Channels Section of Varsity

The struggles
Cantonese opera facing hardship

By Irene Chow
Combining acting, visual effects and classical literature, Cantonese opera used to be the jewel in the crown of Chinese art and culture. However, as the years pass, this unique art form is fading fast.

Cheng Ying

     Mr. Leung Hon-wai is the head of the Hon Fung Cantonese Opera Institute.
     He is also the vice-president of the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong and a committee member of the Traditional Performing Arts Section of the Arts Development Council.
     “The elements of Cantonese opera are outdated," said he.
     “There is a lack of new stories and professionals. Artists also resist change, so how can the situation be improved?”
     Mr. Leung also suggested that a lack of long-term planning and devotion are also problems to the development of the art form.
     Additionally, low income for the performers affects their morale and may turn away people interested in the art.
     In Mr. Leung’s opinion, innovation is important for development.
     One recent example of innovation was a performance with a symphony orchestra.
     A certificate course in Cantonese opera is being offered by the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong and the School of Continuing Studies of The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
     It is sponsored by the Provisional Urban Council and the Arts Development Council.
     The students are expected to be potential operatic talents. Their ages range from 17 to 47. One-third of the current class of 97 is aged between 25 and 35.

Cheng Ying

     Miss Flora Cheung, an organiser of the Children and Juvenile Cantonese Opera Training Course, said that children also need to be given formal knowledge of the art, since they seldom get access to it.
     There are 10 students taking part in the course, all are girls aged between 6 and 15.
     Recently a proposal from the Arts Development Council suggested much greater funding and setting up an umbrella body for Cantonese opera.
     Under the proposal, the suggested umbrella body would fund a venue dedicated to Chinese opera, train new operatic singers and help opera companies carry out educational work.
     Mr. Chan Hin-shang, who has been pursuing a career in Cantonese opera for 60 years, said he wishes people could learn Cantonese opera seriously so that the precious songs and art left by their ancestors will not be wasted.

Covering China

Sensitive films

January 1998

[Editorial] [Letters] [Answer] [News] [Social] [Photo] [Culture] [Education] [Channels] [Science] [Celebrity]

Comments Editor-in-Chief Electronic Editor

By Irene Chow Combining acting, visual effects and classical literature, Cantonese opera used to be the jewel in the crown of Chinese art and culture. However, as the years pass, this unique art form is fading fast.

By Irene Chow
Combining acting, visual effects and classical literature, Cantonese opera used to be the jewel in the crown of Chinese art and culture. However, as the years pass, this unique art form is fading fast.