The Cantonese Opera of Hong Kong is a part of the Chinese Opera. The opera is popular among Hong Kong residents. Cantonese Opera includes playing of music during performances.
The Cantonese Opera forms an intrinsic part of Cantonese culture. It is believed that Cantonese opera made its first public debut in the 13th century. The opera was started during the rule of the Southern Song Dynasty. Many plays of the period, like 'The Purple Hairpin', are still enacted today. The female roles were played by males during the early period. From the mid of 1980s Cantonese Opera started gaining popularity among the masses.
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The Cantonese Opera of Hong Kong is based on local myths and evergreen tales. Almost all Cantonese Operas stresses the virtues of morality, loyalty, patriotism, and faithfulness. A majority of these Operas display a clearly defined agenda. Singing on stage is allowed.
The Cantonese opera was also used as a potent political tool until the 1900's. The mass art form was employed to carry subtle and overt messages before the advent of literacy in the region. The Cantonese opera was closely monitored by the government to ensure the dominance of the local government authorities in that specific area. The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts conducts a diploma program to popularize the Cantonese opera viewership among the general Hong Kong populace.
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