1. 《LIFE+》Magazine
  2. 《LIFE+》Magazine Issue List
  3. Winter 2024 Issue
  4. Young faces of Cantonese opera
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    18 November 2024

    A group of virile actors and gorgeous actresses, in full costume and headdresses, is getting ready on stage at the Xiqu Centre for the all-time classic Romance of the Phoenix Chamber. While it may appear like a typical performance, a closer look reveals something unconventional: all the performers are adorable kids. “If we are to breathe new life into Cantonese opera, they are the key,” stresses Ivy Fong, Chairlady of Sing Fai Cantonese Opera Promotion Association. 

    A former secondary English teacher with a burning passion for Cantonese opera from a young age, Ivy began giving extracurricular classes on the art form as encouraged by the then-principal. With his support, Ivy not only set up an interest class at school, but also trained kids at Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi District Culture & Arts Co- ordinating Association. Later, the enthusiast wrote a bilingual libretto for a public performance by her students, which saw a Canadian audience member inviting the team to tour Canada. This stands as a testament to the far-reaching power of children’s Cantonese opera. 

     

    In 2003, Ivy founded Sing Fai to provide more formal and systematic training to children, and subsequently left her teaching position 10 years later to focus on promoting this cultural gem. At present, the troupe has over 60 performers, with the youngest being only two years old. 

     

    Photo: Ivy Fong 

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    Having charmed audiences worldwide with young talents over the past two decades, Ivy observes that the elderly demographic remains dominant. “We have to attract diverse audiences, and I think schools are the best promotional channel.” This year, with sponsorship from Chinachem Group, a staunch supporter of cultural and art development encompassing both Chinese and western performing arts, Sing Fai launched a Cantonese Opera Taster Programme. The initiative offered complimentary tickets to students, families, and teachers from kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, believing that the younger generation is more likely to resonate with their peers on stage. Additionally, workshops were held at schools, allowing students to wear costumes and learn basic skills like playing long-sleeved costumes and tasselled spears. 
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    To Ivy, preserving the genre, which has been listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is more than a personal interest. Cantonese opera has a long history of embodying traditional Chinese virtues, such as loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and righteousness, in its narratives. Moral values, for instance, treating teachers and seniors with great respect, easily rub off on practitioners. This has been duly exemplified by Ivy’s students, who all pause to greet “Miss Fong” whenever they meet backstage. 

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