Cantonese Opera 101: Face Painting and Costumes of Cantonese Opera

In this 10-minute video talk, huadan (lead female) performer King Fa-Lui shares information on the face-painting techniques used in Cantonese opera and role-related costume elements.

The Cantonese Opera 101 series offers short introductions to a local heritage art that combines music, singing, acting and martial arts, and which is deeply rooted in Hong Kong’s history and culture.

Other videos include The Music of Cantonese Opera on the vocal styles used by male and female roles presented by Janet Wong, performer with the Tea House Rising Star Troupe, as well as two introductions to the gestures and martial arts techniques used by lead female and male roles: The Stage Movements of Cantonese Opera (Dan) with Xie Xiaoyu, specialist in dan (female roles) and The Stage Movements of Cantonese Opera (Sheng) with Ng Lap-hei, a specialist in sheng (male roles).