Four Generations of Cantonese Opera Actors on Stage – The Dream Meeting between Emperor Wu of Han and Lady WeiLeisure and Cultural Services Department
This marks a rare occasion when two stars in Cantonese Opera, Ng Chin-fung and Yuen Siu-Fai, are brought together in this production of The Dream Meeting between Emperor Wu of Han and Lady Wei, which is selected from the proclaimed repertoire of Sit Kok-sin, beacon of Cantonese Opera in Hong Kong. Ng Chin-fung is recognised as the number one exponent of the art of Sit in Cantonese Opera circles today, so the audience can expect a riveting experience to hear him deliver the theme song. Yuen Siu-fai as the famous general in Chinese history, Wei Qing, is headstrong, valiant, persistent and adamant in his love for his sister, which is a perfect incarnation of the role. The chemistry between the duo will be most impressive on stage.
Wei Ziqing is a songstress at a prince’s palace. Her brother Wei Qing, a slave charged to take care of the horses, and the widowed Princess Pingyang are lovers. In order to free her lover from servitude, the Princess plots a chance meeting between Wei Ziqing and Emperor Wu in the garden when the latter is on his way to a sacrificial ritual. The Emperor is struck by Wei Ziqing’s beauty, and as expected, takes her into his harem and confers on her the title of Lady Wei. Wei Ziqing is inducted into the palace to seek audience with the Empress Dowager. Just at that time, the Huns have invaded into Han territory. Wei Qing is appointed General Valiant upon recommendation and goes on an expedition to the Western Region. Empress Chen is a vicious and jealous woman. She pours poisonous words into the Empress Dowager’s ear, as a result of which Wei Ziqing is banished to the cold palace. Empress Chen does not stop at that, but secretly instructs her brother to incriminate Wei Ziqing. Wei Qing returns triumphant, and knowing his sister’s life is at stake, he feigns to kill her by using a palace maid in her place while his sister escapes unharmed. The Emperor, thinking his beloved is dead, mourns her at her altar. When Wei Ziqing appears with their son, he thinks he is in a dream. The truth is out, and Wei Qing is already in command of the state’s armed forces. The Empress Chen has lost her power and the Empress Dowager gives her blessings to the two marriages.
More Details: https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_1077.html