I was given a unique opportunity by to go backstage at the famed Hong Kong Sunbeam Theatre during a a Cantonese Opera show. The Sunbeam Theatre in North Point, Hong Kong, is one of the last theatres to show this art performance which is over 800 years old. The Cantonese Opera is a type of Chinese Opera which is performed mainly in Southern Province of China, Guangdong, but has its routes from Northern China dating back to the 13th Century. However, due to modernisation and rising rent prices for venues, the Sunbeam Theatre is one of the last places to experience this show.Â
Popularised by the Shanghainese immigrants that fled to Hong Kong in the 1950s due to their support of the traditional Chinese Performance Art, the Sunbeam Theatre was established in 1972 with over 80,000 square foot of space.Â
Applying Make Up for the Cantonese Opera is a long and specialised process. The white and red face is one of the most common types of Cantonese Opera Make ups as seen on the above photo where a performer is getting ready for the show.Â
A large number of costumes are also involved in the production which corresponds to the theme of the particular show, the character of the performer and also the status and gender.Â
Trainers and coaching are also involved backstage to give the performers some direction towards their performance/acts, as seen on the above photo where a performer is receiving some tips from a coach/director.Â
There is also a Prayer corner for the performers. As seen on the above photo, a performer offers his prayers to the Gods before his performance.Â
The evening includes several types of performance by different artists. Miranda Lam, one of the headliners of the show is seen performing a Cantonese Opera song above, accompanied by a musician on Traditional Chinese instrument.Â
Dont be fooled by the lack of Musicians on stage, there is an ensemble of professional instrumentalists under the stage providing the sound effects required for an Auditorium that seats over a thousand people.Â
A Percussionist is seen here flipping his notes while surrounded by various types of instruments, which goes to show the skill and professionalism which is required to perform these pieces. Â
Some backstage chatter is always helpful to liven up the mood.Â
Female Characters have thinner Eyebrows than males and the black make up around the eyes are imitating the shape of the eyes of a Chinese Pheonix.Â
Plenty of "Chinese Whispers" backstage too.Â
These two performers were wearing a more modern version of the Cantonese Opera costumes.
A Traditional Headstock being worn.Â
After a long Make Up & Costumes process, a performer is finally ready.
Practice before going on stage.Â
Performers on stage reading their lines before the curtain drops.Â
A Cantonese Opera performer must be well well Trained in the "Four Skills": Singing, Acting/Movements, Speech Delivery & Martial/Gymnastic Skills.Â
The performers also must master the "Five Methods" of techniques associated with body parts: Hands, Eyes, Body, Hair & Feet/Walking Techniques.Â
Combination of different performance techniques allows the performers to create an intense story telling Operatic experience for the viewers.Â
Cantonese Opera was not always a form of Entertainment only, it was also used by governments to teach people to be Loyal to the Emperor and Love the country.Â
Before the introduction of formal education, the Chinese Opera was also used to teach Morals & Ideology. Now, it is a dying art form with only a limited places for these artists to practise and perform.