An exhibition to review the achievements of Fong Yim Fun, a famous Cantonese opera artist in the 1940s and 1950s, opened Tuesday at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum.
Fong, also known as the "Queen of Female Principals", not only masters the art of Cantonese Opera to perfection, but also displays her extraordinary talent in playing different characters on stage and on screen. She has successfully interpreted the roles of many virtuous women.
Through the diversified roles performed, Fong has also shown the predicaments that Chinese women faced after the Second World War, fully reflecting the changes of female role in different times.
The exhibition, entitled "Fong Yim Fun -- Life and Work of a Female Cantonese Opera Artist", showcases over 100 valuable exhibits including costumes, librettos, publicity materials and photos of Fong. Besides, excerpts from Fong's best-known opera films and recent charity performances are also featured.
Along with the exhibition, a selection of films starring Fong Yim Fun will be shown under a screening program of "Fragrant Screen -- The Exquisite Fong Yim-fun" by the Hong Kong Film Archive.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Paul Leung Sai-wah noted that in recognition of the contributions of women to the society, the museum organized the Women Festival with a series of exhibition which allowed a study of the roles of women in history and their social status from a variety of perspectives so as to examine the implications of being a woman.
Leung also said that the programs of Women Festival included historical review, artistic creation, public forum, as well as this exhibition of Cantonese Opera.
(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2002)
