Public Seminar (Hybrid) – Inside Chinese Theater of 19th Century California (12 Dec 2025)
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Hong Kong Metropolitan University
School of Arts and Social Sciences
Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre
Inside Chinese Theater of 19th century California
You are cordially invited to join a public seminar organised by Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre on 12 December 2025 (Friday).
We are delighted to welcome Professor Nancy Yunhua Rao of the Rutgers University Department of Music, who will speak on the topic “Inside Chinese Theatre of 19th Century California,” examining the history of Chinese opera performance venues in US. Professor Rao has conducted extensive research on the history of Cantonese opera in America. Drawing on diaries, newspapers, and cultural artifacts, she reconstructs the historical landscape of Chinese theatres in California and the western United States during the 19th century and analyzes how costumes, vocal styles, stage design, and narratives shaped the Chinese community’s identity.
This seminar will be conducted in English and held in hybrid mode, with both on‑site and online (Zoom) participation available. All are welcome.
Abstract:
Chinese opera in America began in brick-and-mortar homes in San Francisco theaters such as Hing Chuen Yuen and the Donn Qui Yuen. But Cantonese opera troupes had already followed Chinese immigrants to mining and railroad towns and across the American West. As Chinese theater became part of California and San Francisco culture, popular Chinese actors advocated for their art alongside appeals for civil rights.
Author Nancy Yunhwa Rao excavates and contextualizes the important history of Chinese opera theater through personal diaries, newspapers and artifacts while examining the costumes, singing, staging, and storytelling that impacted mainstream reception and influenced how Chinese communities saw themselves.
Join this discussion with Nancy Rao, who shares the ways Cantonese opera became woven into the financial, political, social, and family life in California and beyond in her book Inside Chinese Theater.
Date: 12 December 2025 (Friday)
Time: 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Language: English
Mode: Hybrid (on-site and online)
On-site: Chan Ma Ching Heung Lecture Theatre (Room E0313), 3/F,Hong Kong Metropolitan University Jockey Club Campus, 81 Chung Hau Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon
Online: Zoom (Zoom link will be sent to you upon registration)
Registration: Click here to register
.
For enquiries, please feel free to contact us (Tel: 3120 2463 | Email：ihcorc@hkmu.edu.hk | WhatsApp / WeChat：5782 1095).
香港都會大學人文社會科學院
何陳婉珍粵劇研藝中心
公開講座
19世紀加州的中國戲院
何陳婉珍粵劇研藝中心將於2025年12月12日（星期五）舉辦題為「19世紀加州的中國戲院」的公開講座，邀得羅格斯大學音樂系傑出教授饒韻華親臨都會大學，為大家講述美國華人戲曲演出場地的歷史。饒教授研究美國粵劇歷史多年，她透過日記、報刊與文物，重組十九世紀加州及美國西部華人劇場的歷史面貌，並分析服飾、唱腔、舞台與敘事如何影響並塑造華人族群的自我認同。
講座以 英語 進行，並以混合模式舉行，設有現場及線上（Zoom）參與選項，歡迎校內外人士報名參加。
現誠邀 閣下參與，詳情如下：
日期： 2025年12月12日（星期五）
時間： 下午二時正至三時三十分
模式： 現場及網絡直播同步進行
現場地點： 九龍何文田忠孝街81號香港都會大學賽馬會校園(JCC) 3樓
清香慧演講廳 (E0313室)
網絡直播： Zoom（直播連結將於登記後發送到閣下電子郵箱）
語言： 英語
登記連結： 請按此
如有任何查詢，歡迎隨時與我們聯絡 (電話：3120 2463 | 電郵：ihcorc@hkmu.edu.hk | WhatsApp / WeChat：5782 1095）
#香港都會大學 #何陳婉珍粵劇研藝中心 #饒韻華 #粵劇歷史 #美國華人史 #海外華人戲曲 #華僑文化認同 #戲曲研究 #混合模式講座