"Fun in ICH" Series (2018)

Cantonese Opera Demonstration and Experiential Workshop

Cantonese opera was inscribed onto the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. It is one type of Chinese traditional theatre, with singing and spoken lines delivered in the Cantonese dialect. The singing style, role types, makeup, stylised movements, libretti and singing scores are all rich in artistic value. It is also highly praised for its social and cultural values when serving as religious dramas presented as part of the ritual of thanksgiving to the deities, or for occasions of jiao festivals.

In this workshop, the instructors will tell you many things you want to know about Cantonese opera, including trivia behind the glittering stage, such as the rules and traditions of an operatic troupe. There will also be demonstrations on the basic routines such as the standing gait, footwork, finger-and-hand movements, making the circular "cloud hands", making the first appearance, and running round the stage etc. The participants will learn the miming movements of opening and closing the door, mounting and dismounting, and the acrobatic skill of spinning a spear.

 

Date	22 April 2018 (Sunday)
Time	2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Venue	Lecture Room, Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre (Sam Tung Uk Museum, 2 Kwu Uk Lane, Tsuen Wan)
Instructors	Mr Wan Yuk-yu (Renowned Hong Kong Cantonese opera performer), Ms Fong Hiu-hung (Veteran Cantonese Opera akeup artist)

 

Nanyin Demonstration and Experiential Workshop

Nanyin (Southern tunes) is a form of narrative singing in the Cantonese dialect popular in the Pearl River Delta. Nanyin vocalist Pian Lee and an accompanying ensemble featuring virtuosi Chan Chi-chun, Hui Wai-hung and Lam Chi-wang will sing, talk and discuss the unique features of nanyin. You will hear the nanyin classics A Wanderer's Autumn Grief and Burning Funerary Goods for His Love as well as the new work, Visiting the Grave from Why Won't Thou Return?

 

Date	22 April 2018 (Sunday)
Time	4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Venue	Exhibition Hall, Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre (Sam Tung Uk Museum, 2 Kwu Uk Lane, Tsuen Wan)
Instructor	Ms Pian Lee (Renowned nanyin songstress)

 

"Tailoring Master Class" - Tour of Bamboo Theatre Building Technique in Po Toi Island Tin Hau Festival

Every year, a bamboo theatre used for thanksgiving opera performances of the Tin Hau Festival on Po Toi Island is built close to a cliff by the scaffolding masters with exceptional skill. It fully demonstrates how the bamboo theatre building technique could adapt to the actual environment.

In this tour, scaffolding master who is in charge of building the bamboo theatre for Po Toi Island Tin Hau Festival will show you the secret of bamboo theatre building technique.

 

Date	6 May 2018 (Sunday)
Time	12:00 noon – 1:00 pm | 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Venue	Po Toi Island
Guide	Master Chan Yuk Kwong (Senior master of bamboo theatre building)

 

Yuen Long Shap Pat Heung Tin Hau Festival Tour

Every year, on the 23rd day of the third lunar month – or on another designated dates – the birthday of Tin Hau is celebrated in different scales in various districts. The parade in the Yuen Long Shap Pat Heung Tin Hau Festival is joined by more than 30 fa pau (paper floral tributes) clubs or organisations and attracts a crowd when parade through the Yuen Long town centre.

In this event, you will look at the exciting parade, join in a guided tour to the Tai Shu Ha Tin Hau Temple and observe the celebrating rituals.

 

Date	8 May 2018 (Tuesday)
Time	9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Venue	Yuen Long
Guide	Mr Chau Hing Wah (Curator of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office)

 

Cheung Chau Jiao Festival Tour and Piu Sik Demonstration

To drive out disaster and to pray for peace and safety, the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival has been held on every year during the fourth lunar month. The thrill of the colourful piu sik floats is enjoyed by the locals and the tourists.

Come join this tour which our curator will take you to the Pak Tai Temple and the main event venue. You will explore the living heritage from both historical and cultural perspectives. You will also visit a kaifong association which is participating in the piu sik parade. There you will take an "insiders' look" at how a float is set up. The master craftsman will also let you in on his secret of keeping the dressed-up child actor "afloat".

 

Date and Time	19 May 2018 (Saturday): 10:00 am – 1:00 pm 20 May 2018 (Sunday): 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Venue	Cheung Chau
Guide	Mr Chau Hing Wah (Curator of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office)

 

Hong Kong-style Milk Tea Making Technique Demonstration and Experiential Workshop

Hong Kong-style milk tea is nicknamed "silk stocking milk tea". To make the beverage, it involves mixing the tea leaves, boiling and infusing the tea, force-pouring the tea, infusion and force-pouring the tea into the milk etc. The beverage is a local favourite amongst Hong Kong people. The techniques of making Hong Kong-style milk tea do not only illustrate the integration and development of Chinese and Western food cultures in Hong Kong, but also reflect the aspects of everyday life and food preferences of locals. In this event, a seasoned milk tea master would walk participants through the history and development of Hong Kong-style milk tea. Demonstrations of the brewing techniques will also be shown alongside sharing of personal experiences and knowhows. Participants can also have a go on making their own Hong Kong style milk tea.

 

 

 

Talk – The Zhengyi Ritual Traditions in Hong Kong

This public lecture covers the history of Taoist Zhengyi order, the origin and development of Zhengyi order in Hong Kong, and its distinctive ritual tradition. This lecture will also discuss the religious features of Zhai (retreat) and Jiao (offering) ritual of Zhengyi order in Hong Kong and highlight how these Taoist ritual traditions are significant to contribute to the religious faith of Chinese people when they face the issues of life and death.

 

 

Know More about Herbal Tea – Visit and Talk

Made of specific Chinese herbs, herbal tea is a popular beverage in the Lingnan region. With qualities for dispelling dampness, decreasing internal heat, resolving dryness, cooling and preventing influenza, herbal tea has become a unique food culture that addresses the humid and warm climate of the Lingnan area. In this event, the tour guide from Jockey Club Lo Wai Chinese Herb Garden would explain the history, types, efficacy and contraindication of herbal tea. Participants would be guided to tour the garden and learn about the various Chinese herbs used in herbal teas. Different herbs can be learnt through vision, smell, touch, or even taste. In-season herbal teas will also be sampled such that participants could become more knowledgeable about the culture. It would also be a very unique experience.

 

 

 

Master Class – The Bamboo Theatre Building Technique

(Muse Fest Special Activity Series' event)   

 

The bamboo theatre is mainly of bamboo and fir members, forming beam columns and frame, with the exterior covered with metal sheeting to keep out the rain and the sun. Based on different requirements, scaffolding masters incorporate flexibility in creating bamboo theatres with a capacity for hundreds or even thousands of people. Their craft is a demonstration of Chinese wisdom in traditional architecture. A senior master of bamboo theatre building will be demonstrating the techniques of bamboo theatre building in this event, so that participants could get hands on to experience and learn some of the skills.

 

 

 

Master Class – The Sewing Technique of Hong Kong-style Cheongsam Demonstration

(Muse Fest Special Activity Series and ICH Fun Day event)

 

"Technique of Making Hong Kong Cheongsam and Kwan Kwa Wedding Costume" is one of the items on the first Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong. Men's cheongsam is socially significant, as it symbolises seniority amongst clansmen in the New Territories. The sewing techniques of women's cheongsam took up both Eastern and Western costume designs, which slowly developed a distinct look that is unique to Hong Kong. In this event, cheongsam sewing master will explain the different steps behind the making of a cheongsam, such that participants can learn more about this ICH item.

 

 

 

Know More about Hakka Unicorn Dance – Demonstrate and Experience

(ICH Fun Day event)

 

The activity of "Hakka Unicorn Dance in Hang Hau in Sai Kung" has been practised for more than 200 years. The Hakka people believe that the Chinese Unicorn, or qilin, is all-rounded, humble, polite, prudent, curious, educated and well-mannered, highlights the virtues of their community. On grand traditional celebratory occasions, inauguration of ancestral halls, moving into new homes, weddings and birthday parties, there would be a unicorn dance to ward off evil and bring good luck to everyone. In this event, participants will learn about the etiquette and cultural meaning of the traditional Hakka Unicorn through demonstration and personal experience.

 

 

 

Hong Kong-style Cheongsam Sewing Technique Sharing cum Cheongsam Fashion Show

(Muse Fest Special Activity Series and ICH Fun Day event)

 

"Technique of Making Hong Kong Cheongsam and Kwan Kwa Wedding Costume" is one of the items on the first Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong. Men's cheongsam is socially significant, as it symbolises seniority amongst clansmen in the New Territories. The sewing techniques of women's cheongsam took up both Eastern and Western costume designs, which slowly developed a distinct look that is unique to Hong Kong. There are two parts in this event. First, models will be wearing and performing in women's cheongsam designed and made by students of Fashion Design of the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong. Then, a seasoned cheongsam sewing master will share the styles and types of cheongsam, as well as explain the steps for making one.

 

 

 

Master Class – Hong Kong-style Milk Tea Making Technique Demonstration and Hands-on Learning

Hong Kong-style milk tea is nicknamed "silk stocking milk tea". To make the beverage, it involves mixing the tea leaves, boiling and infusing the tea, force-pouring the tea, infusion and force-pouring the tea into the milk etc. The beverage is a local favourite amongst Hong Kong people. The techniques of making Hong Kong-style milk tea do not only illustrate the integration and development of Chinese and Western food cultures in Hong Kong, but also reflect the aspects of everyday life and food preferences of locals. In this event, a seasoned milk tea master will talk about the history and development of Hong Kong-style milk tea and demonstrate the techniques involved. Experience and insight into the craft will also be shared. Participants will have the opportunity to try and make Hong Kong-style milk tea.

 

 

 

Master Class – Flower Button Making Technique Demonstration and Hands-on Learning

Flower buttons refer to the toggle buttons, made from narrow strips of cloth, of cheongsam and traditional costumes. A pair of floral toggles is formed by a big embroidered toggle and a small embroidered toggle. The floral toggles are shaped into different patterns, such as butterflies, plum blossoms, birds and magpies. Exquisitely made flower buttons are perfect for adorning elegant Chinese costumes. In this event, a seasoned flower button master will demonstrate the processes of starching, strip cutting, ironing, etc. In addition to learning about the various materials and tools for making flower buttons, participants will learn about how to tie a knot and make the base for the button. Under the guidance of a master, they will also try and learn to make their own flower buttons.

 

 

 

Summer Tea Time - Hong Kong-style Milk Tea Demonstration Workshop

Hong Kong-style milk tea is a local food and drink culture and its making techniques have been inscribed onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong. The long summer vacation is here. Why not take your children to the ICH Hong Kong-style milk tea stall, have a sip of the "fragrant, silky and intense" local beverage and share some quality family time? The ICH Hong Kong-style Milk Tea Stall has invited a seasoned milk tea master to demonstrate the making of the drink and to share their insights, revealing some of the secrets to the perfect cup. There is also a family experience session to inspire children's interest in the culture of Hong Kong-style milk tea.

 

 

 

Guided Tour to the Wong Tai Sin Temple

The folk religion of Wong Tai Sin originated from the Jinhua area of Zhejiang Province. It was introduced to Lingnan at the turn of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and became rooted in Hong Kong around 1915. After a century of inheritance, nowadays the folk religion of Wong Tai Sin has developed in conjunction with charitable features and has been widely circulated in Hong Kong and overseas Chinese communities. Wong Tai Sin belief and customs was inscribed onto the fourth national representative list of intangible cultural heritage in 2014. Hong Kong Sik Sik Yuen was officially founded in 1921. Affairs of Wong Tai Sin Temple are managed to actualise the spirit of Wong Tai Sin - "To act benevolently, teach benevolence and grant every wish". In this tour around Wong Tai Sin Temple, participants will be guided by an officer of Sik Sik Yuen to learn more about the belief and customs of Wong Tai Sin.

 

 

 

Field Visit: Yu Lan Cultural Tradition

Inscribed onto the national intangible cultural heritage list, "Yu Lan Festival of the Hong Kong Chiu Chow Community" is an active effort to pass on the customs and folk practices of the Chiu Chow and Shantou community. During the seventh lunar month, Chiu Chow diaspora residing in different parts of Hong Kong organise Yu Lan Festival ceremonies in different districts. Offerings are burnt on the street for wandering souls, and thanks are given to the blessings of deities. The festival also promotes the spirit of filial piety and giving. During this field visit, Mr. Wu Yim Chung will take participants to the site of the Yu Lan Festival in Fung Wong Chuen of San Po Kong, Wong Tai Sin. Participants will be introduced to the full layout of the venue and sacrificial ceremonies and rituals for a better understanding of the history and the cultural background to the Yu Lan tradition.

 

 

 

Crafting Fun - Pok Fu Lam Fire Dragon Crafting Workshop

As an item on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong, "Mid-Autumn Festival - the Pok Fu Lam Fire Dragon Dance" has a history of over hundred years which comprises fire dragon crafting, consecration, fire dragon dance, and sending the fire dragon to the sea. In this workshop, Master Ng Kong Kin, who has been crafting fire dragons for more than 40 years, will personally teach participants to craft a mini-sized fire dragon head and learn more about the cultural significance of the fire dragon dance.

 

 

 

Wonderful Dance - Hakka Unicorn Colouring Workshop

Inscribed onto the national representative list of intangible cultural heritage, "Hakka Unicorn Dance in Hang Hau in Sai Kung" has a history of more than 200 years. At celebratory occasions such as traditional festive ceremonies, weddings and birthdays, the Hakka people would perform the unicorn dance as a way to express good wishes and drive away evil spirits. In this event, Mr. Lau Man Choi would explain the unique shape of Hakka unicorn, as well as the cultural meaning of its colouring. Participants can also colour their own 3D unicorn models to learn more about the Hakka unicorn culture.

 

 

 

Master Class – Fish Lantern Paper Crafting Workshop

Paper crafted products play an important role in traditional festivals and rituals of folk beliefs. Making use of simple materials such as bamboo strips, tissue paper, coloured paper and fabrics, papercraft masters get used to incorporate their creativity, refined crafting techniques and painting skills to create the myriad of paper crafted pieces.

In this workshop, seasoned papercraft master Hui Ka Hung will share with you the basic knowledge and techniques of paper crafting. Come and create your own unique fish lanterns!

 

 

 

Master Class – Pok Fu Lam Fire Dragon Crafting Workshop

Every year during the Mid-Autumn Festival, villagers of Pok Fu Lam Village in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island would hold a fire dragon dance ritual in the village to invoke blessings for well-being and peace. The fire dragon is a collaborative effort of villagers, who made it by bamboos poles, dried hays and metal wires. Crafting of the fire dragon has been a tradition for generations.

In this workshop, Master Ng Kong Kin, a fire dragon craftsman with more than forty years of experience will walk participants through the techniques of crafting the traditional fire dragon. Participants can also learn more about the tradition of Pok Fu Lam fire dragon dance, as well as its history and cultural significance. 

 

 

 

Talk on Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and Crafting Experience

Inscribed onto the national list of intangible cultural heritage, Tai Hang fire dragon dance has a history of over 130 years. Every Mid-Autumn Festival, villagers of Tai Hang perform a three-day fire dragon dance for blessing.

The Tai Hang fire dragon is more than 200 feet long. The body is made solely of a special kind of hay called "pearl grass", on which "longevity joss sticks" are inserted. Some 300 athletes perform the specular dragon dance during night time. In this talk, Mr. Chan Tak Fai, commander-in-chief of the Tai Hang fire dragon dance, will talk about the history of the fire dragon dance and demonstrate its crafting techniques so that participants can gain a better understanding of the cultural significance of this traditional practice.

 

 

 

Talk on "The Art of Cantonese Opera"

Cantonese opera was the first ICH item of Hong Kong that has been inscribed onto the the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is a profound yet down-to-earth culture comprising literature, operatic songs, drama and martial arts. As illustrated by many of our slangs that have come from Cantonese opera, the art is intertwined with people's everyday life.

Mr. Yuen Siu Fai, a renowned Cantonese opera practitioner, started his career in Cantonese opera as a prodigy and has been in the industry for more than 50 years. In this talk, Mr. Yuen will share his stories and insights of the Cantonese opera industry that unveil the historical development and cultural significance of the art form.

 

 

 

Talk – Know More about Kwan Kwa Chinese Wedding Costume

Kwan kwa is a traditional costume for Chinese brides that is mainly decorated with dragon and phoenix motifs. Put together using needlework, the traditionally hand-made dress is a true demonstration of craftsmanship. Kwan kwa adorned with dragon and phoenix motifs dazzle to catch the eye. Its exquisite embroidered patterns do not only convey good wishes for the new couples, but also embody profound traditional culture.

In this talk, a seasoned Chinese-style kwan kwa shop operator will talk about the production, types and evolution of kwan kwa, such that participants can gain a deeper understanding about the craftsmanship of this traditional Chinese wedding costume.

 

 

 

The Making of a Good Qin – A Guided Tour to the Qin Workshop

The guqin, also known as qin, is an instrument with an ancient lineage, and is noted for its distinctive timbre. By tradition, qin players enjoy not only playing the instrument and researching on the tablatures, but also making their own instruments. Master Choi Chang Sau, a consummate devotee to the craft in Hong Kong, has been giving qin making classes since the 1990s. His vision is to pass on his crafting experience that he has gleaned over decades to qin musicians in Hong Kong, and to ensure the perpetuation of the heritage. The ICH Office is delighted to have members of the Choi Chang Sau Qin Making Society as docents for this guided tour. They will take the participants on a site visit of the qin making workshop for an in-depth understanding of this ancient arts and craft, which is carpentry, lacquering, calligraphy and music all rolled into one.

 

 

 

A Unique Craft and a Wearable Art – A Talk on the Chinese Cheongsam

The Chinese cheongsam, or gowns of traditional style, was a popular style of dress among the people of Hong Kong in the last century. Today, it has grown to be a status symbol, worn by elders of clans and communities on formal occasions such as traditional events, rituals and weddings. "Technique of Making Hong Kong Cheongsam and Kwan Kwa Wedding Costume" is on the first Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong, recognised for its distinctive cultural meaning. In this talk, in the theme of Snippets of Metropolitan Hong Kong, Ms Fung Kwai Fong, who is known for her knowledge of Chinese traditional costumes, will take the participants back in time to more than half a century ago and revisit the history and development of the Hong Kong-style cheongsam. It will be followed by A Dialogue with a Master, in which Mr Yan Ka Man, an expert tailor of cheongsam, will share with the participants his 60-year-long experience in this craft. Participants will gain insight into the spirit of dedication and pursuit of excellence of a venerable craftsman who has become an artist in his field.

 

 

 

Talk on Quanzhen Temples Taoist Ritual Music

Quanzhen temples Taoist ritual music was inscribed onto the fourth national list of ICH in 2014. In this talk, Master Leung Tak Wah, Chairman of The Hong Kong Taoist Association, will share the experience in inheritance and preservation of Taoist ritual music culture through video sharing and live demonstration of the vocals of jingyun by the scripture chanters from Fung Ying Seen Koon. Let's learn more about the uniqueness of Quanzhen temples Taoist ritual music!

 

 

 

Master Class – Creative Lamp Shade Crafting Workshop

Using bamboo splints, rice paper strips and fabric, paper crafting cannot be simpler when you are guided by a highly creative master! As an intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong, it has blossomed out in diversity through the crafters of today. Master Au Yeung Ping Chi, an outstanding local craftsman, has years of experience in creating models that go beyond the traditional form. In this workshop, he will guide the participants in making lamp shades that incorporate their own imagination with traditional paper crafting techniques and enjoy the endless possibilities of this age-old, perennial but renewable craft.  

 

 

 

Demonstration Lecture on "Story Telling, Singing and Nanyin"

Nanyin is a narrative song art sung in the Cantonese dialect – or to be specific, in the standard vernacular of Guangzhou. It has been described as the Hong Kong version of the blues, as it narrates in song the hardships and vicissitudes in life. Gaining popularity in the early 1900's, it was the earliest version of ‘pop music' in Hong Kong. This genre of singing is characterised by its improvisatory nature, with several roles all sung by one singer. It has also blended into Cantonese Opera and Cantonese sung music as one of the vocal presentation formats. In this talk, the audience can have the opportunity to acquire a better knowledge and understanding of the art of nanyin through an interactive presentation by seasoned playwrights, composers and singers.

 

 

 

The Cantopop in the Qing Era? – a Talk on Nanyin and Yue'ou

Both nanyin and yue'ou belong to the narrative song art that flourished in the mid-Qing period in Canton (Guangzhou today). While nanyin is still being performed by many virtuosi and is often featured as arias in Cantonese Opera, yue'ou seem to exist more in text form as lyrics rather than as song. Only a few yue'ou notations remain in relatively intact form today, and even less recordings have survived. In this lecture, the speaker will make use of historical archives and sound recordings to explore the history of nanyin and yue'ou, and identify the relationship between the two from a linguistic perspective.