Cantonese opera to take centre stage at Hong Kong’s first WestK FunFest, at West Kowloon Cultural District – with performances, workshops and more
- Hong Kong’s inaugural WestK FunFest, at the West Kowloon Cultural District this March and April, will feature a range of Cantonese opera events
- These include workshops and watching a performance while drinking tea and eating dim sum – as part of a diverse programme of over 150 family-friendly goings-on
Cantonese opera is a divisive art form: people either love it or loathe it. But there’s no doubting its cultural role. In 2009 it was officially recognised by Unesco as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
With its elaborate costumes and heavy make-up, Cantonese opera is rich with skills and stories that have been handed down through generations. But as with many traditional arts, its appeal is fading.
A Cantonese Opera Movement Workshop (March 16) will be hosted by opera actress Leung Fei-tung, who will talk participants through basic gestures such as hand and finger movements and give insights into the stylised use of props and costumes such as water sleeves and horse whips.
Leading the Cantonese Opera Makeup Workshops (March 17 and 23) are actress King Fa-lui and performer and make-up artist Leong Yee-lin.
The events are part of the first WestK FunFest, to be held from March 16 to April 7 at venues across the West Kowloon Cultural District and featuring artists from Hong Kong and overseas.
