Blending traditional Cantonese opera techniques with contemporary stage and lighting design, this groundbreaking production reinterprets the legendary story of the downfall of Xiang Yu, the self-proclaimed "Overlord of Western Chu". Told from the warlord's perspective, the narrative follows the hero in his last moments, with each scene pushing him deeper into despair.
This new adaptation of a classic work offers the audience an exciting, original performance that illustrates the transformation and development of Cantonese opera. The Xiqu Centre's first ever commissioned work, this production was recognised with the 2017 Best Experimental Xiqu Award at the China (Beijing) Performing Arts Expo 2018, and was selected for "The 40 Most Influential Experimental Theatres in Contemporary China"by the 40th Anniversary of Experimental Theatre in China in 2022.
Producer: Naomi Chung *
Playwrights, Directors and Music Arrangers: Keith Lai and Janet Wong
Technical Director: Rae Wu *
* Staff of West Kowloon Cultural District
Characters and Cast
Xiang Yu: Keith Lai
Yuji (Concubine Yu): Janet Wong
Groom / Soldier: Ng Lap-hei
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, no interval
Performed in Cantonese and Mandarin, with surtitles in Chinese and English
Experimental Cantonese Opera Farewell My Concubine (New Adaptation)