The golden age of Cantonese opera in the past century gave rise to a rich legacy of beloved works, written by distinguished playwrights and brought to life by legendary performers. Among these enduring classics are War Cape of Rouge and Blood​​​, Dream of The Peony Pavilion​ and ​Romance of the West Chamber​—masterpieces that have captivated audiences across generations. For the 2026 Hong Kong Arts Festival, veteran Cantonese opera artist Yuen Siu-fai curates a special performance by selecting a few well-loved excerpts. These works will be re-interpreted by Yuen himself alongside rising talents including Lam Tin-yau, Keith Lai and Wyborn Leung Wai-hong, who will invite audiences to savour the unique charm of contemporary Cantonese opera.

In the accompanying talk, the aforementioned artists will delve into the artistic highlights of these works and share how they draw inspiration from past masters while shaping their own interpretations of the roles.