By Vince G. Lopez
The Cantonese Opera remains to be one of the most recognizable art forms in China as it continues to entertain and intrigue people around the world. The curious colors from the elaborate costumes of the characters and the lavish makeup are among the standout features of Cantonese opera, yet it’s only a part of what makes watching a live performance memorable.
The traditional Chinese art form is a mixture of music, singing, martial arts, acrobatics, and acting. Witnessing these one-of-a-kind art forms is definitely entertaining, but participating in one of them is something else.
True to Hong Kong’s reputation for enjoyable recreational activities, the city offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for tourists to take part in the fascinating world of the Cantonese opera. Pushing through with the Meetings and Exhibitions in Hong Kong (MEHK) Project, the Hong Kong Tourism Board offers companies worldwide the rare opportunity to partake in a traditional Cantonese opera.
Playing a part in the MICE market
The recently established MEHK office will mobilize the collaboration of different sectors of the community to devise customized solutions and value-added hospitality offers. As a division of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, MEHK will consist of three teams to offer dedicated services for the Meetings and Incentives, the conventions and the Exhibitions respectively.
Each year Hong Kong hosts over 100 major exhibitions that attract 800,000 international and mainland visitors. As every corner of Hong Kong offers something new, guests will never run out of rewarding activities in the vibrant city.
Hong Kong boasts enticing sites and activities for corporate team building and incentives. There are new and exciting activities from Hong Kong’s rich culture and attractions that will revitalize and motivate staff to reach greater heights.
Participating and team building
One of the most unique team-building activities is participating in Cantonese opera. Company members engage in all aspects that make a Cantonese opera interesting. The group can have a great time dressing up in elaborate costumes in various designs that were popular in different eras and dynasties. Indeed, the costumes themselves have a rich historical background.
Exquisite wigs and colorful makeup is one of the highlights of participating in the traditional art form. The transformation of one’s everyday face into the spectacular face created by the intricate makeup that has become a popular icon for Chinese culture is fascinating.
Upon dressing up and putting on the traditional makeup, participants also practice Cantonese songs, dances, and movements that are used in actual plays. This new activity is not only available for corporate team building sessions alone but is also ideal to group of friends looking for a new fun activity to indulge in during their stay in Hong Kong. (Manila Bulletin)
