Hong Kong Arts Festival’s commissioned Cantonese opera Love in the Bamboo Grove

invited to be presented this September

at the Korea International Music Theater Festival in Seoul

and at the 2025 Shenzhen “Belt & Road” International Music Festival

(Hong Kong, 18 July 2025)

Hong Kong Arts Festival’s commissioned work Love in the Bamboo Grove, following its successful premiere in the 2023 Festival and a re-run tour across the Greater Bay Area last year, is set to be performed in Seoul and Shenzhen this September. Invited by the Korea International Music Theater Festival, the production will be staged at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul from 12–13 September. The production will then be staged at the Guangming Culture and Art Center in Shenzhen on 26 September as part of the 2025 Shenzhen “Belt & Road” International Music Festival, an event hosted by the Shenzhen People’s Government.

Ticket sales start today for the Seoul performances at the National Theater of Korea.

The Hong Kong Arts Festival has always been dedicated to promoting Cantonese opera, presenting at least one Cantonese opera production each year, many of which are brand-new works. Premiered at the 2023 Hong Kong Arts Festival, Love in the Bamboo Grove earned widespread acclaim from audiences and critics as a “rare masterpiece in recent years”.

Set during the late Wei and early Jin dynasties (circa 3rd century CE), this full-length, two-act opera explores the lives of the descendants of the Seven Sages—a group of literati who, disillusioned with palace intrigue, retreated from society to pursue a hedonistic and carefree existence. Their enduring stories remain culturally significant, offering a timeless statement on art, freedom, and human connection.

Love in the Bamboo Grove is a Cantonese opera work by Raymond To Kwok-wai, the celebrated playwright and screenwriter renowned for his various award-winning works. To’s illustrious career includes accolades from the Hong Kong Film Awards and Golden Horse Awards, as well as recognition from the Hong Kong Screenwriters’ Guild. With more than 100 works to his name—including the beloved stage plays I Have a Date with Spring and The Mad Phoenix—To is known for his ability to weave warmth and humanity into his storytelling. Love in the Bamboo Grove marks his first traditional Cantonese opera and is directed and performed by the legendary virtuoso Sun Kim-long.

The upcoming performances star the celebrated duo Lam Tin-yau and Cheng Nga-ki, who were both members of the original cast. Lam is a disciple of the legendary Cantonese opera master Lam Kar-sing and is celebrated for his versatility in both civil and martial roles. Meanwhile, Cheng has performed alongside acclaimed artist Lung Kim-sung in iconic productions such as The Flower Princess and The Purple Hairpin. Earlier this year, the duo participated in the Hong Kong Arts Festival’s “300 Years of Cantonese Opera: The Beginning” project, where an entire production was performed in traditional dialect. Their onstage chemistry and masterful performances have made them audience favourites.

Seoul performances

12 September (Fri) 19:30

13 September (Sat) 15:00

Daloreum Theater, National Theater of Korea

Ticket price: ₩30000

Programme details can be found HERE.

Shenzhen performance

26 September (Fri) 19:30

Grand Theatre, Guangming Culture and Art Center (光明文化藝術中心)

Ticket price: to be announced

MEDIA INQUIRIES

For further inquiries, please contact:

• Ms Katy Cheng (Marketing Director): (852)2828 4930 / katy.cheng@hkaf.org

• Ms Vicki Cheng (Marketing Manager): (852)2828 4933 / vicki.cheng@hkaf.org