The Pearl of Cantonese Opera – Wai Ming Chu

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Born in a family of Cantonese opera, Wai Ming Chu was invited by Ma Sze-tsang and Tam Lan-hing to join the Tai Ping Opera Troupe in 1934. After the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, she participated in the Cantonese Opera Service Troupe organised by Kwan Tak-hing to boost morale to fight the Japanese troops as well as raise funds among overseas Chinese compatriots. After the victory of the War, she served as a leading actress in Tai Sheung, Kwang Wah and Tai Lung Fung Opera Troupes and made Cantonese opera films, too. In 1950s, Wai was invited to perform in Southeast Asia, the United States and Canada, and successfully won the support of Chinese people at home and abroad with the artistry of her Cantonese opera skills. She faded out of the stage after the 1970s. Wai Ming Chu passed away in 2000. In 2019, her family generously donated her collections to the museum, and the museum immediately sent staff to receive them in San Francisco, USA. This batch of precious cultural relics of Cantonese opera including costumes, props, boots, headgear and photos. Among which, Wai’s costumes were mainly made of sequins when the production of Cantonese opera sequined and beaded costumes was in vogue. It is of great historical importance in studying the evolution of Cantonese opera costume styles. Through selected exhibits from Wai’s collection, visitors can have an opportunity to revisit her stage career and appreciate her marvelous skills in both singing and acting.