Efforts made in promoting Cantonese Opera

Liza Wang Ming-chuen, chairperson of the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong, attended a network media interview arranged by the Guangdong Publicity Department and the Guangdong Cyberspace Affairs  Administration to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China on June 25.

The Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong is a professional organization for Cantonese opera performers in Hong Kong, and aims to develop the art of traditional Cantonese opera, while promoting the professional development of its talented members. Cantonese opera was included in the UNESCO “Intangible Cultural Heritage List” in 2009. “As the inheritors of this grand tradition, we are responsible to maintain the time-honored values of Cantonese opera,” said Wang, also mentioning that the essence of Cantonese opera will be passed down to new generations.

Wang also said that the Yau Ma Tei Theatre Venue Partnership Scheme will attract more young people to learn Cantonese opera. The “Cantonese Opera Young Talent Showcase” and “Experience Cantopera” performances will also be launched as part of the scheme to target overseas visitors. Due to self-financing, it is difficult for the association to perform Cantonese opera on the mainland without outside funding. Wang would like to have more opportunities for mutual cooperation with Guangdong associations and organizations.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, more than 100 performers from the association and dozens of performers from Guangdong worked together on a traditional performance.

Wang also revealed that a drama center located in the west Kowloon cultural district will be formally launched in October 2018.

Performers from The Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]