Red Boat of Cantonese opera adorns cultural exhibition

Guangzhou city officials on Aug 5 set a special stage "the Red Boat on the Pearl River" on the northern Beijing road for a two-day show dubbed "the pivot of Cantonese culture".

The red boat is a symbol of Cantonese opera. In the late Qing Dynasty(1644-1911) and the early People's Republic of China, the heyday of Cantonese opera, theatrical troupes travelled around on-board the red boat, thus they were also called the "red boat troupe".

Officials from both Guangzhou city and Yuexiu district turned on the rudder of the "boat", at the opening ceremony to symbolize a new journey for Cantonese opera culture in Yuexiu, the center of Cantonese culture.

Activities such as a show featuring Cantonese opera dolls, opera costume fitting were held during the event from Aug 5 to 6. Tickets were sold at a discount to attract audience, especially the younger generation to enable them have a better appreciation of Cantonese opera.

The Administration of Culture, Radio, Press and Publication of Yuexiu district will organize 18 special performance on the red boat for disadvantaged groups from all the communities in the district.