The Essay on Calligraphy is a theoretical work on calligraphy traditionally attributed to the Eastern Jin Dynasty female calligrapher Wei Shuo (also known as Lady Wei), composed in the 4th century, discussing the characteristics of brushstrokes, techniques for writing and holding the brush, and ink usage. However, as time goes by, Lady Wei's calligraphic works lack clear documentation, resembling a blurred segment of history. Taking this idea, the work constructs a new narrative through the technological translation of Water-sleeve Dance, Cantonese Opera, and Chinese Calligraphy by collecting the brainwaves of calligrapher Xu Jing and combining art and technology, to reinterpret the Essay on Calligraphy.

In special ticketed performances, media artist Chris Cheung (h0nh1m) invites Calligrapher Xu Jing and Cantonese Opera artist Leung Fei-tung in response to this absent history through technology, contemporary ink and dance.

Across this 30-minute special live performance, artists bring to life the seven fundamental brushstroke imagery from Bizhentu into contemporary Cantonese Opera, reinterpreting Lady Wei‘s story and the spirit of her brushstroke techniques.