Cantonese Opera

Cantonese Opera is one of the main categories of Chinese opera. As a branch of the Chinese musical theatre tradition, Cantonese Opera shares many similarities with Chinese opera, including Peking Opera. This guide explores the history of Cantonese Opera, tracing its origins back to the Tang Dynasty in the 8th century. It then discusses the structure and style of the genre, and the musical differences from Western styles of opera.

Terminology

• Dynasty: a succession of rulers from the same family.
• Kunqu: one of the earliest forms of Chinese opera.
• Liuzhuzhi: the six-pillar system of set characters in Cantonese opera.
• Nanxi: an early form of Chinese opera.
• Tang Dynasty: an imperial dynasty of China that ruled from 618 to 907.
• The Five Methods: a system of practice defined for different parts of the body: body, hands, eyes, hair, and feet.
• The Four Skills: the training undertaken by performers in Cantonese opera. Chang (singing), Zuo (body movement), Nian (recitation or spoken acting), and Da (martial arts or acrobatics).

Key Dates & Events

• 712-755 - Emperor Tang founds the first opera troupe called ‘Pearl Garden’.
• 1658 - The first Temple Stage is built, specifically for Cantonese Opera performances.
• 1966-1976 - All opera in China is banned except for the eight Peking Model Operas, although Cantonese Opera still had a significant foothold in Hong Kong, which was still a dependent territory of the British Empire.
• 1980 - The Cantonese Opera Academy of Hong Kong opens.
• 1998 - The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts starts a part-time certification for Cantonese Opera.
• 2009 - Cantonese Opera is included on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• 2019 The Xiqu Centre in Hong Kong is opened.