History Zone

To emphasise the significance of safeguarding Cantonese opera as one of the major foundations of Lingnan culture, the History Zone is set at the Centre’s entrance, so that visitors may start their journey by reviewing the past.

In the History Zone, the century-long history of Cantonese opera is retold in five phases: “Late Qing Dynasty to Early Republican Era,” “1920s to 1940s,” “1950s to 1960s,” “1970s to 1980s,” and “1990s to Today.” The trajectory, characteristics and highlights of each phase are presented in a 55-inch high-definition touchscreen installation, introducing performing troupes from each era, with a hundred rare images and publicity stills of legendary figures of Cantonese opera.

This zone also features an animated display of a“Red Boat,” a timber sailing barge used to transport opera troupes to different locations. The animation gives a fascinating look into its inner structure, showing its route across rural regions. Visitors are in for a creative, interactive journey to the very roots of Cantonese opera.