Local artists, paired with a Xiqu artist, will guide you through an excerpted performance of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer in Cantonese (with English translation), presenting Xiqu 101 – showcasing typical gestures and techniques in Xiqu namely, singing, recital, action, and martial arts.
Brimming with the beauty of traditional performing arts, this family-friendly arts education program is suitable for all ages! It invites everyone to relish Xiqu, delve into the literary world of Jin Yong, and experience Chinese culture and Arts Tech in the theatre!
⭐️ Xiqu Demonstration: Witness the charm of Xiqu (Chinese Opera) come alive through excerpts from the specially adapted Jin Yong Wuxia classic, The Smiling, Proud Wanderer.
⭐️ Artistry Introduction: Combining fascinating performance demonstrations, the programme offers an accessible, step-by-step introduction to the Four Cardinal Skills and core concepts of Xiqu.
⭐️ Tech Integration: The performance cleverly blends Art Tech elements such as light, projection mapping, and sound, creatively showcasing the beauty of traditional performing arts.
⭐️ Language Support: Cantonese narration is provided, complete with English interpretation, ensuring non-Chinese speaking audiences can also fully grasp the essence of the art.
Jin Yong
Mathias Woo
Zhou Long (Xiqu . Beijing)
Yeung Kin-ping (Naamyam . Hong Kong)
Ren Jia-le (Jingju . Beijing)Yeung Kin-ping (Naamyam . Hong Kong)Zachary Pink YUNG
“It’s an excellent introductory platform for understanding the ‘Singing, Recitation, Acting, and Acrobatics’ of Xiqu, successfully combining traditional and modern elements to preserve artistic culture.”
— Mr. Kwok Ho Cheong (Xiqu Critic)
“This performance concretely presents what children usually learn from books right before their eyes, broadening their horizons.”
— Ms. Kwan (Teacher, C.C.C. Kei Faat Primary School)
“The sound effects were incredible; it felt like being in a fantastic, wondrous place! It’s so novel how just two chairs and one table can create so many virtual scenes.”
— Ting (Student, Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School)
Jin Yong’s The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, with its complex depiction of human nature and vivid characters (such as Linghu Chong, Ren Yingying, and Dongfang Bubai), has long transcended the literary realm to become a deeply ingrained cultural icon within the Chinese community. It has been adapted into numerous film, television, and multimedia works.
The Xiqu Guided Performance: “Meets Xiqu – The Smiling, Proud Wanderer” is founded upon the widespread influence of Jin Yong’s Wuxia works, offering the public an excellent gateway to approach and understand the traditional art of Chinese Opera.
Zuni has specially launched a Xiqu mobile application to complement the programme, allowing audiences to explore traditional performing arts in an engaging and accessible manner. Through text, images, and video demonstrations, the app offers a multimedia pathway to understanding the art form.
A themed installation will be set up outside the theatre. Audiences are welcome to use the mobile application to scan the markers on the tags before or after the performance to discover surprises!
Supported Languages: Traditional Chinese, English, Simplified Chinese
Featured Content: Singing(Chang), Recitation(Nian), Acting(Zuo), Martial Arts(Da), Xiqu Roles, Xiqu Symbolism, Codification in Xiqu
The project’s first presentation was in 2024 and is funded under the Arts Technology Funding Pilot Scheme by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The programme lasts approximately 60 minutes.
Conducted in Cantonese; Chinese and English surtitles are provided.
Recommended for ages 6 and above.
No latecomers will be admitted, until a suitable break in the performance.
Zuni Icosahedron reserves the right to add, withdraw or substitute artists and/ or vary advertised programmes and seating arrangements.
