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New kids on the old opera block

The Young Reporter (2007, March), 39(06), pp. 10.
Author: Joey Kwok Wai-ying, Jenny Zheng Jialing. Editor: Carol Chan Wai-ying, Eliza Wong Chi-wai.
Permanent URL - https://sys01.lib.hkbu.edu.hk/bujspa/purl.php?&did=bujspa0015696

JOEY KWOK WAI-YING and JENNY ZHENG JIALING

Cha Duk Chang--the three sounds underlining the audio effects of the drums and gongs in Cantonese operas, is also the name of a children's group doing the traditional performing art not along classic plotlines but with “modern” children’s stories.

Cha Duk Chang Children Cantonese Opera Association is an independent troupe responsible for its own funding and operation. Its name derives from the three percussion instruments of cymbal, woodblock and gong.

In April, Cha Duk Chang will be putting their second performance, named “the Kitchen God”, on stage. The Kitchen God tells a story about how three mischievous children annoy their mother, and the little Kitchen God takes them to the Kitchen court for punishment.

Traditionally, Cantonese operas would seem to be leisure for adults only. Children are not usually expected to be involved in the art form in any way. But Stella Ma, the producer and instructor of Cha Duk Chang, said children could indeed perform in their own style in Cantonese operas.

“Children have their unique personality. I think a real children Cantonese opera should tell chidren's own stories.” Ms Ma said.

Students of the group could be as young as three years old. One of them, Yu Chung-yan, is a P1 student. She has been learning the operatic art for nearly three years.

“I enjoy performing the Cantonese opera and I learn a lot of new Chinese characters when I read the script. I always ask my father about the new words,” Chung-yan said.

The Kitchen God will be featuring more than 60 little actors and actresses. Ms Ma said she wanted each child to have a role to play.

“We hope that the children can understand the contents of the stories while they sing and perform,” Ms Ma said.

Lam Shui-king, another instructor who has been with the troupe for five years, said it was essential to let the young participants know the importance of working in a team. Participating in Cantonese operas would help them to be more cooperative.

“Once a girl called Ka Yee cried because of my criticisms,” Ms Lam recalled, “then other girls in the group comforted her, telling her they were a team and they all wouldn’t be doing well if she wasn’t.”

Assembling outside the rehearsal room, the parents involved watched their little ones with gratification. That was also considered a “bonding” session.

In many parents' eyes, Cantonese opera is also a good medium for children to learn Chinese history and virtues, according to Ms Lam.

Mrs Wong, whose son was the youngest in the production of Kitchen God, appreciated the care and sense of unity among the young peer group. She said, “The elder children would take care of the younger ones... (like) they would help to remind those who forget their lines or what to do on stage.”

The mother said while she would be closely monitoring her five-year-old’s continuing interest in the performing art, the young boy has been becoming “more committed and responsive.”

Meanwhile Ms Ma the instructor said the children were not allowed to go to their parents while rehearsing. She said this rule could prevent children from getting spoiled and help them learn to be more independent.

Despite a lack of resources, Cha Duk Chang has been soldiering on. The group believed that their kiddy storylines would help establish better communication and understanding between parents and children.

Ms Lam however complained it was tough to promote the old art to kids.

“Cantonese opera is not a well - recognized performing art in Hong Kong, as many think it is not profitable and there doesn’t seem clear prospects for its future development,” said Ms Lam.

“The government never gives Cha Duk Chang any assistance and it is difficult for us to apply for financial aid from the government,” Ms Lam added.

Mrs Ding, the mother of a primary four girl, called on the government to provide an open channel to let the public know what groups and associations there are that teach Cantonese opera to the young.

Mrs Yu Echoed, “Though nowadays not many people are interested in Cantonese opera, I can still see some art-enthusiasts trying very hard to promote this art.”

Edited by CAROL CHAN WAi-YING and ELIZA WONG CHI-WAI

Road to be opera star

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