Festival of World Cultures, 2005,
Dun Laoghaire, Ireland

Chinese Theatre Circle (CTC) will be sending a troupe of 30 members comprising artists, musicians, and technicians to participate in the above Festival from 26 - 28 August 2005.

CTC will be presenting the following programme :-

P R O G R A M M E
Performance Date	Time	Venue	Programme
26 August, Fri	1.00pm - 2.00pm	Assembly Room	Chinese Opera Extravaganza
26 August, Fri	8.00pm - 10.00pm	Pavilion Theatre	Chinese Opera "Intrigues In The Qing Imperial Court" in English
27 August, Sat	11.00am - 1.00pm	Assembly Room	Chinese Opera Workshop
27 August, Sat	3.00pm - 5.00pm	VEC Old School House	Make-up Workshop
28 August, Sun	4.00pm - 5.30pm	Dance Theatre of Ireland	Dance Workshop
The Festival Box Office is : Pavilion Theatre Box Office (+ 353 1) 2312929

Chinese Opera Extravaganza comprises three popular Cantonese Opera excerpts : "Picking The Jade Bracelet", "The Arrogant Princess" and "An Unusual Way of Courting".

"Intrigues In The Qing Imperial Court" is the first full length Chinese Opera sung in English in the world. It will be premiered in Ireland in Europe. Written by Leslie Wong and directed by Joanna Wong, the opera tells the tragic tale of romance between Emperor Guang Xu (AD 1871 - 1908) the second last Emperor of the Qing Dynasty (AD 1654 - 1911) and his concubine Zhen Fei and their futile efforts in implementing the Reform Movement which lasted only 100 days from 11 June - 21 September 1898. Music accompaniment by western and chinese instruments is led by Music Maestro from China (PRC) Mr Bu Can Rong with his violin.

Assuming the title role of Empress Dowager Ci Xi is Joanna Wong JP BBM, winner of Singapore's Cultural Medallion. Playing the female lead role of Zhen Fei ("Pearl" concubine) is See Too Hoi Siang, the first Chinese Opera artist who won the international trophy called "The Outstanding Young Person In The World Award" for cultural achievement; and taking the male lead role of Emperor Guang Xu is Frances Wong Kum Yeng.

Joanna Wong as Empress Dowager Ci Xi

Frances Wong Kum Yeng as Emperor Guang Xu

See Too Hoi Siang as Zhen Fei

English and Chinese subtitles will be used in all performances.

CTC's participation in this prestigious international arts festival is supported by the National Arts Council, Singapore.

Ireland is the 23rd country CTC is visiting since its inception in 1981.

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