Makeup Zone

Makeup is a major component of Cantonese opera. With different combinations of colours and contours, artists create a wide range of personal attributes which instantly communicate to audiences their age, identity, disposition, and moral calibre.

Every role-type calls for different makeup. The Centre’s Makeup Zone offers visitors the nuts and bolts of Cantonese opera makeup in a fun-filled approach. Two freestanding information kiosks explain key points with text and graphics, and provide short videos demonstrating the makeup process for various characters. Emerging actors Lai Yiu Wai, Leung Fei Tung, Yuen Tak Cheong, Leung Wai Hong and Ryder Chan (aka Yat Dim Hung) demonstrate the makeup for sheng (male roles), dan (female roles), jing (painted face roles), mo (supporting male roles) and chou (comic roles), with narration by veteran performers Lee Lung, Wan Fai Yin, Yuen Siu Fai and Chan Hung Chun.

Additionally, an interactive makeup game is housed in two traditional Cantonese opera wardrobes with touchscreen monitors. After following step-by-step instructions in applying makeup, visitors can even document themselves in their newfound glamour using the photo-taking function.

Make Up Demo Video Collections

Male Role
Character: Xu Xian
Title: Legend of the White Snake
Speaker: Lee Lung
Demo Actor: Lai Yiu Wai

Military Male Role
Character: Zhao Yun
Title: Battle at Chang Ban Po
Speaker: Lee Lung
Demo Actor: Lai Yiu Wai

Military Female Role
Character: White-Boned Demon
Title: Three Duels Against the Skeleton Demon
Speaker: Wan Fai Yin
Demo Actress: Leung Fei Tung

Old Female
Character: Empress Dowager Bian
Title: Goddess of River Luo
Speaker: Wan Fai Yin
Demo Actress: Yuen Tak Cheong

Painted Face Role
Character: Bao Zheng
Title: Rivalries between the Imperial Cat and the Brocade Rat
Speaker: Yuen Siu Fai
Demo Actor: Leung Wai Hong

Painted Face Role
Character: Swordsman in Yellow
Title: The Purple Hairpin
Speaker: Yuen Siu Fai
Demo Actor: Leung Wai Hong

Mo
Character: Chung Yu Kwan
Title: Death of a Loyal Warrior
Speaker: Yuen Siu Fai
Demo Actor: Leung Wai Hong

Comic Role
Character: Ngai Si On
Title: The Princess in Distress
Speaker: Chan Hung Chun
Demo Actor: Ryder Chan (aka Yat Dim Hung)