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

legendarily departed from Hong Kong to communist China. A picture of Mr. Wong and Red
Thread Lady was taken at the Indian Club in Hong Kong, shortly before her departure to China.
One of the most prolific script writers in Hong Kong, Yip Suit Duk had also been a student of Mr
Wong.
Mr. Wong had been a tau gaa; he plays the violin, er hu, goh hu and other instruments.
He was also an instructor of Cantonese opera singing for decades. With an extremely good
memory and writing skill, Mr. Wong is a walking dictionary of Cantonese opera, and perhaps the
only living survivor with an accurate memory of the Red Boat Troupes. He told me that at a
meeting with younger performers and opera friends several years back in Guangzhou, people
were surprised see that he was still alive and active. Mr. Wong was actively teaching students in
Vancouver at the time of my interview. He often referred to his famous students in the industry.
I could see the pride he takes in his success as a teacher. There is something I have experienced
in the last few years while researching Cantonese opera. In the Cantonese opera society, people
are always very helpful when I need information. Perhaps what Mr. Wong told me was
ingrained in the training: “Learn morality before learning the art.” Most traditional performers
may not have much formal education, but through script reading, physical training, and living in
the opera society, they are my si fu in many ways.
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