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A Luxurious Dream of West Chamber

For the topic of the second radio program next week, I was able to watch Deceptive Dream of West Chamber (西樓錯夢) performed by the reunited Chofung Chinese Opera Troupe (雛鳳鳴) last Saturday. For the first time I applauded wholeheartedly to the Cantonese opera diva Pak Shu Sin (白雪仙) who played the role as the artistic director for this show which Hong Kong audience has been waiting for 13 years.

The autobiography-like story is still remote, probably for the distanced art form, but it appears much more entertaining than I have imagined. The singing of the Lung (龍劍笙), who left Hong Kong after her teacher-master Yam (任劍輝) died in 1992, shows no signs of degradation. Surprisingly it's Mui's (梅雪詩) performance which is more disappointing (during the first 3 scenes at least). Among all, Yun Siu Fai (阮兆輝) unexpectedly bestows the greatest pleasure for an utterly characterized and virtuoso realization.

The seven scenes (4.5 hours long totally!) were elaborately orchestrated with glamorous and decorative elements especially the settings, and the costumes. I have never seen such luxurious stage in any other theatrical presentations, neither local nor overseas. My yet-formulated question is on the different approach of such realistic "illusion" and the abstraction which is embedded in the artistic form of Chinese opera, like the singing as lines/narration, the symbolic movements, spatial concept, etc. Edward Lam said probably it's the perspective of the setting which made it less affective.

Yuri's choreography also contributes a smart and contemporary creation of the protagonist's dream with absolute fluidity and simplicity. Last but not least, the graphic design of the poster and program "package" (instead of "note") shows certainly ample confidence for the modernization of the traditional art form by a serious and devoting artist, Pak.

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