Vancouver Cantonese Opera presents "The Awakening" workshop 

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Vancouver Cantonese Opera photo album

The Peony Pavilion

The Romance of the Broken Mirror

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Cantonese opera is a unique art form that combines singing, dialogue, movements, and gestures. The movements and gestures of the performers are highly stylized and symbolic. Cantonese opera is characterized by a great variety of tunes, a lyrical style of singing, a large instrumental ensemble, and spirited and clamorous percussion music.

粵劇是一種結合歌唱、對話、動作和手勢的獨特藝術形式。 表演者的動作和手勢具有高度的程式化和象徵意義。 粵劇的特點是曲調多變，唱腔抒情，器樂合奏規模龐大，打擊樂奔放喧鬧。

Long Intro on About Us Fusion Opera

“The Prop Master’s Dream” Fusion Cantonese Opera Premiere Highlights

A fusion Cantonese opera "The Prop Master's Dream" premiere

The Prop Master’s Dream Sneak Preview 1

The Prop Master’s Dream Sneak Preview 2

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Vancouver Cantonese Opera premiered the fusion opera "The Prop Master's Dream" on November 5th, 2022, at the Vancouver Annex Theatre. 

- [“The Prop Master’s Dream” Fusion Cantonese Opera Premiere Highlights](https://youtu.be/_1LstESnDvk)

- [A fusion Cantonese opera "The Prop Master's Dream" premiere on November 5th, 2022](https://youtu.be/sxyDC19RgQQ)

- [The Prop Master’s Dream Sneak Preview 1 – Peter and Haisla](https://youtu.be/YGxo0DEwfmI)

- [The Prop Master’s Dream Sneak Preview 2 – Rosa and Jacky](https://youtu.be/0-QW-I6zvk0)
 
 
Event Day:

Saturday, November 5, 2022, 2 pm and 7pm   

2022 年 11 月 05 日  

Annex Theatre, 823 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC 

**The Prop Master’s Dream** is based on the true-life story of Wah-Kwan Gwan (1929-2000), a legendary prop master born to a Chinese father and an Indigenous mother in BC. As a child, Wah-Kwan lost contact with his mother when his father took him to Guangdong, China and sent him to train as an apprentice with a local Cantonese Opera troupe. The opera follows Wah-Kwan’s journey as he comes of age and sneaks off on a steamship bound for Vancouver, in search of his true identity and birth mother. Along the way, he encounters discrimination, unexpected friendships, and a rekindled love for the opera that embraces him as a master of his art. A bilingual Cantonese-English production, open to all ages.

溫哥華燕鳳鳴粵劇團呈獻 **“道具大師的尋根夢”** 。 道具大師的尋根夢是根據關華坤 (1929-2000) 的真實故事改編而成，他是一位傳奇的粵劇界道具大師，父親是華裔，母親是卑詩省的原住民。

- [新派粵劇『道具大師的尋根夢』首演花絮。](https://youtu.be/_1LstESnDvk)

- [新派粵劇『道具大師的尋根夢』首演花絮 2。 ](https://youtu.be/sxyDC19RgQQ)

- [新派粵劇『道具大師的尋根夢』先睹為快 1 – Peter and Haisla](https://youtu.be/YGxo0DEwfmI)

- [新派粵劇『道具大師的尋根夢』先睹為快 2 – Rosa and Jacky](https://youtu.be/0-QW-I6zvk0)


演出日詳情:

2022 年 11 月 05 日  

Annex Theatre, 823 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC 

道具大師的尋根夢是根據關華坤 (1929-2000) 的真實故事改編而成，他是一位傳奇的粵劇界道具大師，父親是華裔，母親是卑詩省的原住民。 華坤小時候父親帶他回中國廣東時，與母親失去了聯繫。 他在中國長大，曾在當地粵劇團受訓，成為一個粵劇演員，學習道具製作及後台佈景。 這部粵劇講述華坤返回加拿大尋根的旅程。 他偷偷登上一艘開往溫哥華的輪船，尋找他的真實身份和他的生母。 一路走來，他遇到了歧視、意想不到的友誼，以及對粵劇的重燃熱愛，這部粵劇將他視為藝術大師。 粵英雙語製作，老少皆宜。

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三夕恩情廿載仇

揮淚哭南唐

花田八喜之棧會

群英會之小宴

同是天涯淪落人

金石缘

三看御妹

花蕊夫人

雷鳴金鼓戰笳聲

胡不歸之別妻

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In addition to presenting full-length operas, Vancouver Cantonese Opera also presents:

- Excerpts or Opera Highlights are sections of famous classic operas being performed on stage in one act.  These highlights can be the soul of the whole opera.

- Concerts and Recitals emphasize Cantonese opera singing skills, with special attention to the art of vocal tones and techniques.  With the essence of Cantonese opera music, the tune is extremely rich.

VCO hosts these shows featuring international guest performers and troupe performers.


燕鳳鳴粵劇團 除表演長劇以外，還會演出折子戲/演唱會。

- 折子戲 是著名經典戲曲的片段，可以說是整部戲的靈魂，在舞台上一幕幕上演。
- 演唱會注重演唱技巧，特別注重聲調藝術，分為三類：平喉 （男）， 子喉 （女）及 大喉 （花      臉）。 配合粵劇精髓音樂，曲調極其豐富。

燕鳳鳴粵劇團都會邀請 本地及國際嘉賓參與演出。


Bamboo Theatre 2019 Yau Kau

Bamboo Theatre video #2

Bamboo Theatre 2019 video #2

2015 Multicultural Heritage Festival June 27th ,2015 Day One

2016 Bamboo Theatre preview

2016 Bamboo Theatre - Multicultural Heritage Festival

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Vancouver Cantonese Opera is an enthusiastic and devoted presenter/participant of multicultural events in the Lower Mainland.  In 2012 VCO presented our first Multicultural Heritage Festival in Vancouver. From 2013-2015 the Multicultural Heritage Festival, in partnership with the City of Richmond, was presented at the Minoru Park in Richmond.  

Starting from 2016 to 2019, the City of Richmond invited VCO to activate a “BambooTheatre” at the Richmond World Festival at the Minoru Park.  The VCO Bamboo Theatre showcases a lineup of amazing artists from a myriad of ethnic cultures.

**What is a Bamboo Theatre**

Bamboo theatre is a very unique architectural building.  It is a temporary built theatre made with bamboos.  It has a front stage, backstage, and public area for the audience.  The main structure is bamboo and large poles.  It only appears in Guangdong Province the southern part of China and Hong Kong.
The Cantonese Opera is always combined with entertainment for local people and religious purposes.  The bamboo theatre usually stands in front of temples or ancestral halls.
Cantonese opera is often performed during deities’ birthdays in the bamboo theatre to amuse devotees as well as deities.  An altar, which serves as a VIP balcony for watching the performance, would be placed inside the bamboo theatre to accommodate the statues of deities.

燕鳳鳴粵劇團是低陸平原多元文化活動的熱情和忠誠的主持及參與者。 2012 年，燕鳳鳴 在溫哥華舉辦了我們的第一個多元文化節。 從 2013 年到 2015 年，與列治文市合作，在Minoru 公園舉行多元文化節 。

從 2016 年到 2019 年，列治文市邀請 燕鳳鳴在 Minoru 公園的列治文世界節上啟動“戲棚舞台”。 燕鳳鳴 “戲棚舞台” 展示了來自各種民族文化令人驚嘆的藝術家陣容。

**戲棚**
戲棚是中國廣東省和香港的一個非常獨特的表演埸地；全個戲棚都是由大竹昇及木柱搭建而成的臨時建築物，整個戲棚分為前台、後台及觀眾席，通常在戲棚設有一個小小的神壇安放恭奉的神祗。

粵劇又稱廣東大戲，它除了娛樂坊眾之外、亦滲有其宗教如神誕及地方風俗：打醮等目的；人們多數稱之為神功戲。所以戲棚大多搭建在廟或祠堂前大空地、或運動場等地方。

大戲或神功戲都是在露天地方搭戲棚演出；當台期做完之後、立即拆除, 一切回復舊觀。



Imperishable Love Act 6 promotion

Cantonese Opera In The Cloud "The Flower Princess" Act 1 "The Vow" 燕鳳鳴粵劇團 "雲端賞戲寶" 第一場 "樹盟"

Vancouver Cantonese Opera premiere "Cantonese Opera In The Cloud" - Free Event

"Cantonese Opera In The Cloud" The Peony Pavilion Aftershow 雲端賞戲寶之牡丹亭驚夢 “梨園掠影”

Cantonese Opera In The Cloud "The Flower Princess" Act 2 "The Calamity" 燕鳳鳴粵劇團 "雲端賞戲寶" 第二場 "香劫"

Cantonese Opera In The Cloud "The Flower Princess" Act 3 & Act 4. 燕鳳鳴粵劇團 "雲端賞戲寶" 第三場 及 第四場

Cantonese Opera In The Cloud "The Flower Princess"

Virtual Chinese New Year Party "Ringing In The Year of The Xo" on February 10, 2021.  "金牛賀歲轉乾坤".

Cantonese Opera in the Cloud "Legend of the Broken Mirror" Act 1

"An Imperishable Love" in the "Cantonese Opera in the Cloud" series. Act 1

Cantonese Opera in the Cloud "The Fairy of the Emerald Green Lake" Act 1 

Cantonese Opera In The Cloud "The Peony Pavilion" Act 1 & Act 2. 

Cantonese Opera-in-the-Cloud "The Heavenly 

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“Cantonese Opera in the Cloud" is a virtual production offered primarily to an audience whose outings are restricted by the current COVID-19 pandemic but wants to enjoy Cantonese Operas in the comfort of their own homes, having their afternoon teas.

“雲端賞戲寶” 是溫哥華燕鳳鳴粵劇團在2020年全力炮制的新項目。新冠疫情來襲，廣大觀眾苦於外出受限，未能如常觀賞粵劇戲寶，有見及此，燕鳳鳴推出新嘗試，讓觀眾安坐家中，在品嘗香茶濃啡和細嚼精制糕餅的同時，能欣賞心愛粵劇劇目。 此外更附加中英字幕及中英文旁述，更讓觀眾更透切解劇情的來龍去脈。

Long Intro

The Prop Master’s Dream First Workshop

The prop Master’s Dream Second Workshop

The Prop Master's Dream Rationale Chinese

The Prop Master's Dream Synopsis Chinese

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The documentary follows the production of a fusion opera "The Prop Master’s Dream" from beginning to end, sharing the true-life story of Wah-Kwan Gwan (1929-2000) a Cantonese Opera performer with a Chinese Father and an indigenous mother. Wah-Kwan’s father took him back to China leaving behind his indigenous wife and daughter. Wah-Kwan was raised in Guangdong, China. When Wah-Kwan returned to Vancouver as an adult, with his indigenous features, spoke no English, only Taishan Chinese dialect.  Wah-Kwan worked many menial jobs. He who never learned much English led a humble lifestyle and lived out his days as a bachelor in a rooming house on East Hastings Street.

![wah 2.jpg](https://storage.googleapis.com/vancanopera/static/assets/wah_2_211a342cba/wah_2_211a342cba.jpg)
*Dim sum lunch in Chinatown*

Although never publicly recognized in his lifetime, Wah-Kwan’s prop-making talents earned him a legendary status in the Vancouver Chinatown Cantonese opera community that embraced him. WahKwan led a remarkable life and his memory deserves to be preserved, honored, and celebrated. 

“The Making of the Prop Master's Dream” follows Rosa Cheng's journey as she leads the production of the fusion opera from beginning to end. Rosa Cheng, a trailblazing Cantonese Opera performer and the Artist Director of VCO, will bring together a diverse team of artists, artistic and cultural advisors to explore Chinese-Indigenous relations, the rise and fall of a gentrifying Chinatown, and Wah-Kwan’s extraordinary life as he traversed continents and cultures. 

A bilingual Cantonese and English production that explores Chinese-Indigenous relations in B.C. history. It will also focus on Cantonese Opera in North America and provide an insider’s perspective on a diasporic art form that has long been the cultural heartbeat of Chinatowns everywhere.

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*Wah Kwan backstage with Rosa Cheng*


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這部紀錄片從頭到尾記錄這新編實驗粵劇《道具大師的尋根夢》的製作旅程，講述了粵劇演員關華坤（1929-2000）的真實故事。關華坤的父親是華人， 母親是原住民。  當華坤還是嬰孩時， 他的父親把他帶回中國，留下了他的原住民妻子和女兒。華坤在中國廣東長大。

華坤成年後回到溫哥華，帶著原住民的樣貌，不會說英語，只說台山話。 華坤 從事過許多卑微的工作。他從來沒有學過多少英語，過著卑微的生活方式，在唐人街一間公寓裡過著單身漢的日子。

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*Dim sum lunch in Chinatown*

 雖然在他的一生中從未被公開承認，但華坤對粵劇舞台道具製作的才華為他贏得了溫哥華唐人街粵劇界的傳奇地位。 他的記憶值得被保存、尊重和慶祝。

這記錄片記錄著應國鳳製作『道具大師的尋根夢』的旅程。她從頭到尾領導著這新編實驗粵劇的製作。應國鳳是一個勇於嚐試的先鋒粵劇演員。  她是燕鳳鳴粵劇團的始創人及藝術總監。  她將匯集多元化的藝術家、藝術和文化顧問團隊，探討華人與原住民的關係、唐人街的興衰，以及華坤穿越兩大洲和文化時的非凡生活。
一部粵語和英語雙語作品，探討卑詩省華人與原住民的關係及歷史。這記錄片還會專注於北美的粵劇歷史，探討粵劇在世界各地唐人街文化藝術的形式。

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*Wah Kwan backstage with Rosa Cheng*


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製作『道具大師的尋根夢』的記錄片

“The Making of the Prop Master’s Dream”

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**Singing Lesson:**
Traditional Cantonese opera music scales / notes / rhythms /phrasing / singing technique, etc.
•	Group lessons / semi-private / private
•	On-line zoom lessons
•	Student recitals are held periodically.

**Performance Technique Lessons:**
Traditional Cantonese opera performance techniques such as watersleeves / round-table steps, hand gestures (e.g. orchid fingers), etc.
•	Group lessons / semi-private / private

**Cantonese Opera Signature Makeup Lessons:**
Traditional “white and red” face stage makeup technique.

**Headdress & Costume**
Learn how to get ready for a stage performance – the proper way to put on an elaborate headdress and a complicated/cumbersome costume.

**Opera in Care**
Perform Cantonese Opera excerpts at senior facilities – in modern day dress, or in full Cantonese opera regalia.

For detail, call 604-764-8181, or email vancanopera@gmail.com.

1. 歌唱課：傳統粵劇音階/音符/節奏/樂句/唱法等。 • 小組課/半私人/私人 • 網上課程 • 定期舉行學生演唱會。
2. 表演技巧課程：傳統粵劇表演技巧，如水袖/圓桌步、手勢（如蘭花指）等 • 小組課程/半私人/私人。
3. 粵劇化妝課：傳統的“白紅臉”舞台化妝技術。
4. 頭飾和服裝 了解如何為舞台表演做好準備——教導如何穿戴精緻頭飾和穿著戲服的正確方法。
5. 『Opera in Care』 將粵劇戲台帶到老人院／療養院。 在其設施中表演粵劇折子戲。

詳情請致電 604-764-8181，或發送電子郵件至 vancanopera@gmail.com。

Divine Threads: Cantonese Opera in Vancouver

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## NEW WORKS PITCH PROGRAM 

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Vancouver Cantonese Opera “The Prop Master’s Dream” was chosen as one of the 5 projects to receive a special boost of support.  

The Association for Opera in Canada is a membership-based association for opera companies, opera artists, businesses, teaching institutions, and individuals. Our mandate is to create and sustain an environment that makes opera central to Canadian life. We work with members across the sector to mitigate challenges, celebrate successes, and help opera thrive in a changing environment. We are a communications hub, a connector and convenor, a champion and catalyst for change, and a relentless advocate. 

 
[The voice of opera in Canada](https://www.opera.ca/)

AOC has launched a program to support new works, with a focus on Equity-seeking artists.  This program, in its pilot year, helps new creators in the fields of opera and music theatre to produce their works, get them on stage, and get them on the road.

Click below for details:
 
[New Works Pitch Program Virtual Portal (pheedloop.com)](https://pheedloop.com/EVEMVCYYQTGXR/login/auth/?redirect=/EVEMVCYYQTGXR/virtual/?page=exhibitors&section=EXHU4H28MSWOJZ7LY)

[Congratulations to 5 Featured Projects](https://www.opera.ca/whats-new/congratulations-to-5-featured-projects/)

[Launching our Pitch New Works Program](https://www.opera.ca/whats-new/launching-our-pitch-new-works-program/)



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**FEEDBACKS FROM PARTICIPANTS:**

> This is a very new interpretation of Chinese opera. It contains traditional Chinese opera, drama and first nation elements. I really enjoy it. Since I am a big fan of Chinese opera, I would like to see more Chinese opera portion in your future shows.

> This show can really introduce Chinese opera to the main stream. I admire your tireless efforts. Please keep it up. Looking forward to seeing your next performance. Applause.

> I really loved the " play within a play segment" and am inspired to see non fusion operas.

> Was wonderful! I feel I learned a lot about my Chinese neighbours and some of their history in BC. I feel I now have a beginner’s knowledge of Cantonese opera as well. Thank you for making this work available to us.

> Video footage, multimedia and fusion music were interesting and enriching. It might help the audience who is new to Cantonese opera have an understanding of the opera format or conventional structure.

> The story and your connection to the lead character and the fact you have decided to do this fusion work is heroic for sure. Yes many want to keep Cantonese Opera pure but there is room to evolve and maybe reach a younger audience who can continue the Art in other directions. 

> Everyone said they felt more connected, learned a lot, and loved Rosa’s singing!

> I want to visit the Museum of Anthropology and am looking forward to going to see Rosa's upcoming opera.

> This is great info and not something you would typically hear about. Growing up my mom studied Cantonese Opera and actually taught voice lessons. So this is really cool to learn as my mom never told me anything about history.

> I had not made the connection between the popularity of overseas Cantonese opera and the discriminatory immigration laws of the US and Canada
 
> Excellent event. So informative, engaging, and unique in its focus on both Canada (Vancouver) and Hong Kong. Please thank the panelists!

> Try to watch more videos to appreciate Cantonese Opera, and watch out for the opening of the new production discussed in the program.

> The presenters’ obvious enjoyment and enthusiasm about their subject and sharing it with others.

> I am eager to investigate the online information about Chinese Opera and hope to attend a performance at some point.

> I was not able to view the entire program so am looking forward to watching the full event at another time. The smiles on all of the presenters’ faces when I joined helped me feel comfortable and engaged immediately, though I had missed most of the presentation!

> Learn more about Cantonese opera and attend Prop Master's dream

> I was introduced to an area that I knew nothing about and the presentation inspired me to learn more.

>Follow the upcoming show from the Vancouver Cantonese Opera group; follow Dr.Liu's future research; visit MOA to see Cantonese Opera objects.

> Went to subscribe to their Youtube channel. I am South African Chinese with grandparents who came around the same time as the exclusion period. Though little is known and will be hard to find info, I'm curious to see if Cantonese opera was popular there. I suspect so as my grandmother enjoyed watching and my mom seems somewhat familiar with some aspects of Cantonese opera

> Please send me ticket information for the Prop Master's Dream when available and I will share it with my personal networks and hope to watch/attend as well.


**參與者的反饋:**

> Everyone said they felt more connected, learned a lot, and loved Rosa’s singing!

> I want to visit the Museum of Anthropology and am looking forward to going to see Rosa's upcoming opera.

> This is great info and not something you would typically hear about. Growing up my mom studied Cantonese Opera and actually taught voice lessons. So this is really cool to learn as my mom never told me anything about history.

> I had not made the connection between the popularity of overseas Cantonese opera and the discriminatory immigration laws of the US and Canada
 
> Excellent event. So informative, engaging, and unique in its focus on both Canada (Vancouver) and Hong Kong. Please thank the panelists!

> Try to watch more videos to appreciate Cantonese Opera, and watch out for the opening of the new production discussed in the program.

> The presenters’ obvious enjoyment and enthusiasm about their subject and sharing it with others.

> I am eager to investigate the online information about Chinese Opera and hope to attend a performance at some point.

> I was not able to view the entire program so am looking forward to watching the full event at another time. The smiles on all of the presenters’ faces when I joined helped me feel comfortable and engaged immediately, though I had missed most of the presentation!

> Learn more about Cantonese opera and attend Prop Master's dream

> I was introduced to an area that I knew nothing about and the presentation inspired me to learn more.

>Follow the upcoming show from the Vancouver Cantonese Opera group; follow Dr.Liu's future research; visit MOA to see Cantonese Opera objects.

> Went to subscribe to their Youtube channel. I am South African Chinese with grandparents who came around the same time as the exclusion period. Though little is known and will be hard to find info, I'm curious to see if Cantonese opera was popular there. I suspect so as my grandmother enjoyed watching and my mom seems somewhat familiar with some aspects of Cantonese opera

> Please send me ticket information for the Prop Master's Dream when available and I will share it with my personal networks and hope to watch/attend as well.




The Awakening

Opera

The Prop Master's Dream

Extravaganza

Bamboo Theatre

Cantonese Opera in the Cloud

Documentary

Outreach Programs

Collaboration

Reviews

Vancouver Cantonese Opera

Land Acknowledgement