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

Chinese is a comprehensive reference on the music of Cantonese opera. 20 His other book on
theory and discussion cover many facets of performance including recitative, music, movement,
and communication. 21
B: Red Boat Troupes
No extensive research on the topic has been found in the English language. Many facts
on Red Boat Troupe are contained in the series of seminars arranged by Lai Kin in the 1980s. 22
Pamphlets written by Wong Toa, 23 as well as scattered articles in newspapers, magazines, books,
and television interviews were the basis for further research. Talks by researchers and
performers at a symposium sponsored by the Center of Asian Studies at the University of Hong
Kong in the 1980s were also helpful. The 2007 Global Symposium on Cantonese Opera
arranged by the Opera Information Center, which I had attended, elucidated facts and provided
current information. The amount of literary work on Chinese operas is very scarce compared to
the extensive history, literature, and the performing practice of the genre. In view of the
impending loss of the historical information of Cantonese opera due to wars, political instability,
and lack of academic interest for the genre, in the 1980s, Lai Kin invited aging performers and
managers to account for life in the troupes during the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Most of the guests
were old enough to have lived on the red boats. They recounted the life, society, and
performance of the Red Boat Troupe. Lai also gathered information from other people, including
responses from questionnaires he had designed. Some of the talks were included in a
proceedings volume. 24 I was delighted to be introduced to Mr. Lai’s niece at the seminar given
20
Sau Y Chan, Yuet kek yum gnok di tam to [Investigation into the Music of Cantonese Opera] (Hong Kong: The
Chinese University Music Department Research Program, 2001).
21
Sau Y Chan, Hong Kong yuet kek do lun [Theory and discussion on Hong Kong Yuet Kek] (Hong Kong: The
Chinese University Music Department Research Program, 1999).
22
Lai, Hong Kong Yuet Kek hou shek si.
23
Toa Wong, Hung sun time bai.
24
Lai, Hong Kong Yuet Kek hou shek si.
12