The opening programme of the Xiqu Centre, The Reincarnation of Red Plum, is a classic title directed by the Cantonese opera legend Pak Suet-sin. As we anticipate high public demand for this prestigious event, ticket application will be managed by public ballot. 2019 marks the 60th anniversary of the first performance of The Reincarnation of Red Plum – an adaption of the Ming dynasty legend The Story of Red Plum by the late Cantonese opera dramatist Tong Tik-sang. The piece was written for the Sin Fung Ming Opera Troupe, founded by renowned Cantonese opera artists Yam Kim-fai and Pak Suet-sin in 1956. Between 1950 and 1959, the prolific Tong Tik-sang wrote over 200 works. His pioneering collaboration with Sin Fung Ming also generated a wealth of Cantonese opera classics that continue to delight audiences to this day. As leaders of Sin Fung Ming, Yam Kim-fai and Pak Suet-sin helped set new artistic and professional standards and contributed enormously to the transformation of Cantonese opera from popular entertainment to a refined aesthetic form. Set in the Southern Song dynasty, The Reincarnation of Red Plum tells the complex love story of scholar Pei Yu and the ghost of beautiful concubine Li Huiniang. Under the artistic direction of legendary veteran Pak Suet-sin, this opening production celebrates the living tradition of Cantonese opera, showcasing three generations of talented performers and offering a new perspective on an enduring classic.