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Elaine Yau

Name: Kappa Yuen Sin-ting Age: 20 Occupation: Cantonese opera singer

Young Post: How did you become a Cantonese opera singer?

Yuen: When I was a child, my mum wanted me  to find a hobby. I  attended violin and arts classes. But my enthusiasm never lasted long.

As my mum is a fan of Cantonese opera, she enrolled me in a Cantonese opera class and I fell in love with it.

After completing Form Four, I went to Singapore to learn Chinese opera  with a famous singer.

When I returned a year later, I started taking part in Cantonese opera shows.

YP: Which roles have you played?

Y:  I have a rather low voice so I  can't deliver the high-pitched notes  required for Cantonese opera. I play the role of siu sung (young men).

I've played scholars, military generals and even clownish roles like Pigsy in Journey to the West.

YP:  What's your favourite role?

Y: My favourite role is Luk Man-lung, a brave general in Luk Man Lung's Twin Spears.

As a young orphan, Luk was adopted by tribal people.  Brave and clever, he grew up to become a  general of the Jurchen armies  in the Jin dynasty.

Ngok Fei, a general who fought for the Southern Song dynasty, was  beaten by Luk on the battlefield.

After learning that he was a descendant of a Song official, Luk fought together with Ngok against the invasion of Jurchen armies.

Playing the role of Luk was challenging because I had to  wear heavy armour on stage.

I wore heavy boots and a helmet,  and carried two long spears in the battle scenes.

Although the role did not involve much singing, I  had to do martial arts. It was a real challenge.

YP: How much do you get paid for each performance?

Y: For  shows lasting  30 to 45 minutes, I make about HK$1,000. But I have to buy the costumes and cosmetics myself.

Chinese opera players wear layers of clothes. They usually get an assistant to help them get dressed.

After paying the assistant and deducting other costs, I make about HK$400 each performance.

YP:  Most young people in Hong Kong think that Cantonese opera is an old-fashioned art that only  the elderly enjoy.  Why  do you like it?

Y: Young people have  misconceptions about Chinese opera.

They think Chinese opera is boring and the songs are old and the costumes are tacky.

But Chinese opera embodies the essence of Chinese civilisation.

Based on famous stories from Chinese history, the plots are filled with twists and tension.

Featuring gongs, cymbals and other traditional Chinese instruments, the shows are like a carnival.

There are specific rules on how to move your hands and  body. I find the movements very beautiful.

YP: Most Hong Kong girls like Canto-pop music and singing karaoke.  Do your friends  think you are old-fashioned?

Y: No. I'm also a huge fan of Canto-pop and I  often sing karaoke.

To me, Cantonese opera and Canto-pop are not mutually exclusive.

They just require different singing techniques.

Canto-pop is chic and vibrant. Cantonese opera requires a strong voice and precise vocal skills. I like them both.

RESUME

2002: Completed Form Four studies

2002: Went to Singapore to learn Chinese opera

2003: Returned to Hong Kong and began to work as a Chinese opera performer

2004: Studied Chinese opera at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Course: Cantonese Opera for Teenagers

School: The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Duration: 12 weeks

Characteristics: The course provides foundational training in Cantonese opera, including singing techniques and body movements on stage. Theoretical knowledge  such as the role of  Chinese opera in Chinese history is also covered. Students can book the Cantonese opera studio at the school for  practice sessions.

Enquiries: http://www.hkapa.edu/

Course: Cantonese Opera Classes for Teenagers

School: Love and Faith Cantonese Opera Laboratory

Duration: One month

Characteristics: The course teaches  musical beats and symbols in Cantonese opera. It also teaches students how to breathe properly when singing. Cantonese opera appreciation sessions are also held during which students learn to  understand the traditional Chinese art.

Enquiries:http://www.lovefaith.org/ecmanage/page5.php.htm

Graduates can work as a Cantonese opera singer. Cantonese opera performances are staged regularly at social centres, schools, cultural centres and outdoor venues during Chinese festivals. Novice Cantonese opera singers can earn several hundred dollars a show, playing small roles and providing backing vocals. With  experience, you can earn up to HK$10,000  each performance.



Musical heritage