Musical instruments To date, more than 40 musical instruments have been used in Cantonese opera. They can be divided into four categories: wind instruments, plucked instruments, string instruments and percussion instruments.
Cantonese opera roles Cantonese opera has ten roles: Mo, Sheng, Dan, Jing, Chou, Wai, Xiao, Fu, Tie and Za. In order to perform these roles well, opera performers have to receive extensive training and master skills required by the role.
Cantonese operas Many well-known operas are still performed today, such as The Purple Hairpin (紫钗记) and Rejuvenation of the Red Plum Flower, which originated in the Yuan Dynasty. Other Cantonese operas are adapted from western movies or novels.
Cantonese opera performers There have been many famous Cantonese opera performers. From the 1920s to the 1940s, Xue Juexian, who played Wen and Wu roles, and Ma Shi, who played Chou roles, made great contributions to the development of Cantonese opera. Today, the CYL Cantonese Opera Troupe plays an important role in the development and promotion of Cantonese opera.
Many Cantonese operas preach the importance of being loyal to one’s country, filial to one’s parents, and kind to one’s friends. Therefore, Cantonese opera not only entertains, but also plays a significant part in cultivating good values.
Translated by Song Yanyan
Editor: Shi Liwei
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