Two seven-year-old Cantonese opera performers shine on stage

Seven-year-olds Alina Lee Lok-yiu and Luca Chung Yiu-tong stepped onto the stage in special make-up and costumes. The audience was surprised by how young the actors were.

Last year, the two kids were part of a Cantonese opera charity concert. It was their first time performing with adults. They felt nervous, but they love this art. "The songs are interesting and beautiful - the hand gestures as well," Alina said.

Cantonese opera is a traditional performing art that goes back hundreds of years. But it could disappear one day because youth are not very interested in it. That is why kids who perform this art are important. People hope they can keep Cantonese opera alive.

Teaching the next generation

The two kids have been taking classes with the Sing Fai Cantonese Opera Promotion Association since 2020. The NGO hopes to preserve this art.

"Child Cantonese opera performers like Alina and Luca have attracted new, bigger audiences," said the NGO's founder Fong Suet-ying.

Both Alina and Luca wanted to join after watching Cantonese opera performances. Luca said he enjoyed being a "powerful and handsome general".

It is tough for kids to learn Cantonese opera. They must memorise scripts and show emotions on stage. Luca's mother said he might have to quit to focus on school.

But Alina hopes to become a Cantonese opera actor in the future. "I'm happy when I perform," she explained.

Think about it

1. Why were Alina and Luca nervous at the beginning of the story?
2. What is the goal of the Sing Fai Cantonese Opera Promotion Association?