Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo: Lau Chung

Beyond the mere mention of place of origin on forms, the concept of ‘hometown’ carries a wealth of meaning. It’s […]

Beyond the mere mention of place of origin on forms, the concept of ‘hometown’ carries a wealth of meaning. It’s not just a geographical location; it’s a tapestry of dialects, cultures, and shared histories. Consider the Teochew, Shanghainese, and Taishan dialects, and the phrases like “We are from the same place, we are not responsible for each other’s actions!” or “We are from Shanghai!” These are more than just words; they are the heartbeat of a community, spoken fluently by the older generation. But can the new generation of Hong Kong still speak and understand these dialects? This is a question that resonates deeply with the cultural identity of the city.

Enter ‘Lao Song’, a brand-new creation co-created by Wu Yulie, Lu Yijun, and Liu Rongfeng. This work starts from the hometown dialect, narrating stories and languages that may seem distant yet are intimately connected to our lives. ‘Lao Song’ is a term used by Guangdong people to refer to people from other provinces. Hong Kong, with its history of absorbing a large number of immigrants from other provinces, likely has ancestors who were once ‘Lao Song’, linking us to an unfamiliar homeland.

Liu Rongfeng and Lu Yijun have masterfully blended various stories from different places into the cabaret form of a song hall, effortlessly mixing them in the conversation of singing. They sing out the life and memories of Hong Kong, this cultural melting pot, through multiple channels, connecting the roots and heritage across generations. ‘Lao Song’ is the second part of the ‘Cantonese Song Listening’ trilogy commissioned by Tai Kwun, with all three works taking the language of Hong Kong people as the main thread.

The first work, ‘Tri Family Kids’, delves into the identity of Hong Kong people in two languages and three dialects. The final chapter, ‘Wei Lu Feng Mi’, humorously sings about the relationship between different eras of language, slang, and identity, leaving an important cultural memory for every generation of Hong Kong people. These works not only entertain but also serve as a bridge, connecting the past with the present and ensuring that the rich tapestry of Hong Kong’s linguistic and cultural heritage is not lost to time.’Cantonese Song Listening’ is a new form of performing arts created by Wu Yulie, Lu Yijun, and Liu Rongfeng. It sings Hong Kong stories easily with original music, multiple languages, and dialects, and is known as modern rap literature with strong local characteristics.

Program note:
– The performance is approximately 60 minutes long.
– There is no seat reservation.
– It is recommended that you arrive at the venue 15 minutes in advance. Latecomers will not be admitted.
– HKPAX reserves the right to change the program without prior notice. For more details, please visit hkpax.org.hk.

Performance dates: October 15-16, Tuesday-Wednesday. Showtime: 18:00.