The Research Centre for Transmission of Cantonese Opera (RCTCO) of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) conducted in-depth research on the personal style of Cantonese opera artists, and found that most respondents agreed that Cantonese opera artists should demonstrate their own performance style and characteristics, but their development was hindered by external factors, such as audience preferences, market competition and the environment. The project leader suggested allocating more resources to promote audience education to facilitate the sustainable development of this traditional heritage.

The research findings were presented at the "Developing Creativity and Personal Style of Cantonese Opera Artists cum Report of RCTCO Development” seminar today (11 July), at which some younger Cantonese opera artists were invited to share their views on the topic.

Funded by the Research Grants Council and conducted by the Director of the RCTCO, Professor Leung Bo-wah, the questionnaire was sent to 530 Cantonese opera practitioners (including actors and musicians), connoisseurs (e.g. members of fans club), and beginners to get their views on the personal style of Cantonese opera artists.
 
Using a 7-point Semantic Differential Scale, the survey found that most interviewees believed that artists should develop their own personal style rather than imitating others (i.e. “Value”, with an overall score of 5.28). They also believed that artists were capable of creating their own style (i.e. “Possibility”, with a score of 5.25).

As to whether current Cantonese opera artists have developed their own performance style, (“Perception of Artists”), the score was only 3.59, reflecting a lack of originality and creativity in the new generation from their perspective. The survey also found that the respondents believed that the existing environment was unfavorable for promoting the development of artists’ own style (i.e. “Environment”, with a score of 3.81), which may be because audiences do not pay enough attention to the issue (“Audience Expectations” received a score of 4.36 points).

In addition to the survey, Professor Leung conducted a music analysis of recordings performed by various Cantonese opera artists to examine how the similarities and differences in singing reflect personal styles. He also interviewed some senior local Cantonese opera practitioners to investigate the impact of social and cultural background on the development of Cantonese opera.

Professor Leung, Director of RCTCO and the research leader, observed that some new-generation artists are inclined to imitate the performance and singing styles of acclaimed Cantonese opera heavyweights to cater for the preferences of audiences in Hong Kong. "Establishing unique theatrical styles is crucial for the transmission and preservation of Cantonese opera, as uniformity and lack of diversity in the performance arts will make it difficult to attract young people, thus impeding the long-term development of our precious traditional arts."

In addition to offering opportunities for Cantonese opera actors to perform, Professor Leung suggested that the government allocate additional resources for Cantonese opera education to nurture the general public with art appreciation ability and create a conducive environment for the Cantonese opera industry to thrive.

He added that such education should start at an early age. Against this backdrop, RCTCO is planning a Cantonese opera teaching and life education campaign for music teachers in primary and secondary schools to nurture music teachers with knowledge about Cantonese operatic singing, music theory, Cantonese opera literature and pedagogy, and to strengthen teachers' concepts and practices in life and cultural education so that they could be more confident and effective in teaching the genre.

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EdUHK Promotes Cantonese Opera Education to Foster Development of Performance Style

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Professor Leung Bo-wah, Director of RCTCO, presents the findings of an in-depth research on personal styles of Cantonese opera artists.

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Some new generation artists share their views. From left: Ms Cheng Nga-ki, Ms Janet Wong, Ms Lin Yingshi, Ms Wang Kit-ching, Professor Leung Bo-wah, Mr Lam Tin-yau, Mr Lai Yiu-wai and Mr Wang Zhiliang.

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Professor Leung Bo-wah and the new generation artists.

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