Cantonese opera inspires next generation: art form flourishes in Hong Kong’s schools
Primary and secondary students are discovering a strong connection to their cultural roots when they have the opportunity to participate in Cantonese opera productions
With faces tightly set, the actors take a few rhythmic strides across the stage, pompoms in their headdresses quivering with each step, sequin gowns nearly sweeping the floor. In the background, a suona (Chinese double-reeded horn) screeches to the beat of a drum-cymbal ensemble.
It looks like any other day in the Sunbeam Theatre. Except all the actors on the stage are children, and this is the school hall of Fukien Secondary School Affiliated School.
The school’s Cantonese opera team, is organised hand-in-hand with the Cha Duk Chang Children’s Cantonese Opera Association, and came into being in 2013. Professional artists visit the school on a weekly basis. On top of opera appreciation tours and competitions, the biggest event every year is the annual performance in July which is open to all parents and pupils.
In this primary school, however, the study of the art extends beyond the 40 minutes on stage – it is a thread that strings together a sequence of apparently unrelated subjects.
According to the principal, Eva Charisa Hsu, the whole school takes part in the Cantonese opera programme in some way. “Chinese, English, music, visual art, physical education and culture and national education, are all areas of study into which Cantonese opera can be integrated,” she says.
And yes, English was also part of the plan.