300 Years of Cantonese Opera: The Next Chapter
The Orphan of Zhao

The grand finale of our epic Cantonese opera project

The Festival’s three-year Cantonese opera project reaches its grand finale with a contemporary re-imagining of a timeless classic. At the crossroads of tradition and innovation, this unique rendition of The Orphan of Zhao showcases the enduring vitality of Cantonese opera, inviting audiences to rediscover a centuries-old art form through a fresh and captivating lens.

A tale of loyalty, sacrifice and revenge

As the first Chinese drama introduced to Europe, The Orphan of Zhao is described as the “Eastern Hamlet”, holding a unique place in China’s cultural history. The harrowing story centres on Zhao Wu, sole survivor of his family’s annihilation. Saved as an infant by Cheng Ying—who surrenders his own child to protect the orphan—Zhao Wu grows up unaware of the debt written in blood. Sixteen years later, the truth resurfaces, leaving Zhao Wu torn between avenging his family and honouring his adoptive father. Playwright and lead actor Keith Lai enriches this classic by blending modern staging techniques and enhancing the emotional aspects of the characters, delivering a dramatic, tension-filled storytelling experience.

Advance Bookings will start at 10am on 7 October 2026