Since 1982

Since 1982 there has been renewed interest in Cantonese opera in San Francisco. In Chinatown there are more opera clubs and musical associations then ever before. Recent immigration of actors and 'sifus' (masters) and a prosperous overseas economy have contributed to the proliferation of this unique performing arts form.

Cantonese opera and traditional theatre have also influenced American-born playwrights, performers and theatrical designers such as Lydia Tanji, who used Peking opera inspired costumes for "Dragon Wings" staged at Berkeley Rep in 1991, and acclaimed performing artist Winston Tong who utilized Chinese theatrical conventions and puppets in his award winning solo performance of 'Bound Feet' at the Eureka Theatre in 1977.

Veteran actors Bosco Cheu and Edward Mar continue to perform and are major local patrons of Cantonese opera. The Mei Lan-fang Society was recently established to preserve and promote the legacy of the famous Peking opera star, while the Chinese Performing Arts Foundation has done much to encourage the traditional performing arts and recently sponsored a symposium of Cantonese opera in San Francisco. The local Red Bean Theatre troupe is unique in that all members are ABC (American Born Chinese). This company, as well as almost a dozen more, illustrate the persistence and affection for this unique theatrical art.