Hong Kong strives to revive Cantonese Opera

• Source: Global Times
• [15:38 December 08 2009]
• Comments

A fading masterpiece

The United Nations recently proclaimed Cantonese Opera, which originated in Canton, or Guangzhou and became popular in Hong Kong during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, as one of the "masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity."

However in Hong Kong, the recognition may have come too late.

It has proven an uphill battle to find younger audiences and performers given its musty image, uncertain career prospects and extreme hardships in mastering the art form.

"If you do not put time into it, it is not meaningful," explained Doris Kwan, one of the members of To's young opera troupe. "It is very difficult to make a living," Kwan added, explaining that she holds down two part-time jobs to support herself.

While some critics say Cantonese Opera's lack of melodies and rather old-fashioned plots and lyrics need a thoroughly modern makeover, purists of the art form have resisted such changes.

Initiatives like the Hong Kong Young Talent Cantonese Opera Troupe have provided a platform for amateurs and the local government, including senior officials with a passion for the art form, are pushing mandatory opera education in local schools, but some experts say much more has to be done.

"They don't learn from a young age, they lack a foundation and this is a big challenge," old master Man explained. "You can't rely on these youngsters as the next generation, I think the real successors for Cantonese Opera are on the mainland."

Some, however, fear an assimilation of Hong Kong's unique tradition that is considered less political and rigid than in previous times, once energized by legendary figures like librettist Tong Dick-san and actor Yam Kim-fai.

"Merging with the Cantonese Opera in Canton is not very wise because Hong Kong's own tradition, the smaller one, will eventually be homogenized," wrote Yu Siu-wah, a Chinese Opera expert and author of Such are the Fading Sounds.

"Conforming to the mainstream pan-Chinese Opera, the characteristics and the uniqueness of local Hong Kong Cantonese Opera will be compromised," he added.

Reuters