Glamour of Cantonese Opera: An Introduction

Foreword

To promote out-of-classroom learning, our Library has been making its endeavors to organize a rich variety of activities by capitalizing on our comprehensive collections and a diverse spectrum of learning resources. On the other hand, we have put much emphasis on nurturing the artistic values and cultural senses of students. It is hoped that students can have a more profound understanding and a deeper recognition of the thousands of years of thriving Chinese historical heritage and the dazzling local culture through participating in the learning activities. Following our previous learning series titled “Unlock the riches of Chinese Paintings”, we are now very pleased to present another series of outside classroom learning activities: “Glamour of Cantonese Opera: An Introduction” . Cantonese opera can be considered as the most dominant form of opera found in Guangdong and Guangxi about 500 more years ago. After the Second World War, it had enjoyed a very rapid development in Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau. It is not exaggerating to say that Cantonese opera has established itself as a significant icon of Guangdong culture as well as an important window for understanding the indigenous culture of Hong Kong. The beautiful rhetoric of Cantonese opera is also a vivid demonstration of the artistry of Chinese literature. This website is a starting point. It will help you grasp an initial understanding of the origins, history, costumes, make-ups, role types and librettos of Cantonese opera. There is also an online quiz. Students with satisfactory performance can enter a lucky draw to win special prizes! Please do join us! We owe our special thanks to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum for their generosity in borrowing us their panels for display.

Steve Ching

University Librarian,
City University of Hong Kong Library




Foreword To promote out-of-classroom learning, our Library has been making its endeavors to organize a rich variety of activities by capitalizing on our comprehensive collections and a diverse spectrum of learning resources. On the other hand, we have put much emphasis on nurturing the artistic values and cultural senses of students. It is hoped that students can have a more profound understanding and a deeper recognition of the thousands of years of thriving Chinese historical heritage and the dazzling local culture through participating in the learning activities. Following our previous learning series titled “Unlock the riches of Chinese Paintings”, we are now very pleased to present another series of outside classroom learning activities: “Glamour of Cantonese Opera: An Introduction” . Cantonese opera can be considered as the most dominant form of opera found in Guangdong and Guangxi about 500 more years ago. After the Second World War, it had enjoyed a very rapid development in Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau. It is not exaggerating to say that Cantonese opera has established itself as a significant icon of Guangdong culture as well as an important window for understanding the indigenous culture of Hong Kong. The beautiful rhetoric of Cantonese opera is also a vivid demonstration of the artistry of Chinese literature. This website is a starting point. It will help you grasp an initial understanding of the origins, history, costumes, make-ups, role types and librettos of Cantonese opera. There is also an online quiz. Students with satisfactory performance can enter a lucky draw to win special prizes! Please do join us! We owe our special thanks to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum for their generosity in borrowing us their panels for display. Steve Ching University Librarian, City University of Hong Kong Library