Koi Ming Fai
The life of a Cantonese opera star

Koi Ming Fai dressed up for a performance of Princess Chang Ping at Ap Lei Chau Playground earlier this year. (Courtesy of Koi Ming Fai)

By Carrie Fung

Koi Ming Fai, was one of the 10 outstanding young persons in 2001. Being a well-known Cantonese opera actor in Hong Kong, she has been performing Cantonese opera for the past 13 years.

In addition, she has been an actor for TVB since 1995. In 2000, she took part in a stage drama called Leung Jok.

Amid her tight schedule, Ms. Lee has spent time in doing voluntary work. She sometimes performs at charity concerts held by welfare organizations.

In 1996, she was the blood donor star for the Hong Kong Red Cross. She visits homes for the elderly when she is free.

At 8 years old, Ms. Lee came to realise her interest in Cantonese opera.

When she studied in Primary 3, she watched a Cantonese opera performance in the New Territories with her family. She was impressed by the excellent performance of the actors.

Then she decided to become a successful Cantonese opera actor.
Five years later, Ms. Lee read an enrollment advertisement for the Pak Hee Cantonese Opera College.

She persuaded her family to let her study there.

“I promised my family that I would try my best to learn Cantonese opera,” said she.

Ms. Lee spent two years studying Cantonese opera. She worked hard to learn make-up techniques and how to recite the lyrics of several Cantonese operas.

After graduating from college, she enriched her stage experience by participating in different roles.

“When I finished this course, I started my career as a Cantonese opera actor.

“I was so excited in my first outdoor performance.

“I kept practicing singing and acting. I did not mind being a supporting character. I only wanted to perform well on the stage,” she recalled.

Ms. Lee met her teacher Lam Ka Sing in one Cantonese opera performance. Mr. Lam appreciated her efforts put into Cantonese opera. He taught her singing and acting skills.

Later, he invited Ms. Lee to perform in a large scale Cantonese opera program, a valuable chance for her.

After the performance, she became the leading actor in all Cantonese opera shows.

Ms. Lee said that being a Cantonese opera actor is challenging.
In 2000, she performed on an outdoor stage.

“The audience was required to sit under the bright sun.

“Unfortunately, the electric system failed four times during the opera. This greatly affected our performance.

“However, we insisted on finishing the show. Luckily, the audience did not complain about our performance.

“From this experience, I learnt that preparedness is of great importance during every performance.

“Cantonese opera is a live show, so unexpected events will happen. Being an actor, I need to be well prepared,” said she.

Ms. Lee has performed in TV series. However, she loves Cantonese opera most.

“I will never give up Cantonese opera. It is integral in my life.

“I want to keep showing different faces to the audience, so I participated in TV series.

“Apart from this, I can learn acting from other TV actors. This gives me a sense of satisfaction.”

After receiving the Outstanding Young Persons Award, Ms. Lee said that she has a mission: She should spend more time on participating in charitable activities.

“I visited homes for the elderly and sang songs with the elderly. They were very happy.

“I was impressed. The feeling of helping the needy is comfortable,” said she.

Being an outstanding young person, Ms. Lee encourages young adults to think in different perspectives.

She reminds young adults to be brave in facing different challenges.

In addition, she advises young adults who want to become Cantonese opera actors to finish their studies first.

“If they are interested in Cantonese opera, they can learn it after graduation.

“However, they should find out why they love it first.

“Learning Cantonese opera takes time. If they do not really love it, they will get bored and give up easily. It will just waste their time,” said she.

Ms. Lee has been spending more time on Cantonese opera than studying. If she could choose again, she would still choose to be a Cantonese opera actor as her lifelong career.

Being an actor, Ms. Lee always suffers great pressure. To ease the pressure, she loves watching movies, going for picnics and rearing pets.

“I have a dog. When I return home after work, it welcomes me and wags its tail. Then I forget all my pressures,” said Ms. Lee, laughing.

Ms. Lee’s recognized achievement in Cantonese opera has made her become a role model for women.

She said that the social status of women is much higher than in the past. Women have freedom to choose their own careers.

“We should upgrade ourselves to increase our competitive power.

“The more effort you put in, the more likely you are to succeed.

“If women work hard and plan astutely, they will have great achievement in different areas.

“Although I am very busy, I would like to learn new performing skills,” said Ms. Lee.

Ms. Lee never thinks of retirement. She would like to teach Cantonese opera in the future.

“I want to promote Cantonese opera to youngsters.

“In Hong Kong, there is room for the development of Cantonese opera. The possible venues for performances include city halls and community centers.

“Moreover, the Cantonese opera actors have to improve their performing skills as well,” said she.

Koi Ming Fai making up for a performance. (Carrie Fung)

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