Keeping an Artistic Tradition Alive
Rising Cantonese opera star Leung Fei-tung is on a mission to modernise the art and bring it to a younger generation
Leung captivates audiences
with her passionate
performance, showcasing
her dedication to preserving
Cantonese opera.
Photo: Chan Twobo
LEUNG Fei-tung, a distinguished alumna of the Department of Chinese and History (CAH) at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), is a rising star in preserving and innovating Cantonese opera. Her passion for this traditional art form was sparked in childhood by her father’s love of opera recordings and nurtured through her own explorations online.
Inspired Beginnings: A Journey Fueled by Passion and Mentorship
Leung’s formal journey began in secondary school when she joined the Cantonese Opera Academy of Hong Kong. Her background in dance and athletics helped her excel in the physically demanding aspects of opera, such as acrobatics and choreography. Under the mentorship of renowned artists, she honed her skills, mastering both performance and the cultural significance of Cantonese opera.
Academic Pursuits and Rising Recognition
Recognising the value of education, Leung pursued a degree in Culture and Heritage Management at CityUHK. Her studies in art history, cultural theory and management enriched her perspectives on opera, enabling her to innovate while respecting tradition. A memorable university project on stage design deepened her appreciation for the technical intricacies of opera production.
Leung’s career highlights include participating in the 7th Xiqu Talent Training Programme and performing in The Tiger Door on the Planet Mars, at the 51st Hong Kong Arts Festival. Her remarkable performance earned her the Hong Kong Cantonese Opera Golden Bauhinia Award for Outstanding Young Artist in 2023 and the 18th Award for Young Artists (Xiqu) from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council in 2024.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond the stage, Leung actively promotes Cantonese opera through school outreach and cultural advocacy. She shares her expertise in school promotional activities, performing opera excerpts and demonstrating martial arts techniques like spear handling. Her commitment extends to her alma mater, CityUHK, where she hopes to inspire interest and appreciation, bridging generations and keeping this cherished tradition alive.