In this sumptuous 1963 opera film, maiden Chu Ying-Tai disguises herself as a boy in order to attend school. There she meets the dashing Liang Shan-Po, with whom she falls passionately in love.
In this sumptuous musical adaptation of one of China’s most famous folk tales, Betty Loh Ti plays fourth-century maiden Chu Ying-Tai, who yearns for an education. So she disguises herself as a boy in order to attend school; there she meets the dashing Liang Shan-Po, with whom she falls passionately in love.
This retrospective screening offers audiences the chance to revisit this classic film six decades after its release. Gender-bending role-play was traditional in Huangmei opera and here features as part of the story. But from a contemporary perspective, the decision to cast a female actress – Ivy Ling Po – in the male role complicates the onscreen sexual dynamics. Presenting desire as fluid and uninhibited by gender, this playful and hugely popular musical picked up numerous major awards across East Asia.
1963 Hong Kong dir Li Han-Hsiang 122 min
This is screening as part of Queer East Festival 2023.
This 60th anniversary screening has an introduction with guest How Wee Ng from University of Westminster.
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Booking fees
£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
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Cinema 1
Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue.
Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
Cinemas 2 & 3 are located at Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican Centre’s main Silk Street entrance. There are a couple of steep, dropped kerbs and an incline to negotiate between the two sites. Level access from Beech Street.
Mobility
Each auditorium has three permanent wheelchair spaces (two in the third row and one in the front row) and 153 fixed seats with capacity for a further three spaces in the front row. Access to each auditorium is up a ramp. There are also a number of seats with step-free access.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
An infrared system for hard of hearing customers is provided in each auditorium; headsets or neck loops can be collected from foyer staff. The ticket desk counter is fitted with an induction loop.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
