Cradle for Cantonese Opera: My Experience with the Yau Ma Tei Theatre Venue Partnership Scheme – Cantonese Opera Young Talent Showcase

Presented by the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong, subvented by the Cantonese Opera Development Fund, and venue sponsored by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Yau Ma Tei Theatre Venue Partnership Scheme – Cantonese Opera Young Talent Showcase was launched in 2012. Upon the scheme’s inception, five seasoned maestros were placed at the helm as artistic directors: Danny Li Chi-kei, Law Ka-ying, Yuen Siu-fai, Sun Kim-long, and Lung Koontin. They were later joined by two famed actresses, Wan Fai-yin and Wong Chiu-kwan. Through hands-on coaching by the master, the Showcase sets out to pass down the artistic riches of Cantonese opera to a new generation of actors. Since 2012, I have had the privilege of being a part of this big family. Under the nurturing hand of the artistic directors, I have grown considerably as an actor, and gained more recognition and support from the audience.