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The Cantonese Opera Day 2005, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), was held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre today (November 27).
Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Culture), Mr Chung Ling-hoi and Chairman of the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong, Ms Chan Kim-sing, launched the activities by untying the banner at the opening ceremony.
The day featured an array of free programmes including the opening ceremony, Nanyin narrative singing and various Cantonese opera performances. Other attractions include autograph sessions by famous Cantonese opera stars, games stalls for make up, costume try-outs and mask painting of characters in traditional Cantonese Opera.
Mr Chung said the cultural departments of Guangdong, Macau and Hong Kong designated the last Sunday of every November as Cantonese Opera Day to promote the development of the valuable vernacular art of Cantonese Opera.
"By holding this territory-wide activity on a regular basis, it is hoped to build broader audience base to hold the torch for the genre for future generations." Chung said.
For the last two years, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has organised the event to critical acclaim with thousands of people participating in a variety of programmes in the city. Last year, the department marked the day with relevant performances in November and December in a series named Bravo! A Cantonese Opera Fiesta!.
Other programmes in this year's Bravo! A Cantonese Opera Fiesta! are An Incident at Tongque Tower (November 22 -27), Nanning Cantonese Opera Troupe of Guangxi (November 28 and 29), Monk Biancai Releases the Evil Spirit (December 17, 19 and 20) and One Wife Is Good, But Two Is Better (December 18 and 21).
Ends/Sunday, November 27, 2005
Issued at HKT 15:47
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