Shenzhen, HK artists bring fresh vision to Cantonese opera 'To Be or Not to Be'

Two performers demonstrate martial arts techniques in a scene from “To Be or Not to Be: The Legendary Story of Lu Wenlong” at the Bay Opera of Shenzhen on Oct. 11. Photos courtesy of Bao’an District Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau

A fresh take on traditional Cantonese opera took center stage at the Bay Opera of Shenzhen on Oct. 11, as artists from Shenzhen and Hong Kong showcased their collaborative production, “To Be or Not to Be: The Legendary Story of Lu Wenlong,” at a special appreciation event.

The original production, developed under renowned Hong Kong theater director Fredric Mao’s “New Vision Cantonese Opera” concept, combines traditional performance techniques with contemporary storytelling and stage design in an effort to bring the centuries-old art form to new audiences.

Mao serves as the production’s director and co-playwright, leading a Hong Kong creative team responsible for developing its script, direction and stage design. The Shenzhen Cantonese Opera Troupe contributes its expertise in performance, talent development and stagecraft. Together, the two teams have explored how to refresh a traditional art form while preserving its distinctive artistic identity.

Performers in elaborate Cantonese opera costumes take a curtain call during the presentation of “To Be or Not to Be: The Legendary Story of Lu Wenlong” at the Bay Opera of Shenzhen.

Based on the story of Lu Wenlong, a legendary warrior from the classic Chinese novel “The Story of Yue Fei,” the opera explores themes of identity, family and loyalty. Mao’s “New Vision Cantonese Opera” concept emphasizes new ideas, techniques and audiences, encouraging experimentation in storytelling, performance, costumes and visual design while retaining the essential aesthetics of Cantonese opera.

For Peng Qinghua, head of the Shenzhen Cantonese Opera Troupe, a recipient of the China Theater Plum Blossom Award and the actor portraying Lu, tradition remains at the heart of the production. Its singing, movement, dialogue and martial arts sequences draw on established Cantonese opera techniques, with new artistic elements building on that foundation.

The production brings together demanding martial arts choreography and emotionally charged storytelling. In the “Eight Hammers” sequence, performers demonstrate intricate martial arts techniques, while “Wang Zuo Reveals the Truth Through Storytelling” explores a turning point in Lu’s life. As the young general discovers the truth about his origins, he must confront conflicting loyalties to his family and country.

Cast members of “To Be or Not to Be: The Legendary Story of Lu Wenlong” discuss the production during an appreciation event at the Bay Opera of Shenzhen on Oct. 11.

At the Oct. 11 event, members of the creative team and cast discussed the production’s development, artistic approach and character portrayals. Live excerpts from the two scenes gave audiences a closer look at how the production blends traditional performance skills with contemporary theatrical expression.

The collaboration highlights Bao’an District’s efforts to preserve and promote traditional culture through original productions while encouraging artistic experimentation. By combining the strengths of Shenzhen and Hong Kong artists, the production seeks to introduce Cantonese opera to a new generation without losing the traditions that define it.