Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China: Third talk "Perpetuation of Cantonese Opera in the Early Days through Tung Wah's Archives”

Co-organised by TWGHs Records and Heritage Office and Hong Kong Public Libraries

Subject talks on “Integrating Past with Present: The Journey of Tung Wah’s Intangible Heritage through Time”

Established in 1870, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (formerly Tung Wah Hospital) is Hong Kong’s oldest Chinese charitable organisation. For over a century, it has provided much-needed services to the local community. Throughout its development, Tung Wah has accumulated and preserved a rich heritage of tangible assets such as buildings, artefacts and archives, as well as intangible aspects of traditional Chinese culture that brings communities together. Rather than vanishing as a result of societal advancements and institutional changes, the elements of traditional Chinese culture have been continuously inherited and evolved. The most widely known elements are inarguably those listed in the First Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory of Hong Kong: namely the Man Mo Temple Autumn Sacrificial Rites, held annually since 1957; Cantonese opera, which has close ties with Tung Wah; and the cheongsam, frequently showcased in historical photos and ceremonies of Tung Wah. Notably both Cantonese opera and Hong Kong cheongsam-making technique have been inscribed onto the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. By exploring topics such as Autumn Sacrificial Rites, the cheongsam and the early preservation of Cantonese opera, audiences will get insights into how Tung Wah has integrated these elements of intangible cultural heritage in a new approach, thereby embodying and promoting a spirit of innovation.

Third talk：" Perpetuation of Cantonese Opera in the Early Days through Tung Wah’s Archives "

Cantonese opera was inscribed onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009 and its early development is closely related to Hong Kong. The TWGHs archives shed light on Cantonese opera performances in Hong Kong during the 19th century, offering information on their performing venues, the names of the opera troupes as well as their contribution to charitable causes. Utilising the archives of Tung Wah and other historical materials, the speaker will explore the transformation of Cantonese opera from rural festive entertainment to an urban theatrical performance, and how Cantonese opera singers have progressively gained social recognition.