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GBA Chinese theater festival to kick off in April

Writer: Tang Li  |  Editor: Zhang Chanwen  |  From: Shenzhen Daily  |  Updated: 2024-03-28

The Fourth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Chinese Theater Cultural Festival is set to commence in Macao on April 5-14, and will include Hong Kong as a subvenue for the first time from June 27 to 30. Nearly 500 actors and performers will captivate audiences across the GBA with a diverse array of performances, many of which will be led by recipients of the esteemed Plum Performance Award, China’s top award for theater and opera performances.

The month of April will witness an exciting fusion of performances in Macao, showcasing a rich tapestry of theatrical styles such as drama, musicals, Peking opera, and Cantonese opera. This festival aims to vividly illustrate the vibrant cultural panorama of contemporary Chinese theater, providing audiences in Hong Kong and Macao with a glimpse into the unique charm and profound heritage of Chinese theater.

A scene from "The Orphan of Zhao." File photos

After a 15-year hiatus, the Beijing People’s Art Theater returns to Macao with a dynamic interpretation of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” offering a fresh and spirited dialogue with the Bard. Making its debut in Macao, the classic Xi opera “Pearl Pagoda” from the Wuxi Xi Opera Company will grace the stage. Xu Jun’s original musical production, “The Orphan of Zhao,” explores a cross-cultural theatrical context, focusing on traditional ethical values and modern individual expressions. The Guangdong Cantonese Opera Institute’s innovative adaptation of “The Fairy Tale of the White Snake” breathes new life into the traditional repertoire, narrating the touching love story with emotions at its core.

A poster of "The Fairy Tale of the White Snake."

In the Hong Kong subvenue, the Yangju Opera Institute of Yangzhou will present a new adaptation of the centuries-old opera, “Zheng Banqiao,” to Hong Kong audiences. This Yangju opera rendition will peel back the historical layers to unveil Zheng’s governing philosophy, scholarly nature, dedication to the people, and unwavering pursuit of life’s meaning.

The festival aims to leverage the collective advantages of the GBA to foster cultural integration and development, uphold and promote Chinese traditional culture, share Chinese narratives, and portray a trustworthy, endearing, and esteemed image of China to the global audience. 

The Fourth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Chinese Theater Cultural Festival is set to commence in Macao on April 5-14, and will include Hong Kong as a subvenue for the first time from June 27 to 30.