In Hong Kong, traditional Chinese opera and cultural shows are very popular.
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Cantonese opera is a fine art including graceful body movements and facial expressions.
The drama is linked with flamboyant costumes, delicate wigs and colourful make-up
worn by the performers.
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| Cantonese opera actors |
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Besides the gleaming costumes, stunning headdress and ornaments, there are also gracefulness in gestures, poetic phrases and melodious songs.
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Opera stories are based on Chinese history and famous Chinese classics.
It includes moral values such as loyalty, filial piety, patriotism and faithfulness.
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| Cantonese opera actor |
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Plots usually dramatize legends and historical events and glorify loyalty, filial piety and righteousness.
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The use of musical instruments in Cantonese opera ranges from traditional
Chinese instruments to the use of western saxophones.
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| Cantonese opera actor |
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Chinese opera is informal. Spectators can arrive late or leave early. A spectator when spotting relatives can make his way through the audience for a casual chat.
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This actor wears a gown with a vertical collar called "pei".
It is a long robe with wide sleeves. It has symmetrical fronts with a vertical collar.
The character is either a high official or belongs to the upperclass.
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| Cantonese opera actor |
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Opera costumes are meant to portray the status and character of different roles.
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| Cantonese opera actors |
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A red face indicates courage and virtue, black means uprightness, white means treachery,
blue means wild temperament and yellow shows bravery and strength.
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| Cantonese opera actor |
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