Yvonne Wong Mong-shu might have been expected to embark on a law career when she enrolled in City University's law school in the late 1990s. But she instead chose Cantonese Opera, which she has been performing for 10 years.
'People get a job either for the money or for interest. Performing Cantonese Opera gives me great satisfaction,' Wong said. 'Not being a lawyer is not a sacrifice for me, but giving up Cantonese Opera would be a sacrifice,' she said.
She almost completed her law degree but eventually gave up as the final examination clashed with a performance in Singapore. The young woman chose to pursue a life on stage instead.
'A Singapore troupe invited me to play a leading role. It was an invaluable chance,' she said. 'I had already decided I would be taking this road at the time. I'm happy with the knowledge I gained.'
She and her stage partner Ng Kei-yan joined the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts' first Cantonese Opera troupe, established last week. Made up by the pair and students and graduates, the group has the youngest full-time performers among Hong Kong's opera troupes.
Wong and Ng first encountered Cantonese Opera when they were in senior secondary school. They met by learning from the same Beijing Opera master.