HKADC Expresses the Deepest Condolences over the Passing of Renowned Xiqu Veteran Yam Bing-yee

Renowned Xiqu veteran Yam Bing-yee passed away recently. The Hong Kong Arts Development Council expresses great sorrow over the loss and would like to extend its deepest condolences to Yam’s family.

Yam was revered as Erbang Wang (“Queen of Second-lead Actresses”) in Hong Kong’s Xiqu scene. She had been active on the Xiqu stage for over half a century since the 1940s. Yam starred in numerous productions of a host of Xiqu troupes, including New Voice Opera Troupe, Sin Fung Ming Opera Troupe, Chor Fung Ming Cantonese Opera Troupe and Hing Fung Ming Opera Troupe. She was voted Erbang Wang by readers of Wah Kiu Yat Po and had held the acclaimed title since, showing her lifelong dedication to the art of Xiqu.

Throughout her artistic career, Yam learned ceaselessly and tirelessly. She undertook tenacious training in martial arts, which equipped her with the tuiche (pushing a carriage) technique that was considered the best in the Xiqu profession. With her excellent skills of singing, acting, recitation and acrobatics as well as her remarkable grasp of the inner conflicts of characters, Yam brought many vivid roles to life, such as Shui-lan in Princess Changping, Ng Kong-sin in The Reincarnation of Lady Plum Blossom and Sister Sheung in The Pitiless Sword. For more than half a century, Yam committed whole-heartedly to Xiqu and enthusiastically nurtured a younger generation of Xiqu performers. Her professionalism and earnest attitude were deeply respected. In 2012, Yam was awarded the Award for Outstanding Contribution in Arts of the Hong Kong Arts Development Awards in recognition of her contribution to the promotion of Xiqu and education of future talent.

Her passing away is a great loss to the local Xiqu community. Her accomplishment and devotion to the arts will be long remembered.