A showcase of Chinese Opera: Peking, Cantonese, Kunqu
Painted Faces, Flowing Sleeves
Saturday July 11
7:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: Port Theatre
Tickets vary from: $25.75 to $55.00
Note: ALL TICKETS include a $3.00 Capital Development Fee and $3.50 Box Office Fee charged by the Port Theatre
A rare, immersive showcase of classical Chinese opera, featuring three distinct, acclaimed genres: Peking Opera, Kunqu Opera, and Cantonese Opera. Featuring renowned artist William Lau from Ottawa’s Autumn Melody Collective alongside four exceptional artists from Vancouver: Sheng-O, Heidi Specht, Bonnie Tam and Yu-Hua Miao. This performance brings the pinnacle of Chinese traditional theatre to a Nanaimo stage.
The program showcases magnificent costumes, extraordinary make-ups, and refined performance with powerful drama.
Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, Chinese opera is often defined as “total theatre,” synthesizing singing, recitation, acting, and dancing. This curated program highlights the two major styles—civilian (wen) and military (wu) plays—showcasing magnificent costumes, intricate makeup, and powerful dramatic narratives.
Why Attend
- Experience a rare showcase of classical Chinese Opera on a Nanaimo stage.
- See three distinct genres in one curated program: Peking Opera, Kunqu Opera, and Cantonese Opera.
- Enjoy the beauty of magnificent costumes, intricate makeup, music, movement, acting, and storytelling.
- Discover why Chinese Opera is often described as “total theatre.”
- Connect with the festival’s related workshops and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind the performance.
Who This Is For
- Anyone curious about Chinese Opera, classical performance, theatre, music, dance, costume, makeup, or cultural storytelling.
- Audiences who enjoy visually rich, theatrical, and immersive live performance.
- Families, arts lovers, students, cultural communities, and festival-goers.
- People attending the related Chinese Opera workshops who want to see the traditions brought to life on stage.
- Anyone looking for a distinctive evening performance at The Port Theatre.
Good to Know
- This performance features Peking Opera, Kunqu Opera, and Cantonese Opera.
- The program includes civilian and military styles, highlighting both refined storytelling and powerful dramatic performance.
- Related InFrinGinG Dance Festival 2026 workshops include Chinese Opera mask making, Chinese Opera makeup application, and How to Ride A Horse.
- Tickets are through The Port Theatre.
- Artist include William Lau, Autumn Melody Collective, Sheng-O, Heidi Specht, Bonnie Tam, and Yu-Hua Miao.
TICKET PRICING AND ACCESSIBILITY:
We are committed to removing the barriers to arts participation. As such we keep ticket prices as low as
possible. The cost of each ticket doesn’t not reflect the true value of the ticket, yet thanks to funders and
donors we are able to offer low to no barrier access. If you love what we do, and wish to play an important
role in contributing to its continuation and growth, please consider making a donation.
If ticket pricing is a barrier for you or someone you know, there are many ways we are able to provide access. Please contact us if we can assist. 250.716.3230
Additional Details
Event Status - Confirmed