Cantonese Opera and Xiqu Culture
On April 24, Ms. Man Wah, a Cantonese opera singer and writer of the Sensational Sprouts Cantonese Opera Association, captivated an audience of over 60 Grade 7 students and parents with her knowledge and passion for Cantonese opera. Ms. Man Wah began her presentation by showcasing clips from three different versions of “Dream of the Red Chamber,” performed in Kunqu opera, Yue opera, and Cantonese opera. This allowed the audience to experience the distinct styles of singing and better understand the history and development of Cantonese opera. She also introduced the essential elements of traditional Chinese opera, including the actors and the four skills of performing: singing, acting, reciting, and martial arts, the characters and stories, and the supporting elements such as music, percussion, makeup, costumes, props, scenery, and lighting.
Cantonese opera was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. Its primary differences from other forms of Chinese opera lie in the use of dialect, musical instruments, musical modes, and singing styles. Originated in the mid-Ming Dynasty, Cantonese opera was initially sung in ancient Mandarin, before gradually transitioning to the use of Cantonese singing styles. Over time, it has incorporated both Chinese and Western instruments. The performance style also evolved and the content of the plays shifted from promoting social ethics and traditional morality to exploring literary and historical themes.
Ms. Man Wah also gave a spontaneous demonstration of the old “gongche” notation system used in Cantonese opera, and led the audience in singing scales. She concluded the event by performing a self-composed piece, showcasing her mastery of writing, directing, and performing. Lastly, she invited the students to enjoy a free Cantonese opera show early next year, details of which will follow.
Please click here for more information on her website and click here for her YouTube videos.
About the Speaker
Ms. Man Wah was Born into a family with rich history in Xiqu, she Wah possesses a natural talent for writing, creating and acting. Her performances in classic Cantonese operas, such as “The Floral Princess” (帝女花) and “The Purple Hairpin” (紫釵記), have earned her rave reviews. She is a true example of a “Cantonese opera singer-songwriter” nurtured in Hong Kong.
