Living legend: Veteran Cantonese opera star Ng Kwan-lai has donated over 3,000 items of operatic memorabilia to the Heritage Museum.

Renowned Cantonese opera singer Ng Kwan-lai has donated over 3,000 items of memorabilia to the Heritage Museum.

It is the most impressive donation from an artiste to the museum in terms of quality, quantity and variety, and includes costumes and accessories like headdresses, chignons, boots and shoes used on stage and screen over five decades.

Other items include librettos and scripts used by Ng, publicity and audio-visual materials, plus an assortment of photographs.

Aiding the study of Cantonese opera

Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Anissa Wong said: "The invaluable donation from Ms Ng will help the study of the development of Cantonese opera in Hong Kong. Her donation will be well cared for. The items will be used for academic study, and will also be arranged for exhibition."

A selection of the items are now on display at the Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall for public viewing. The museum has collected about 20,000 Cantonese opera treasures since the 1980s.

A warrior and a leading lady

Ng, born Ng Wan, joined the Academy of Cantonese Opera in 1953 and was trained by virtuoso Chan Fei-nung. A year later, she embarked on her stage career.

Endowed with a clear and pleasant voice, she was adept at playing both the role of tsing yi (gentle young woman) and female warrior roles. In 1955, Ng established the Lai Sing Opera Troupe. Her brilliant performance in How Leung Hung Yuk's War Drum Caused the Jin Army to Retreat made her one of the most successful artists playing the role of fa dan (principal female) in Cantonese opera.

She became a household name and went on to star in more than 150 films from 1955 to 1967. Her most memorable includes the 1960 film The Unroyal Prince which broke box-office records.

Ng also starred in a number of contemporary movies and in 1962 founded the San Lai Sing Film Company, and became involved in production.

Located at 1 Man Lam Road in Sha Tin, the Heritage Museum opens from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to 7pm on Sundays and public holidays. It is closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays). Admission is $10. For enquiries, call 2180 8188.