RED BOAT TROUPES AND CANTONESE ... - University of Georgia

effective in promoting the art. Cantonese opera cannot become extinct, like the music that once
appeared in the verses of Sung dynasty (A.D. 960-1279).
Fig. 17. Western and Cantonese opera singers singing together at the conclusion of the
concert “Opera of Two Worlds.” in Hong Kong, 2008. From left to right: the author, Dr. Linda
Banista, and Ms. Chan Sau Hing.
Traditional operas are too long for working people. Short scripts—about the length of a
movie— would draw in young people who are used to a faster life-style. A “young version”
featuring new technology, scenery, lighting, color, costumes, and new thinking but with the
important elements of traditional elements, would also attract more young people. The liberation
of women drew more females to opera; industrialization drew fewer men to theater. I am
hopeful that in the future, Cantonese opera can re-incorporate a few more wu plays, and more
action plays to attract young men returning to the theatre. Young people are needed to preserve
traditional operas; this applies to Cantonese opera as well as Chinese opera, Western opera, and
traditional operas all over the world.
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