Transmission and transformation of Cantonese opera in Hong Kong: From school education to professional training

Cultural and national education through formal schooling has been encouraged since the return of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. Consequently, Cantonese opera has been incorporated into different school subjects such as Chinese Language, General Studies, and Music. Extra-curricular classes in Cantonese opera have been conducted both inside and outside of schools. However, the transmission of Cantonese opera has been considered at risk since master artists have faded out from the stage, with the new generation struggling to continue the craft. Furthermore, few young individuals have been observed demonstrating support and appreciation for the genre by attending performances. Recognized as an “intangible cultural heritage” initiated by the Hong Kong government, Cantonese opera has implanted its cultural and artistic position since the early twentieth century. This chapter addresses four issues related to the transmission and transformation of Cantonese opera in Hong Kong: (1) nature of and attributions to the difficulties in transmission; (2) process of nurturing future audience through school education; (3) transmission from the master artists to the young performers; and (4) linkage among school education, professional training, and the cultural contexts of Hong Kong. Copyright © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.