China’s first lady Peng Liyuan charms young Hong Kong opera performers during visit to Xiqu Centre
- She watched Cantonese opera rehearsals and had ‘warm chats with the actors and members of the performance troupe’
- Peng praised young performers for being ‘professional’ after watching their display
China’s first lady Peng Liyuan charmed young Hong Kong performers during a visit to the city’s complex for Chinese theatre on Thursday, where she was also treated to a brief Cantonese opera show.
An accomplished folk singer and a household name in mainland China, Peng visited the Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District while her husband, President Xi Jinping, met the city’s political elites, including outgoing leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, on the other side of the harbour.
Peng’s visit, which was not officially confirmed until after it ended, formed an integral part of Xi’s tour of Hong Kong to inspect the city government’s work on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese rule.
According to Naomi Chung, the district’s performing arts head, Peng showed great interest in the history of Cantonese opera and sympathised with the tough discipline and commitment that the young artists had shown to their craft.
“Peng watched the rehearsal of the Cantonese opera excerpts by the Tea House Rising Stars Troupe at the Tea House of the Xiqu Centre and the rehearsal of the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble at the studio,” a statement released by the Hong Kong government said.
“She also had warm chats with the actors and members of the performance troupe.”
A video clip released by the government showed Peng praising the troupe’s young actors for being “professional” after watching their performance.
