Organised by the Macao Museum under the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), the exhibition “The Enchanting Red Boat – An Episode of the Cantonese Opera Culture” has been enthusiastically received by residents and tourists. In order to meet the public demand, the organiser will extend the Exhibition period until 27th November.

Cantonese Opera, a performing art stylistically inspired in Lingnan culture, was inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. Many of the early Cantonese operas originated in zaju (variety show) during the Yuan Dynasty, and its contents focused mainly on the ancient emperors and key officials of the central plains of China. Cantonese Opera has been prevalent since it appeared in Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and flourished tremendously in the Pearl River Delta in the late Qing Dynasty. In the 1930s, following efforts and reforms made by members of the sector, the contents of Cantonese Opera were diversified and catered to the style of the public. As a result, Cantonese Opera has become popular and has been highly sought, more than in the past.

The Exhibition features nearly 100 artefacts, including the most representative artefacts of the Macao Museum related to Cantonese Opera, and other materials, photos and collections provided by Cantonese Opera associations and organizations, illustrating the history and development of Cantonese Opera in Macao. In order to enrich the exhibition, a series of activities including a talk and a workshop have been held. In addition, Crosswords Prizes are held until 9th October. Interested individuals can obtain a registration form on site or download it at the Macao Museum website (www.macaumuseum.gov.mo), and return the form to the “Crosswords Collection Box” on the third floor of the Macao Museum during the exhibition period. The Macao Museum will announce the list of winners and prize redemption procedures on its website on 25th October 2016.

The extension of the exhibition period allows residents and tourists to have enough time to visit the exhibition and develop an in-depth understanding of Cantonese Opera, thereby promoting this traditional art deeply rooted in the Lingnan culture. Schools and community organisations are welcome to reserve docent services for students and the elderly. For enquiries, please call Ms. Leong, staff member of the Macao Museum, through tel. 8394 1218, during office hours.

The Macao Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm (no admission after 5:30pm; closed on Mondays). For details about the aforementioned exhibition and activities, please call the Macao Museum through tel. no. 2835 7911, during office hours, or visit Macao Museum website (www.macaumuseum.gov.mo).