Conservation and Inheritance
As a well-established organization that represents the Cantonese Opera industry in Hong Kong, Chinese ArtistCAAHK of Hong Kong (CAAHK) is made up of members from professional representatives of various fields in the industry, such as actors, musicians, martial artists, specialists in costumes and scenes etc. In the past, the eligibility for joining the CAAHK was quite rigorous, and only members who relied on Cantonese Opera for earning their living and who had accumulated certain experience and qualifications in the industry could join as members. Meanwhile, their mentorship background was also considered. After accepted by the Board of Directors and formally became members of the CAAHK, all members would be governed by the rules and disciplines of the CAAHK. In case members were invited to perform in places other than Hong Kong, they must obtain a stamped proof of CAAHK as guarantee. With the development of society, the CAAHK has gradually relaxed the restrictions on its members. That said, the value of the CAAHK and its influence on the society has continued to improve. Wide recognition from the Government and society was gained on the CAAHK as a formal organization in representing the local Cantonese Opera industry. With such an invaluable social status, the CAAHK bears significant responsibilities in the preservation and inheritance of the art of Cantonese Opera.
Professional Training
In the past, training of Cantonese Opera actors and related departments were based on the model of apprenticeship. Since the establishment of the Cantonese Opera Academy (COA) of Hong Kong, the CAAHK has been working with tremendous effort in training successors in the Cantonese Opera industry. However, as the Hong Kong society as a whole did not pay much attention to art subjects, Cantonese Opera training courses could only be conducted on part-time basis. Although the COA did organize training for Cantonese Opera actors in the 1980s, the courses were temporarily suspended due to the renovation of the COA. After taking over the office, Chairperson Dr. Liza Wang Ming-chuen, Chairman, hoped that the Cantonese Opera courses sponsored by CAAHK could be further recognized by the society. Hence, she initiated collaboration with the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and jointly organized the Certificate Course in Cantonese Opera Training (Elementary and Advanced). In 1998, she further co-organized related courses with the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA). With the HKAPA offering the certificate, diploma and degree courses in Cantonese Opera performing arts on full-time basis since 1999, the CAAHK changed its training objectives, in which the Course for Young Cantonese Opera Performers was launched. By enrolling young people aged 13 to18, students can now choose to enroll in the relevant conversion programmes offered by the local universities or the APA after completing the courses. In addition to training for actors, the COA also offers training courses for other Cantonese Opera specialties in order to standardize the inheritance of Cantonese Opera art in a comprehensive manner.
Universal Education for Cantonese Opera
Cantonese Opera Academy (COA) of Hong Kong - Course for Young Cantonese Opera Performers
Organized “Course on the Art of Cantonese Opera” with various primary schools, secondary schools, and tertiary institutions