RCTCO releases survey results of how audiences view Cantonese opera performances in Hong Kong

In a press event held on 20 April, the Research Centre for Transmission of Cantonese Opera (RCTCO) under FLASS released the results of a survey on what factors motivate audiences to watch Cantonese opera performances in Hong Kong. Based on the findings, the RCTCO team will attempt to identify ways to broaden the audience base for Cantonese opera performances and raise attendance rates, in order to help preserve this invaluable art form.

Funded by the University Grants Committee’s Research Matching Grant Scheme, RCTCO’s study surveyed more than 3,000 people in early 2022 to understand their reasons for and preferences when attending Cantonese opera performances. The “Survey of Audience Views on Cantonese Opera Performances in Hong Kong” found that audiences were primarily composed of elders, females, and those not in employment. Among the respondents, 57% said they did not have a habit of watching Cantonese operas, whereas 33% said they watched it one to three times a month. About 10% watched four times or more a month.

The respondents were also asked to rate nine motivating factors for buying a ticket, on a scale of 1 to 7, with higher scores indicating greater importance. The top four motivating factors behind purchasing a ticket were quality, content, personal preferences, and ambience. By age group, those aged 30 or below placed the greatest importance upon content, while those aged between 31 and 59 and those over 60 opted for quality. Cantonese opera-goers were also concerned about the ambience of the venues and the duration of the shows.

Professor Leung Bo-wah, Director of RCTCO and a professor from the Department of Cultural and Creative Arts, believes that most Cantonese opera-goers hope to support the development of this unique art form in the city. To expand the target audience base for better transmission of Cantonese opera, Professor Leung said, “Artists and troupe hosts should focus more on enhancing the quality of their performances. They may also consider shortening the shows. On the part of the authorities, more efforts could be made to enhance the ambience and environment of the performing venues to attract new audiences.”

Details of the “Survey of Audience Views on Cantonese Opera Performances in Hong Kong” can be found at here.