Development Cantonese Opera

As I already stated, Cantonese Opera can be characterized as well with its readiness to adopt different elements in the repertoire. I think one could see it as a form of artistic expression and adaption to social circumstances.

There are undoubtedly different influences from the internal development of artists as well as external forces like politics, economic and social progress, as well as changing audiences and changing the entertainment industry's values. The other well-known troupes called Bendi where not established as much in the cities but along the Pearl River in boats and smaller villages. During Ming and the following Qing dynasty, these two forms mixed and interacted more closely.

The economy at that time had been started to thrive, and performances at festivals, celebrations, and religious activities were the main reason for the excellent development of Cantonese Opera. Going back to the history of Cantonese Opera, you reach the timeframe of 1849 to 1864 with the Taiping Rebellion. At this time, the court of China banned all performances of Cantonese Opera because some of the actors had been found guilty of actively participating in the Rebellion.

Actors and Cantonese Opera survived in participating in other theatres, especially in Bejing troupes, but a lot of information got lost at this time. Luckily some information could be regained as it had been described in some local periodicals, and some of the actors passed their knowledge from teacher to student. This gloomy period ended in the Tongshi reign. But enough of old times – more will follow later.

There will be up and downs in the upcoming history as in every form of art and even nowadays has been some downsides and some better times as well. Just now is a time for Cantonese Opera to be recognized much more. Apart from the Hong Kong Government, there are Organisations like “The Cantonese Advancement Association Ltd., Shatin” which has been founded some years ago and helps in further developing Cantonese Opera and especially supporting young children and groups to get a better knowledge of this old and historical established Chinese art form.

They gave me a chance to have a look behind the scene, getting the painted faces done as well as offering a possibility to see and document an excellent performance in March this year. I like to share some of the images I took at this opportunity.