Comic：Xiqu Centre
【明報專訊】The Smarties have just met Eason. What are they talking about?
“ Eason: Hey, Smarties! So you think you are smart? I bet you don't even know what this make-up is about. ”
“ Dr Panda: Of course we do. It's Cantonese opera make-up. ”
“ MoMo: Yeah, that is the clown role. ”
“ Eason: Humph! How about this? ”
“ Pat: It's the strong and aggressive character! ”
“ Eason: That's impossible! How come you know so much about Cantonese opera? ”
“ MoMo: It's because we've been to the Xiqu Centre. ”
■English highway﹕Humph
''Humph'' is a kind of interjection. It is used to show that the person is annoyed or do not believe something. Other interjections include ''Hurray'', ''Wow'', ''Ouch'', ''Eww''.
e.g. Ouch! It hurts! (Pain)
Eww! It's so grossy! (Dislike)
■Know more
Xiqu Centre is a theatre for Cantonese opera and other types of opera. Located at the West Kowloon Cultural District, it opened in 2019. The building looks like a set of stage curtains.
Apart from the Grand Theatre that accommodates over 1,000 seats, there is also a Tea House theatre where audience can watch demonstrations of Chinese traditional operas while having dim sum and tea. The large open atrium is a good venue for relaxing too.
Chinese traditional opera is a blend of music and drama. Different roles wear different types of make-up and costume. Some roles involve martial arts skills.
■Glossary
bet (v) 敢斷定
aggressive (adj) 好鬥的
blend (n) 交融
martial arts (n) 武術
[Smarties' Power English 第274期]
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