Liu Ruohan

Today, I read an interesting article on Wikipedia titled "Cantonese Opera." The encyclopedia entry covers various aspects of Cantonese opera, including its historical origins, role classifications, performance techniques, music, performance venues, industry terminology, famous plays, and notable figures. The detailed information provided gave me a deeper understanding of many aspects of Cantonese opera that I was previously unaware of.

1. Historical Origins of Cantonese Opera

   Cantonese opera originated in the southern regions of China, particularly in Guangdong and Guangxi, with a significant presence in the Pearl River Delta. Its formation was influenced by local opera and folk arts since the Southern Song Dynasty, integrating elements from Kunqu, Peking Opera, and Qinqiang. In modern times, Cantonese opera has received government support, leading to the establishment of numerous opera troupes and extensive efforts in play consolidation and innovation. Today's Cantonese opera is infused with modern elements and continues to develop.

2. Role Classifications in Cantonese Opera

   In Cantonese opera and Chinese opera in general, roles are categorized into "hangdang." The original ten categories in Cantonese opera are "mo" (male), "sheng" (male), "dan" (female), "jing" (painted face), "chou" (clown), "wai" (elderly male), "xiao" (young male), "fu" (married female), "tie" (supporting female), and "za" (miscellaneous roles). These classifications are based on the character's age, gender, personality, and appearance. Costumes and headgear for these roles are made from various materials, with different roles requiring specific costumes. For example, "xiaosheng" (young male roles) often portray refined characters and sometimes use long sleeves, referred to as "wenxiu" (literary sleeves).

3. Performance Techniques in Cantonese Opera

   In terms of vocal performance, different roles have unique singing styles. The use of "shenduan" (body movements) is a crucial part of Cantonese opera's performance art. It demands high physical control and expressiveness from the actors, who use various movements and postures to depict the characters' personalities, emotions, and plot developments.

4. Music in Cantonese Opera

   Early Cantonese opera used instruments like the erxian, tiqin, yueqin, and sanxian. As the opera matured, the number of instruments expanded to over forty, generally divided into four categories: wind instruments, plucked instruments, bowed string instruments, and percussion instruments. After reforms, Cantonese opera even incorporated Western instruments such as the saxophone and violin, enhancing its musical effects.

5. Performance Venues

   Throughout its history, the performance venues for Cantonese opera, like other Chinese operas, have continuously evolved. The performance spaces typically include temporary bamboo theatres and permanent stages.