“Arts or Action, Why Not Both?” Classic Martial Arts Drama Costumes and Props Exhibition

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Martial arts TV dramas, including their iconic theme songs and soundtracks, have always played a prominent role in shaping Hong Kong’s pop culture. Many beloved and timeless TV dramas are adaptations of martial arts hero stories crafted by local novelists such as Jin Yong, Liang Yusheng, Wong Yi, Woon Swee Oan and Gu Long. These narratives have sparked a wave of enthusiasm for martial arts TV dramas, captivating audiences far and wide. This exhibition presents a collection of some 30 exhibits from headpieces to costumes and props from classic martial arts TV dramas from the 1970s to the 2000s. Each drama, set in a distinct historical period, offers a gateway for visitors to revisit these timeless tales, immersing themselves in the essence of martial arts and celebrating the richness of Chinese culture.

The exhibition is the outreach activity of "Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2024". The Leisure and Cultural Services Department presented the first Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival last year to great acclaim. This year, the second edition features "Arts & Action" as its theme, taking audiences on a journey through time to explore the charm of Hong Kong’s pop culture. It encompasses both "Arts" (creative works) and "Action" (martial arts), an attempt to show the dynamic inheritance, diffusion, integration and breakthroughs within Hong Kong’s pop culture. The event lineup offers a diverse range of formats including thematic exhibitions, film screenings, stage performances and outreach activities, and its rich content spans across literature, various art forms and martial arts, clearly showcasing how Hong Kong’s vibrant and diverse pop culture stands out from the rest.