March 24, 2024, 2:00 AM

The Lioness Roars

Get ready to kick off the Year of Dragon with an unforgettable night of Cantonese opera comedy at the Michael J. Fox Theatre. Join us on March 23, 2024, at 7 p.m. for a delightful performance of "The Lioness Roars" presented by Vancouver Cantonese Opera. "The Lioness Roars" comes from a legend in the Ming Dynasty, and was written by Tong Dik Saang in 1958 as “The Story of Jealous Wife". Now titled "The Lion's Roar".

October 28, 2023, 8:30 PM

Heart of the City Festival 2023

Join our immersive workshop on "The Awakening", an opera-in-development by Vancouver Cantonese Opera, celebrating Chinese Canadian history in a 1939 China town setting, with the iconic Sing Kew Theatre symbolizing resilience against racism. Oct 28, 2023 (Saturday) between 1:30pm and 3:30pm at KW Production Studio, 111 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

October 21, 2023, 7:30 PM

Vancouver Cantonese Opera Extravaganza Concert

Experience the Vancouver Cantonese Opera Extravaganza on October 21, 2023, at the Richmond Cultural Centre. This captivating event showcases concert-style singing and traditional Cantonese opera performances, providing a delightful introduction to the exquisite art form. Join us from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm for a mesmerizing display of vocal talent, intricate costumes, and storytelling that will transport you to the enchanting world of Cantonese opera. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and cultural heritage of this revered art form.

Water Sleeve Flashmob Dance Training Camp

Explore this dance style found in Chinese operas that uses sleeves as an extension of the hands or are thrown back to reveal sensitive and beautiful hand movements. Course participants will be performing a choreography on October 21, 2023 (Saturday). Taught by Rosa Cheng, Founder and Artistic Director of Vancouver Cantonese Opera. A non-refundable $15 costume rental fee will be charged when registering. September 1, 2, and 3 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Richmond Cultural Centre Course ID: 00262885 Age Restriction 19+

August 5, 2023, 7:30 PM

Cantonese Opera Extravaganza

Experience the Vancouver Cantonese Opera Extravaganza on August 5, 2023, at the Richmond Cultural Centre. This captivating event showcases concert-style singing and traditional Cantonese opera performances, providing a delightful introduction to the exquisite art form. Join us from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm for a mesmerizing display of vocal talent, intricate costumes, and storytelling that will transport you to the enchanting world of Cantonese opera. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and cultural heritage of this revered art form.

July 16, 2023, 2:00 AM

Legend of the Purple Hairpin

The Legend of the Purple Hairpin is written by Tong Dik Sang, a famous Cantonese opera dramatist. The Legend of the Purple Hairpin eulogizes the theme of love and devotion. Li Yi, a talented scholar who promised to marry Princess Huo's daughter, Huo Xiaoyu, with a purple jade hairpin. He became the top scholar in the imperial exam, but Prime Minister Lu wanted him as a son-in-law. Li Yi refused, and Prime Minister Lu tried to sabotage him. Huo Xiaoyu thought he broke his promise and became poor and sick, selling the hairpin. With the help of a chivalrous man in a yellow costume, they were reunited and the "sword and hairpin" were reunited. Sponsors: Canada Council for the Arts Province of B.C. City of Burnaby We are honoured to bring you this live event from Vancouver, BC, Canada, on the beautiful unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations.

Free Virtual Event: Cantonese Opera In The Cloud "The Heavenly Match"

Free Virtual Event: Cantonese Opera In The Cloud "The Heavenly Match" June 10, 17, 24 (Saturday) 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm (PST) Click the link to sign up!

June 3, 2023, 8:00 PM

Cantonese Opera Behind the Scenes

Experience everything it takes to put on a Cantonese opera performance. From 11am–1pm see detailed preparations including applying the signature Chinese opera makeup, doing hair and putting on the costumes. Followed by a short live performance from 1pm–2:30pm.

Cantonese Opera: Behind the Scenes - May 7, 13, 27

Join us for an all ages behind the scenes look at Cantonese Opera, celebrating Asian Heritage Month featuring: • Signature makeup demonstration • Behind the Scenes presentation • Live performance demonstrating technique

November 6, 2022, 2:00 AM

The Prop Master's Dream

Wah-Kwan Gwan (1929-2000) was born to a Chinese father and an Indigenous mother in BC. As a child, he 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. He eventually sneaks off on a steamship bound for Vancouver, in search of his true identity and his 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. Date: November 5th, 2022 (Saturday) Time: 7p.m. Venue: Annex Theatre, 823 Seymour Street, Vancouver, B.C. Ticket Price: $35, $45

November 5, 2022, 9:00 PM

The Prop Master's Dream Matinee

Wah-Kwan Gwan (1929-2000) was born to a Chinese father and an Indigenous mother in BC. As a child, he 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. He eventually sneaks off on a steamship bound for Vancouver, in search of his true identity and his 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. Date: November 5th, 2022 (Saturday) Time: 2 p.m. Venue: Annex Theatre, 823 Seymour Street, Vancouver, B.C. Ticket Price: $35, $45

August 27, 2022, 10:00 PM

Chinatown Sings!

Join us for a lively sneak preview of two new operas exploring Chinatown's history, including CHINATOWN by City Opera Vancouver and The Prop Master's Dream by Vancouver Cantonese Opera. Drop in early (3-5 PM) for a free live costuming demo by Vancouver Cantonese Opera, followed by a conversation with Charles Barber (COV) and Rosa Cheng (VCO), the creators of two opera productions (one Western, one Cantonese) illuminating the stories of racism and resilience in Vancouver's Chinatown. Each company will then share a live performance from their upcoming operas (5-6 PM, ticketed). 3 - 5 pm: Cantonese Opera Costuming Demo, CSC lobby (free) 5 - 6 pm: Speaker presentations with live performances, CSC theatre (ticketed $5, free for CSC members) Limited seats, get your tickets on Eventbrite soon!

Vancouver Chinatown Festival 20th Anniversary

Artisans & specialty market, cultural performances, food trucks, AR scavenger hunt, family movie night, special access passes & much more. July 16 & 17 Festivities from 11am

July 16, 2022, 5:00 PM

Multicultural Connections

Featuring diverse food, music and performances from around the globe

Cantonese Opera In The Cloud "An Imperishable Love" on May 14, 21, 28 and Jun 4 (Saturday)

Free Virtual Event: Cantonese Opera In The Cloud "An Imperishable Love" on May 14, 21, 28 & June 4, 2022 (Saturday) between 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm (PST). Vancouver Cantonese Opera was the only Cantonese Opera company invited to be one of the Cultural Olympiad partners in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. "An Imperishable Love" was premiered for this special event on March 8, 2008. Click the link below for pre-registration.

May 7, 2022, 8:00 PM

Cantonese Opera Extravaganza

Join Vancouver Cantonese Opera for an exhibition of Cantonese opera costumes and props, watch live demonstration of Chinese opera makeup, and try on water sleeves.

March 23, 2022, 2:00 AM

Divine Threads: Cantonese Opera in Vancouver

Originating in Southern China’s Guangdong Province, Cantonese Opera (粵劇) is a traditional Chinese art form that involves music, singing, martial arts, acrobatics, and acting. This popular and performative art flourished in Vancouver’s Chinatown in the 1920s and has seen renewed interest due to the continued preservation of its history. Join us for a visual presentation, a discussion, and a sneak peek of how Cantonese Opera is made!