Wikipedia: Cantonese opera

Cantonese opera
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Cantonese Opera or Yuet Kaht is one of the major opera categories in the southern China. It is popular in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Malaysia.

Its history can be traced back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Cantonese Opera was imported from the north and migrated to the southern province of Guangdong. The lyrics and scripts are written in Cantonese. They are based on Chinese history and famous Chinese classics.

Musical Instruments

Traditional musical instruments used in Cantonese opera include wind, strings and percussion. The winds and strings encompass erhu (yee wu), butterfly harp, pipa and flute, while the percussion comprises many different drums and cymbals. The erhu leads the orchestra and the percussion sets the overall rhythm and pace of the music.

Music

The music of Cantonese opera is composed of three basic elements. They are operatic vocal music, beat and the melody of obbligato.

Performers

There are special names for the performers in Cantonese opera.

Cantonese Opera's Frequently Used Terms

Pheasant feathers/Antennae

Worn by both men and women in Mo plays. These are very long pheasant feathers on the performer's helmet that...well...look like antennae! The performer uses these feathers to express their feelings or to display their skill

Water Sleeves

Usually worn by both men and women, in Mun plays. These are very long pieces of white fabric connected to the sleeves that, when handled correctly, are supposed to flow as softly and smoothly as water. The movements performed by the actor, or actress, with the water sleeves have a symbolic meaning

Hand Movements

The shape and position of an actor's hands and fingers will interpret the song or the scene being performed. Generally, women must hold their hands in a "lotus flower" position, which is considered softer and more feminine than straightening all their fingers

Round Table/Walking

Cantonese opera has very specific movements, and one of the most basic but difficult is the walking (speed walking), affectionately called the round table. Women have to take very, very small steps, while their upper bodies float as if disconnected from their legs. Men can take larger steps but their upper bodies have to also remain detached from their lower bodies. This is a graceful movement and symbolizes traveling a long distance

Go Hur

Opera shoes worn by men. It consists of a black boot with a thick and high white sole. This makes round table for men very difficult. The higher the shoes, the harder the round table and all other movements are!

Gwou Wai

A move in which two performers cross over to opposite sides of the stage

Tuir Mok

A move in which the two performers walk in a circle facing each other and return to their original positions