Dispelling 5 common misconceptions about Cantonese opera
- Tradition of Cantonese opera is alive and well in Hong Kong
- Art form transcends cultural barriers and generations with stories of humanity
Cantonese opera – which originated in China’s southern region, notably Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macau – remains one of the most celebrated forms of Chinese performance art today.
The elaborate stage shows performed in Cantonese, which combine singing, music, acrobatics and martial arts, continue to make Hong Kong proud.
We want to reach out [during Cantonese Opera Day] to people who have never had a chance to experience Cantonese opera
The 1,000-year-old art form’s unique aesthetics and long lineage led to Cantonese opera being inscribed onto the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in September 2009.
Despite Cantonese opera’s long history and prestigious status, there are many misconceptions that stop it from being more widely appreciated.
However, this year’s forthcoming Cantonese Opera Day, on November 25, promises to change that, veteran Cantonese opera star Sun Kim-long says.
“We want to reach out to people who have never had a chance to experience Cantonese opera,” he says.
