New Cantonese Opera ‘Southern Fist’ Premieres, Showcasing Lingnan Culture

A new Cantonese opera, ‘Southern Fist’, will premiere at the Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Festival. This opera uses the Cai Li Fo boxing style as its theme, blending martial arts with traditional Cantonese opera performances. Set in the 1930s during the development of Southern Fist, the story follows ‘Fist King’ Jiang Yilong who defends his country during a time of national crisis. The opera showcases the depth and breadth of Chinese martial arts and the open and inclusive spirit of Cantonese culture. It highlights the unique connection between Cantonese opera and Southern Fist, demonstrating how the latter strengthened the former’s performance techniques and contributed to its unique style.