Cantonese Opera

Cantonese performing art

BY MARCELO DUHALDE, YAN JING TIAN AND DENNIS WONG

NOVEMBER 8, 2019

Cantonese opera was inscribed onto the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in September 2009. It is arguably one of the region’s best-loved art forms among Hong Kong audiences.

Available on South China Morning Post 

https://multimedia.scmp.com/infographics/culture/article/3036661/cantonese-opera/index.html

 
Related Article

Development of Cantonese Opera in Hong Kong

https://chiculture.org.hk/en/china-five-thousand-years/4411

Links:

Hong Kong Film Archive e-publication Heritage and Integration—A Study of Hong Kong Cantonese Opera Films

Performance Venues:

Xiqu Centre

A purpose-built venue for Cantonese opera as well as other forms of Chinese traditional theatre (known as xiqu in Mandarin), Xiqu Centre in West Kowloon Cultural District is the ideal place to visit for an introduction to the genre. Immerse yourself in world-class performances at the Grand Theatre, or sit back and enjoy tea and dim sum at the cosy Tea House Theatre as you take in 90-minute excerpts of all-time favourites performed by the resident troupe. Featuring expert narration, the intimate venue is designed to recreate the down-to-earth experience enjoyed by locals in the 20^th century. 

www.westkowloon.hk/en/XiquCentre

 Yau Ma Tei Theatre

For a lesson in history and architecture along with your dose of opera, pop by Yau Ma Tei Theatre. Built in 1930, the theatre is the only surviving pre-war cinema building in the urban area of Hong Kong. It closed down in 1998 and reopened in 2012 as a venue dedicated to Cantonese opera. The building’s restoration was faithful to the original, making it an ideal venue to enjoy the richness and colour of traditional Chinese theatre. Inside, the audience sits under the original wooden roof beams. 

https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ymtt/index.html

Ko Shan Theatre New Wing

One of the key elements of Cantonese opera is the exciting action: from weapon-throwing to acrobatics, the martial art-inspired moves captivate audiences of all ages. Expanded in 2014, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing makes for an ideal stage for showcasing the dramatic movements, with high ceilings even in the rehearsal rooms.  Following the concept of ‘a theatre in a park, a park in a theatre’, the design, including floor-to-ceiling glass windows, allows the interior features to intertwine spectacularly with the outdoor scenery. The venue also takes into account the needs of the elderly, who are often fans of the genre, by offering greater accessibility such as ample room between seat rows and ramps into the theatres. 

 Even if you don’t have time for a performance, you can drop by the Cantonese Opera Education and Information Centre, equipped with the latest technology for visitors looking for a hands-on experience of Cantonese opera. Don’t miss the specialised store where you can pick up Cantonese opera-themed souvenirs.

http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/kst/index.html


Other Resources: 

Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall  - Hong Kong Heritage Museum