Macau Youth Cantonese Opera Development Association President Lo Hang Peng urged the government to give more support to the promotion of Cantonese opera among children and youths, as it was financially difficult for her group to promote the art form on its own.
Lo made the remarks on the sidelines of a press conference at the Sin Meng Charity Association’s office in Areia Preta about an upcoming Cantonese opera event.
Lo pointed out that she has been teaching Cantonese opera to local children and youths for over 20 years thanks to the enthusiasm of her students and the support of their parents. However, she admitted that she has not been successful in widely promoting the art form to the younger generation as a whole as the group lacked support from the government.
“Local venues are usually very expensive, which is why we can’t afford to put on many performances,” said Lo.
Aside from expensive venues and production costs, according to Lo, the local “culture” of enjoying performances for free also made it harder for the group to survive.
“Unlike in Hong Kong, residents here are not used to buying tickets to show support and respect for local art,” Lo said wryly.
Lo said the group, with about 30 members, the youngest aged 6, participated in this year’s Macau Art Festival by performing “The Tale of Lady General” earlier this month.
