Cantonese opera gets Canadian exposure

Canadian opera lovers got a deeper understanding of Cantonese Opera during the Guangzhou Culture Week held in Vancouver, Canada, from May 24 to 31.

The cultural gala was sponsored by the Guangzhou municipal bureau of culture, radio, TV, film, press and publication, and included two days of performances at the River Rock Show Theater, on May 29 and 30, as well as training sessions and lectures on opera.

Ou Kaiming and Cui Yumei, both winners of the China Opera Plum Blossom Award and the nation's first-class performers, staged the classic Cantonese opera -- The Revolt from Huang Feihu's Rebellion and several excerpts from their famous productions.

The performances were well received by Canadian opera lovers and overseas Chinese. "About 100 million people speak Cantonese all over the world, and it is the mother tongue for most Chinese and overseas Chinese," said Yu Yong, chairman of the Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Theatre. "Cantonese Opera helps enrich their cultural life."

Young performers Ge Ruijuan and Chen Zhenjiang show the opera's characteristics and performing mannerisms to local opera enthusiasts. [Photo/dayoo.com]

To further strengthen the cultural exchanges and friendship between China and Canada, performers and experts from Guangzhou Red Bean Cantonese Opera Troupe cooperated with local organizations and societies, showcasing many unique skills, characteristics, costumes and makeup featured in Cantonese Opera.