challenging repertoire for actors, as only sheng and dan role actors with marvellous singing and performance skills can carry this opera.  Cantonese opera veterans Yuen Siu-fai and Chan Wing-yee bring this moving opera excerpt to life with their vivid performance.

Zhong Kui Marrying His Younger Sister Off has garnered wide acclaim overseas, while the opera with thrilling vocals, movements and combat scenes is also a familiar repertoire for the mainland audience.    Li Qiuyuen, who plays the role of Zhong Kui, has stunned the audience with his incredible performance skills, while Tong Yuen-ying enlivens the role of the sister with subtle touches.    On the way is a fast-paced and vibrant scene, completed with stunning performance by the cast and martial artists.

In this showcase of opera excerpts from three well-loved classics, the audience sees the brilliance of Cantonese opera masters and the devotion of the young generation of actors to pass on the culture of Xiqu.