The event was organised by the Au Kuan Cheong Chinese Opera Association, with financial sponsorship from the Cultural Development Fund and venue support from the Cultural Affairs Bureau.
The performance was spearheaded by renowned Naamyam master Au Kuan Cheong, a designated representative transmitter of the national intangible cultural heritage of “Naamyam narrative singing”. Master Au led his students in a captivating showcase, aiming to promote this traditional art form while celebrating the Lantern Festival—often regarded as the Chinese Valentine’s Day—with the public.
The Au Kuan Cheong Chinese Opera Association has long been dedicated to the preservation and transmission of Naamyam, which is on the the national list of intangible heritage of China. The Saturday event featured 11 students from diverse professional backgrounds, all united by their profound passion for the art form. Notably, the performing roster included a doctoral student from mainland China’s Jiangxi province who is currently studying in Macau.
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Cantonese Naamyam (Narrative Songs) is popular in the Pearl River Delta region. It was originally performed by blind people in the form of storytelling and singing, gradually taking root in the community. The art has a distinctive method of acquiring its notes and melodies, which can best convey the linguistic features of the Guangdong Pearl River Delta residents. Many of the representative works genuinely reflect the hopeless plight and unstable drifting life shared by the lower classes of society.
Today, Cantonese Naamyam is rarely improvised by blind singers, and the form of long narration is no longer used; the unique regional characteristics and cultural and artistic values peculiar to Cantonese Naamyam, however, have received more widespread focus, understanding and recognition from people.
Audiences at Saturday’s event were treated to a rich and varied repertoire. The programme featured odes to loyalty and righteousness, timeless tales of romance, and humorous pieces tailored for the Lunar New Year, effectively enriching the festive cultural ambiance. Highlights of the afternoon included several pieces that were personally adapted by Master Au himself.
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Staged at the Lou Kau Mansion, a distinguished UNESCO World Heritage site, the event offered attendees a unique immersive experience. The seamless integration of traditional performing arts within the walls of a historical architectural gem created a striking cultural synergy.
The performance wrapped up amidst an enthusiastic and vibrant atmosphere. The organisers expressed their hope that such events will inspire a broader public appreciation and love for this intangible cultural heritage. Looking ahead, the association remains steadfast in its commitment to the preservation and promotion of Naamyam, striving to breathe new life into traditional arts within contemporary society.
