Veteran Opera Master Lau Shun, Eunuch Li in 'Hail the Judge,' Dies at 87
Renowned Peking and Cantonese opera artist Lau Shun, beloved for film roles in "Hail the Judge" and "Swordsman," has died at 87. Cantonese opera star Law Kar-ying paid tribute and revealed why his mentor left the industry.
Photo: HK01
Lau Shun, a celebrated veteran of both Peking and Cantonese opera, died this morning (the 30th) at the age of 87, according to reports. Lau appeared in numerous classic films, including "Hail the Judge" and "Swordsman," leaving a deep impression on audiences. A seasoned Peking opera performer and opera director, Lau studied the art form from childhood under such masters as Li Wanchun, Li Shaochun and Gai Jiaotian. He graduated from the China Theatre School in 1958 and later joined the China Peking Opera Theatre as a performer. He moved to Hong Kong in 1980, teaching at the Hong Kong Dance Company and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, where leading Cantonese opera star Law Kar-ying was among his star pupils.
In April 2021, Lau received an Honorary Fellowship from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. His portrayal of the eunuch Li Lianying in "Hail the Judge" — particularly the scene of lip-syncing with Stephen Chow — became a classic. Though a Peking opera master, Lau did not begin acting in films until the age of 47, yet within just a few years he had created numerous iconic roles that won the hearts of audiences.
In the early hours of today, Law Kar-ying posted a lengthy tribute to Lau on Weibo, revealing that Lau had passed away the previous evening: "At 6 p.m. today, my senior fellow disciple Mr. Lau Shun passed away. He was born in the Year of the Rabbit and was 87 this year."
Law Kar-ying Posts Lengthy Tribute
In his tribute, Law recalled his many memories with Lau and shared a photo of the two together, writing: "In 1980, the Peking Opera Fourth Troupe came to perform in Hong Kong, and I got to know him through an introduction by Ma Yuqi. In 1982, he and his wife Guo Jinhua settled in Hong Kong. From then on, Yau Sing-po, Li Qifeng, Li Baoying and I trained under him. My students Shao Ying, Yi Xuan and twenty or thirty others also trained with him. He was extremely talented, his teaching methods were spot-on, his knowledge was vast, and he could even direct and stage productions. Many famous Cantonese opera performers — such as Chan Ho-kau, Li Long, Lung Koon-tin, Wan Fei-yin and Chan Ka-ming — studied under him, and each made considerable progress. He contributed greatly to Cantonese opera. When his teacher Li Wanchun came to Hong Kong, he recommended that I, Brother Po and Brother Qi become Li Wanchun's disciples, after which we addressed him as senior brother. Liza Wang's 'Mu Guiying' was staged by him, with a lively river-crossing combat scene. The plays I often perform — such as 'Love Amid Hardship,' 'A Hero Betrays His Country,' 'King Li Guang,' 'Battle at Yuan City' and 'Willow Dew Drips as the Peony Blooms' — were all shaped by him in terms of artistry, plot and movement, giving each production a very high caliber. I learned a great deal from him."
The Reason He Left the Industry
Law expressed his gratitude for Lau's guidance: "The artistic achievements of the latter half of my life, my complete transformation, are all thanks to Teacher Lau. He once taught at the Academy for Performing Arts — Hung Hoi, Cheng Wing-mui, Song Hongbo and Wang Xiying all received his instruction — but the world of performers is complicated, and he resigned. Over the past decade his health was not good, a gradual decline of age, yet he still devoted himself to teaching Hong Wah, Chan Ka-ming, Jian Lin, Jian Ying, Ng Kwok-wah and others. With his passing, the older generation of Peking opera masters has lost yet another figure. Hong Kong Cantonese opera benefited greatly from him, and I will forever cherish his memory. Teacher Lau, I am heartbroken. I still wanted to share tea and meals with you, but sadly, heaven gave me no chance. Rest in peace and may you ascend to the immortal realm soon."
Law also posted on Instagram: "The mountains and rivers stretch vast and grand; the master's spirit is as high as the mountains and as long as the rivers. [palms together] Rest in peace, Mr. Lau Shun. [palms together][palms together][palms together]"