The centuries-old art form and profound legacy of Cantonese opera becomes one of the most representative traditional cultures of Hong Kong. It was declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, recognised on a global level for its high cultural value and urgent need for preservation.

Film is equal parts popular form of entertainment and potent tool of communication, it is the same medium that tells a story with cinematic flair also faithfully preserves and records human history and culture. Practitioners in Cantonese opera troupes started to join in film productions and infuse the art form into films since the birth of sound films, film and Cantonese operas immediately forged a bonding. Through the array of film techniques, elements of entertainment and artistry from both art forms blended perfectly as Cantonese operas flourished on the silver screen.

During performances on stage, the audience observes the performers in a fixed space from the fourth wall. In films, however, the audience enjoys a variety of narrative and dramatic effects generated from unique cinematic language based on compositions of shots, and camera movements with different speeds and lens. Through 21 Cantonese opera films specially selected from the Archive, the audience will be able to appreciate in depth the special appeal of Cantonese opera under the magic of cinema.

Cantonese opera command uniqueness in the stage arts of singing, symbolic gestures, recital and martial arts. After years of experience accumulated, many special vocal styles and martial arts stunts were developed, those exquisite craftsmanship were often captured by Cantonese opera films. Morning Matinee will present 14 films featuring well-known repertoires that preserved unique vocal styles and signature stunts of celebrated Cantonese opera maestros, the audience may not be able to applaud in front of the stage where those maestros performed but they can appreciate in front of silver screen in the Archive from September to December.

The contents of the programme do not represent the views of the presenter.
The presenter reserves the right to change the programme should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary.