Cantonese Opera 粵劇 / 大戲

Cantonese opera is one of the major categories in Chinese opera, originating in southern China's Cantonese culture. It is popular in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Malaysia. Like all versions of Chinese opera, it is a traditional Chinese art form, involving music, singing, martial arts, acrobatics, and acting. 粵劇 (Jyut6 kek6) should not be confused with 越劇 (Yuèjù), the theatre of Zhejiang.

[edit] History

There is a debate about the origins of Cantonese opera, but it is generally accepted that the opera form was imported from the northern part of China and slowly migrated to the southern province of Guangdong in late 13th century, during the late Southern Song Dynasty. In the 12th century, there was a theatrical form called "Southern style" (Chinese: 南戲 (Cantonese: Naam4 hei3, Mandarin: Nánxì)), which was performed in public theaters of Hangzhou, then capital of the Southern Song Dynasty. With the invasion of the Mongol army, Emperor Gong of Song dynasty, called Zhào Xiǎn (趙顯 Chiu Hin), fled with hundreds of thousands of Song people into the province of Guangdong in 1276. Among these people were some Narm hei artists from the north. Thus narm hei was brought into Guangdong by these artists and developed into the earliest kind of Cantonese opera.

Many well-known operas performed today, such as The Purple Hairpin and Rejuvenation of the Red Plum Flower, originated in the Yuan Dynasty, with the lyrics and scripts in Cantonese. Until the 20th century all the female roles were performed by males.

Beginning in the 1950s massive waves of immigrants fled Shanghai to destinations like North Point.[1] Their arrival boosted the Cantonese opera fanbase significantly.

[edit] Characteristics

Cantonese opera has much in common with other Chinese theatre genres. Commentators often take pride in the idea that all Chinese theatre styles are but minor variations on a pan-Chinese music-theater tradition, and that the basic features or principles are consistent from one local performance form to another. Thus, music, singing, martial arts, acrobatics and acting all feature. Most of the plots are based on Chinese history and famous Chinese classics and myths. The culture and philosophies of the Chinese people can be seen in the plays. Virtues like loyalty, moral, love, patriotism and faithfulness are often reflected by the operas.

Some particular features of Cantonese opera are:

Cing sik sin (程式煽; Jyutping: cing4 sik1 sin3) - formulaic, formalised.
Heoi ji seng (虛擬醒; Jyutping: heoi1 ji5 seng2) - abstraction of reality, distancing from reality.
Sin ming sing (鮮明勝; Jyutping: sin1 ming4 sing1) - clear-cut, distinct, unambiguous, well-defined.
Zung hap ngai seot jing sik (綜合藝術形式; Jyutping: zung3 hap6 ngai6 seot6 jing4 sik1) - a composite or synthetic art form.
Sei gung ng faat (四功五法; Pinyin: sì gōng wǔ fǎ, Jyutping: sei3 gung1 ng5 faat3) - the four skills and the five methods, a simple codification of the basic skills and techniques of acting and singing.
The "four skills" and "five methods" are a simple codification of the areas of special training for theatre performers, and also stand as something of a metaphor for the most well-rounded and thoroughly trained performers. The "four skills" apply to the whole spectrum of vocal and dramatic training: singing, acting and movement, delivery of the "speech-types" and martial and "gymnastic skills," while the five methods are categories of techniques associated with specific body parts: hands, eyes, body, hair, feet or walking techniques.

[edit] Significance

Other than being simply a form of entertainment, it can carry messages or lessons, which was particularly important before widespread formal education. The government often used theatre to promote the idea of be loyal to the emperor and love the kingdom (忠君愛國). Because of this, the theatre was often examined by the government. If the underlying message was not considered beneficial, the theatre would be banned.

As time progresses, fewer and fewer performance houses are also left to preserve the art, an example is Hong Kong's Sunbeam Theatre, which remains one of the last facilities dedicated to the Cantonese genre.

[edit] Types of play

There are two types of Cantonese opera plays: Mou (武, "martial arts") and Man (文, "highly educated", esp. in poetry and culture). Mou plays emphasize war, the characters usually being generals or warriors. These works contain action scenes and involve a lot of weaponry and armour. Man plays tend to be gentler and more elegant. Scholars are the main characters in these plays. Water sleeves (see Frequently Used Terms) are used extensively in man plays to produce movements reflecting the elegance and tenderness of the characters; all female characters wear them. In man plays, characters put a lot of effort into creating distinctive facial expressions and gestures to express their underlying emotions.

[edit] Musical instruments

Cantonese instrumental music was called ching yam prior to the establishment of the People's Republic in 1949. Cantonese instrumental tunes have been used in Cantonese opera, either as incidental instrumental music or as fixed tunes to which new texts were composed, since the 1930s.

The use of instruments in Cantonese opera is influenced by both western and eastern cultures. The reason for this is that Canton was one of the earliest places in China to establish trade relationships with the western civilizations. In addition, Hong Kong was under heavy western influence when it was a British colony. These factors contributed to the observed western elements in Cantonese opera.

For instance, the use of erhu (two string bowed fiddle), saxophones, guitars and the congas have demonstrated how diversified the musical instruments in Cantonese operas are.

The musical instruments are mainly divided into melodic and percussive types.

Traditional musical instruments used in Cantonese opera include wind, strings and percussion. The winds and strings encompass erhu, gaohu, yehu, yangqin, pipa, dizi, and houguan, while the percussion comprises many different drums and cymbals. The percussion controls the overall rhythm and pace of the music, while the gaohu leads the orchestra. A more martial style features the use of the suona.

The instrumental ensemble of Cantonese opera is composed of two sections: the melody section and the percussion section. The percussion section has its own vast body of musical materials, generally called lo gu dim (鑼鼓點) or simply lo gu (鑼鼓). These 'percussion patterns' serve a variety of specific functions.

To see the pictures and listen to the sounds of the instruments, visit [1] and [2].

[edit] Music

Cantonese opera pieces are classified either as "theatrical" or "singing stage" (歌壇). The theatrical style of music is further classified into western music (西樂) and Chinese music (中樂). While the "singing stage" style is always Western music, the theatrical style can be Chinese or western music. The "four great male vocals" (四大平喉) were notable exponents of the "single stage" style in the early 20th century.

The western music in Cantonese opera is accompanied by strings, woodwinds, brass plus electrified instruments. Lyrics are written to fit the play's melodies, although one song can contain multiple melodies, performers being able to add their own elements. Whether a song is well performed depends on the performers' own emotional involvement and ability.

[edit] Roles

There are four types of roles: Sang, Daan, Zing, and Cau.

[edit] Sang (生)

These are male roles in Cantonese opera. Like in other Chinese operas, there are different types of male roles, such as:

Siu2 Sang1 (小生) - Literally, young gentleman, this role is known as a young scholar.
Mou5 Sang1 (武生) - Male warrior role.
Siu2 Mou5 Sang1 (小武生) - Young Warrior (usually not lead actor but a more acrobatic role).
Man4 Mou5 Sang1 (文武生) - Literally, civilized martial man, this role is known as a clean-shaven scholar-warrior.
Lou5 Sang1 (老生) - Old man role.
Sou1 Sang1 (鬚生) - Bearded role
[edit] Daan (旦)

These are female roles in Cantonese opera. The different forms of female characters are:

Faa1 Daan2 (花旦) - Literally 'flower' of the ball, this role is known as a young belle.
Yi6 Faa1 Daan2 (二花旦) - Literally, second flower, this role is known as a supporting female.
Mou5 Daan2 (武旦) - Female warrior role.
Dou1 Maa5 Daan2 (刀馬旦) - Young woman warrior role.
Gwai1 Mun4 Daan2(閨門旦) - Virtuous lady role.
Lou5 Daan2 (老旦) - Old woman role.
[edit] Zing (淨)

These characters are known for painted-faces. It is often played as a male character who are heroes, generals, villains, gods, or demons. Painted-faces are usually:

Man4 Zing2 (文淨) - Painted-face character that emphasizes on singing.
Mou5 Zing2 (武淨) - Painted-face character that emphasizes on martial arts.
Some characters with painted-faces are:

Zhang Fei (張飛; Zœng1 Fei1) and Wei Yan (魏延; Ngai6 Jin4) from Three Humiliations of Zhou Yu (三氣周瑜; Saam1 Hei3 Zau1 Jyu4).
Xiang Yu (項羽; Hong6 Jyu5) from Farewell My Concubine (霸王別姬; Baa3 Wong4 Bit6 Gei1).
Sun Wukong (孫悟空; Syun1 Ng6 Hung1) and Sha Wujing (沙悟凈; Saa1 Ng6 Zing6) from Journey to the West (西遊記; Sai1 Jau4 Gei3).
[edit] Cau (丑)

This is known for clown figures in Cantonese opera. Some examples are:

Cau2 Sang1 (丑生) - Male clown.
Cau2 Daan2 (丑旦) - Female clown.
Man4 Cau2 (文丑) - Clownish civilized male.
Coi2 Daan2 (彩旦) - Older female clown.
Mou5 Cau2 (武丑) - Acrobatic comedic role.
[edit] Costumes

Costumes correspond to the theme of the play and indicate the character of each role.

As mentioned above, each type of play is associated with particular costumes. The water sleeves of man (文) plays can be attached to the waist or the sides of the breast areas. Costumes can be single or double breasted.

Costumes also indicate the status of the character. Lower-status characters, such as females, wear less elaborate dress, which those of higher rank have more decorative costumes.

[edit] Makeup

Applying makeup for Cantonese opera is a long and specialized process. One of the most common styles is the "white and red face": an application of white foundation and a red color around the eyes that fades down to the bottom of cheeks. The eyebrows are black and sometimes elongated. Usually, female characters have thinner eyebrows than males. There are black makeup around the eyes with a shape similar to the eyes of a Chinese phoenix (鳳眼; fung6 ngaan5). Lipstick is usually bright red (口唇膏; hau2 seon4 gou1).

Actors are given temporary facelifts by holding the skin up with a ribbon on the back of the head. This lifts the corners of the eyes, producing an authoritative look.

Each role has its own style of make-up: the clown has a large white spot in the middle of his face, for example. A sick character has a thin red line pointing upwards in between his eyebrows. Aggressive and frustrated character roles often have an arrow shape fading into the forehead in between the eyebrows (英雄脂; jing1 hung4 zi1).

Strong male characters wear "open face" (開面; hoi1 min4) makeup. Each character's makeup has its own distinct characteristics, with symbolic patterns and coloration.

[edit] Hairstyle, hats, and helmets

Hats and helmets signify social status, age and capability: scholars and officials wear black hats with wings on either side; generals wear helmets with pheasants' tail feathers; soldiers wear ordinary hats, and kings wear crowns. Queens or princesses have jewelled helmets. If a hat or helmet is removed, this indicates the character is exhausted, frustrated, or ready to surrender.

Hairstyles can express a character's emotions: warriors express their sadness at losing a battle by swinging their ponytails. For the female roles, buns indicated a maiden, while a married woman has a 'dai tau' (低頭).

In the Three Kingdoms legends, Zhao Yun and especially Lü Bu are very frequently depicted wearing helmets with pheasants' tail feathers; this originates with Cantonese opera, not with the military costumes of their era, although it's a convention that was in place by the Qing Dynasty or earlier.

[edit] Frequently used terms

Pheasant feathers (雉雞尾; Cantonese: Ci4 Gai1 Mei5)
These are attached to the helmet in mou (武) plays, and are used to express the character's skills and expressions. They are worn by both male and female characters.
Water Sleeves (水袖; Cantonese: Seoi2 Zau6)
These are used for expressive effect by both males and females in man (文) plays.
Hand Movements (手動作; Cantonese: Sau2 Dung6 Zok3)
Hand and finger movements reflect the music as well as the action of the play. Females hold their hands in the elegant "lotus" form (荷花手; Cantonese: Ho4 Faa1 Sau2).
Round Table/Walking (圓臺 or 圓台; Cantonese: Jyun4 Toi4)
A basic feature of Cantonese opera, the walking movement is one of the most difficult to master. Females take very small steps and lift the body to give a detached feel. Male actors take larger steps, which implies traveling great distances. The actors glide across the stage while the upper body is not moving.
Boots (高靴; Cantonese: Gou1 Hœ1)
These are black boots with high white soles worn by males, which can impede walking.
Gwo Wai (過位; Cantonese: Gwo3 Wai6 or Gwo3 Wai2.)
This is a movement in which two performers move in a cross-over fashion to opposite sides of the stage.
Teoi Mok
In this movement, two performers walk in a circle facing each other and then go back to their original positions.
"Pulling the Mountains" (拉山; Cantonese: Laai1 Saan1) and "Cloud Hands" (雲手; Cantonese: Wan4 Sau2)
These are the basic movements of the hands and arms. This is the MOST important basic movement in ALL Chinese Operas. ALL other movements and skills are based on this form.
Outward Step (出步; Cantonese: Ceot1 Bou6)
This is a gliding effect used in walking.
Small Jump (小跳; Cantonese: Siu2 Tiu3)
Most common in mou (武) plays, the actor stamps before walking.
Flying Leg (飛腿; Cantonese: Fei1 Teoi2)
A crescent kick.
Hair-flinging (旋水髮; Cantonese: Syun4 Seoi2 Faat3)
A circular swinging of the ponytail, expressing extreme sadness and frustration.
Chestbuckle/ Flower (繡花; Cantonese: Sau3 Faa1)
A flower-shaped decoration worn on the chest. A red flower on the male signifies that he is engaged.
Horsewhip (馬鞭; Cantonese: Maa5 Bin1)
Performers swing a whip and walk to imitate riding a horse.
Sifu (師傅; Cantonese: Si1 Fu6 or Si1 Fu2)
Literally, master, this is a term for experienced performers and teachers.

[edit] Major artists

Major Cantonese opera artists include:

English Name Hanzi
Yam Kim Fai 任劍輝
Bak Sheut Sin 白雪仙
Man Chin Sui 文千歲
Yuen Siu Fai 阮兆輝
Yan Fei Yin 尹飛燕
Sun Ma Sze Tsang 新馬師曾
Kwan Tak Hing 關德興
Goi Ming Fai 蓋鳴暉
Lam Kar Sing 林家聲
Fong Yin Fun 方艷芬
Ho Fei Fan 何非凡
Hong Sin Lui 紅線女
Fung Wong Leui 鳳凰女
Leung Sing Bor 梁醒波
Loong Kin Sang 龍劍笙
Lang Chi Bak 靚次伯
Boon Yat On 半日安
Connie Chan Po-chu 陳寶珠
Four Great Male Vocals (平喉四大天王):

Chinese Name Hanzi
Tsuih Lau Seen 徐柳仙
Siu Meng Sing 小明星
Cheung Yuet Yee 張月兒
Cheung Waih Fong 張惠芳
Four Super Stars (四大天王):

Chinese Name Hanzi
Sit Gok Sing 薛覺先
Ma Sze Tsang 馬師曾
Kwai Ming Yeung 桂明楊
Bak Yuk Tong 白玉堂
[edit] Development in Hong Kong

To intensify education in Cantonese opera, the Cantonese Artists Association of Hong Kong started to run an evening part-time certificate course in Cantonese opera training with assistance from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in 1998. In 1999, the Association and the Academy further conducted a two-year daytime diploma programme in performing arts in Cantonese opera in order to train professional actors and actresses. Aiming at further raising the students' level, the Association and the Academy have launched an advanced course in Cantonese opera in the next academic year.

In recent years, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council has given grants to Love and Faith Cantonese opera Laboratory to conduct Cantonese opera classes for children and youths. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has also funded the International Association of Theatre Critics (Hong Kong Branch) to implement the "Cultural Envoy Scheme for Cantonese Opera" for promoting traditional Chinese productions in the community.

[edit] Speech types

Commentators draw an essential distinction between sung and spoken text, although the boundary is a troublesome one. Speech-types are of a wide variety: one is nearly identical to standard conversational Cantonese, while another is a very smooth and refined delivery of a passage of poetry; some have one form or another of instrumental accompaniment while others have none; and some serve fairly specific functions, while others are more widely adaptable to variety of dramatic needs.

[edit] See also

Cantopop
Huangmei Opera
Beijing Opera
Music of China
Music of Hong Kong
Culture of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Heritage Museum
List of Cantonese-related topics
Chinese Artist Association of Hong Kong

[edit] References

^ Wordie, Jason. [2002] (2002) Streets: Exploring Hong Kong Island. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. ISBN 962-2095631

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantonese_opera