In Conversation: The Truth and Flaws in Canto-opera Classic Purple Hairpin

Date: 10 November 2022 (Thursday)

Time: 7:30 pm

Venue: Chiang Chen Studio Theatre, PolyU

Adapted by Cantonese opera playwright Tong Tik-sang, Purple Hairpin tells the story of a young scholar and Huo Xiaoyu, a distressed courtesan who is determined to stand up and fight for her love amid oppression by the rich and powerful. With vivid and detailed portrayal of characters, and aria and music that are meticulously arranged, the play has been heralded as a classic by Cantonese opera lovers. Yet, Tong finished the script within a very short period of time and it was thus inevitable that there were errors in it.

Because of this, Cantonese opera music scholar Prof Chan Sau-yan, language expert and playwright Dr Cheung Kwan-hin and Tang and Song history expert Prof Ho Koon-wan undertook a revision by carefully examining and analysing the script with due regard to elements like Chinese language, playwriting, Chinese history and Cantonese operatic music. By clarifying the rights and wrongs as well as truth and flaws, the revised script makes more sense and is in line with historical facts.

Speakers:

Chan Sau-yan

Chan Sau-yan was a lecturer, associate professor and professor in the Department of Music at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) from 1987 to 2007. During this period, he taught courses in Chinese opera, Cantonese opera, fieldwork methodology and Hong Kong music. Currently, he is an adjunct professor in cultural management at CUHK. His works include The Legend of Tong Tik-sang’s Creative Career (2016), The Ups and Downs of Ritualistic Cantonese Opera (co-authored with Prof Estella Cham Lai Suk-ching, 2018), Study Text for Purple Hairpin (co-authored with Dr Cheung Kwan-hin and Dr Ho Koon-wan, 2021) and Study Text for The Flower Princess (co-authored with Dr Cheung Kwan-hin, 2^nd edition 2022).

Cheung Kwan-hin

Cheung Kwan-hin was a lecturer, associate professor and department head in the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) from 1986 to 2016. Currently, he is a principal lecturer at the PolyU College of Professional and Continuing Education. Since 2008, he has conducted research on Cantonese opera and Cantonese opera signing, as well as carried out Cantonese opera playwriting work. He co-wrote Arena with Rex Ng, and his recent works include Study Text for Purple Hairpin (co-authored with Prof Chan Sau-yan and Dr Ho Koon-wan, 2021) and Study Text for The Flower Princess (co-authored with Prof Chan Sau-yan, 2^nd edition 2022).

Ho Koon-wan

Ho Koon-wan first obtained his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Philosophy degrees from CUHK, and then a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Arizona. He studied the history of the Song dynasty under well-known historians Prof Chiu Ching Lo and Prof Jing-shen Tao, and taught at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Nanyang Technological University, The Education University of Hong Kong and PolyU. Currently, he is a visiting professor of history at Hong Kong Shue Yan University and a distinguished professor at the New Asia Institute of Advanced Chinese Studies. His recent works include New Aristocracy in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1126): A Study of the Eminent Li Clan of Generals and Imperial In-laws from the Shangdong Prefecture (2013), A Study of the Northern Sung Military Officers, Volume Two (2016), A Study of Sung Eunuchs (2018), A Forgotten Military Genius in Northern Song Dynasty: The Military Career of the Eminent Eunuch General Li Xian in mid-11th Century (2019), A Meritorious Minister or the Culprit of the Fall of the Dynasty: A Study of Tong Guan, the most powerful Eunuch General at the end of Northern Song Dynasty (2020) and Study Text for Purple Hairpin (co-authored with Prof Chan Sau-yan and Dr Cheung Kwan-hin, 2021). In addition, he has published dozens of research papers.

Important notes

1. The programme will be conducted in Cantonese.
2. Each applicant can register for up to 2 tickets for the Talk. First-come, first-served.
3. In view of the current COVID-19 situation, please maintain proper social distance and adhere to the necessary precautionary measures.
4. Limited wheelchair seats available, please contact us at 3400 2433 for reservation and arrangement.
5. We shall keep you posted should there be any changes to the Programme due to the COVID-19 situation in Hong Kong.
6. Videos and photos will be taken during the Programme for PolyU’s archival or promotional purposes.

Enrolment: https://polyu.hk/UGBBM

Enquiries: 3400 2433