Chinese Opera feast
The Chinese Opera Festival 2013 features eight repertories highlighting acting and martial arts. The festival opens with the new opera Battle at Wancheng, and features the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, demonstrating the vitality of the age-old art form.
Prim and proper: A performer wears a hair accessory backstage.
Break time: Performers change costumes and take a rest.
The general: Dian Wei, played by Hong Hai, is a general in Cao Cao’s court who has won favour with his valiant fighting.
Smart storage: Cantonese Opera star Law Kar-ying uses a personal costume case to store clothing and accessories.
Three to get ready: Performers and assistants prepare for the show.
Poised and set: The renowned performer Law Kar-ying awaits his entrance.
Battle begins: The opening performance of Chinese Opera Festival 2013 is a new adaptation of the Cantonese Opera Battle at Wancheng by Law Kar-ying.
Setting the tone: In the first scene, Cao Cao, played by Yau Sing-po, sings in the robust tone of daqiang, an ancient Cantonese Opera vocal style.
Tragic tale: In the third scene, Madam Zou mourns her husband, who was killed during battle.
Dressing up: A performer dons a costume after applying makeup.
Behind the scenes: Performers and assistants prepare to go onstage.
Visual elements: Performers prepare their hairstyles to match the expressions of the characters they portray.
Skillful hands: An assistant helps a performer put on a headpiece.
Stage prep: A performer rehearses just before the show begins.
Fluid movement: A double exposure photograph shows the dance elements of wudan and wusheng.
Martial arts: Physical elements are of paramount importance in Borrowing the Iron Fan from Journey to the West.
Multi-talented: Visiting the Sick features the dramatic interplay between four performers.
