On March 11th, the "Featured Guangdong - Cantonese Opera" event was held at the Guangdong Cantonese Opera Institute. Officials and their families from 34 Consulates General in Guangzhou visited the Cantonese Opera cultural theme exhibition and learned about Cantonese Opera instruments, costumes, and props.

It was the first time for Khatibu Makenga, Consul General of Tanzania in Guangzhou, to enjoy Cantonese Opera. "It was a great experience for me, and the best moment was seeing my wife in this costume."

"I think it looks very beautiful on me. It has been a wonderful experience seeing all the performances. They are really wonderful. It shows a lot of hard work has been put in," Fatuma Ally, Spouse of Consul General of Tanzania in Guangzhou, told GDToday after trying on a set of blue Cantonese costume.

Makenga commented, "What impressed me most is how the culture is being transformed. There have been so many generations coming and going, but still today, we can learn and experience what they have been doing. Despite the fact that the world is moving so fast in terms of technology and other things, we still have room to preserve our culture."

Kaan Baskurt, Consul General of Türkiye in Guangzhou, was pleasantly surprised to discover the vibrant colors and entertaining nature of Cantonese Opera, which he previously had not been aware of. Baskurt learned the Stage Weaponry Mastery from the actors, saying, "Today, this was the first time that I watched Cantonese Opera, and I was quite impressed. I also tried performing a little bit. It was very challenging, but also very nice."

He felt that Cantonese Opera is an important part of Cantonese culture. And for him, it's very impressive to see the Cantonese people still maintaining and flourishing this important cultural asset. "I think it's very meaningful that you are cherishing this tradition to this day."

For Jiraporn Sudanich, Consul General of Thailand in Guangzhou, what impressed her most was mixing the modern rap music with the traditional Cantonese Opera performance. "I think it's a very good way for young people to understand Cantonese Opera."

When she was young, she used to watch the Cantonese Opera near her house. "Cantonese Opera and Thai dance seemed very similar in how to get the attention of the people. And especially today, I have found out that some kinds of the movement are really similar to Thai dance."

As next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, Sudanich said that it's very interesting to have the exchange of performances together.

The "Featured Guangdong - Cantonese Opera" event was hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of People's Government of Guangdong Province (GDFAO) and Guangdong People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (GPAFFC) and organized by the Guangdong Cantonese Opera Institute and Guangdong Association of Artwork.

Liu Chenzi, Director-General of GDFAO and President of GPAFFC, said in the opening speech, "It is exchanges that make civilizations diversified and mutual learning that enriches cultures. We sincerely hope that this occasion fosters dialogue and exchanges between Cantonese Opera and various forms of operas from your respective countries."