Symphony and Cantonese Opera Portray Old City Life

From November 10th to 16th Cantonese opera fans will have a golden opportunity to appreciate this ancient regional art form here in Guangzhou. Over 800 performers from 88 different troupes and theaters from home and abroad have converged in Guangzhou for an international-level festival.

Cantonese opera is a traditional regional style performed in the Cantonese dialect. Based on the emperor stories of ancient times, it is appreciated mostly among older or middle-aged people. However, opera organizers are hoping to create greater enthusiasm for the art among younger folks.

On the night of November 10th the opening performance of "San Jia Xiang" (Three Families Lane), an opera based on a local classic novel written in the 1920s, attempted to lure younger spectators with a more modern stage image.

Stage photos of "San Jia Xiang" (Guangzhou Daily)

The performance simplified the complicated plot of the story and highlighted the customs and humanistic scenes of Xiguan, the prosperous old downtown area of Guangzhou. Xiguan elements such as Sampan congee, "chicken olive" sellers, the Qiqiao festival, Lingnan ballads, teahouses and Qilou buildings were all featured in the opera.

The story, props and symphonic music were designed to celebrate the dynamic and aggressive spirit of the Cantonese people.

It is not essential to understand the language to enjoy Cantonese opera. One can appreciate this thousand-year-old intangible heritage through the music, costumes and body language alone.

Tickets prices are reasonable. For further information on the Fifth Guangzhou International Cantonese Opera Festival in 2008, click here.

(By Jessie Hwang, Stephen Roach)

Source: Lifeofguangzhou.com

Editor: Jessie Hwang