Difficulty: Summiteer (Level 3)
Cantonese opera originated in China’s southern Guangdong province. It uses singing, acrobatics and martial arts to tell a story. But the shows’ long runtimes and use of old, traditional music can be a little overwhelming, especially for younger audiences.
That is why the Hong Kong Cantonese Opera Troupe (HKCOT) have been trying to make the ancient art form more interesting for children and teenagers.
The HKCOT puts on shows that combine traditional narratives and costumes with modern parts.
For example, redesigned backdrops that “create more variety on the stage”, according to Yam Yuen-yam, the group’s promotion and events manager. Other upgrades include special stage designs, lighting, music and even animated projections, which all help create eye-catching performances.
Capturing interest
Thompson Vong Seng-pan is a Cantonese opera actor with the HKCOT. The 31-year-old has studied the ancient art for two decades – the larger part of his life. Vong and Yam agree that Cantonese opera is not very popular with young people in Hong Kong.
“Teenagers [find] Cantonese opera dull because it’s really long,” Vong said through a translator. Performances also have traditional songs that young people “do not really understand,” he added.
To help young people learn about the art, the HKCOT has held workshops at schools. In these sessions, actors discuss the props used in a production and even demonstrate some of the skills.
Vong, who has joined some of the events, said he was happy to see how they helped students become interested in Cantonese opera.
Yam added: “It gives students a basic understanding of Cantonese opera … [which] has a long history. Its culture and heritage have to be protected.”
Love at first watch
Vong was born in Macau. He recalled how he felt the first time he watched a Cantonese opera performance.
“My first impression was that the costumes were very beautiful and the Cantonese opera [actors’] voices were really good,” he said.
When he was nine years old, Vong convinced his parents to sign him up for lessons at a local community centre.
Eventually, he decided to try becoming a professional performer. He moved to Hong Kong from Macau because there were more opportunities for Cantonese opera here, he said.
Vong encourages young people to come and watch the shows.
“Even if they do not understand the songs or dances, they can feel the emotions on stage, like when they fight or when they cry,” he said.
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