Cantonese opera, also known as ‘Yueju opera’, is a Chinese traditional form of opera performed in the Cantonese dialect. It was classified in 2006 as part of China’s intangible cultural heritage. In 2009, the art form was inscribed in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO’s) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The intricate art form has a profound historical context and is popular in southern China.

The colourful artistic performance incorporates elaborate costumes and eye-catching face paint for those on stage.

The colourful artistic performance incorporates elaborate costumes and eye-catching face paint for those on stage.

Local young performers of Cantonese opera stage a show in this year’s Macao Arts Festival. The production, “Mu Guiying Breaks through the Tianmen Gate”, is inspired by historical events and combines singing, acting and fighting scenes.

Delicate make-up, specially-made wigs, hairpins, headgear, and costumes with traditional features, lend sophistication to stage presentations while retaining classic operatic traditions.

Delicate make-up, specially-made wigs, hairpins, headgear, and costumes with traditional features, lend sophistication to stage presentations while retaining classic operatic traditions.

Cantonese opera is more than a theatrical performance with music. It is a complex web of singing, martial arts, acrobatics, and acting, held together by the music of stringed and percussion instruments.

Cantonese opera is more than a theatrical performance with music. It is a complex web of singing, martial arts, acrobatics, and acting, held together by the music of stringed and percussion instruments.

Promoting Cantonese opera culture to young people contributes to the preservation of this art form.