How about a tale of a “Red Line Girl”? This is the Hung Sin-nui Arts Center. It stands as a monument to a remarkable woman. Hung Sin-nui was a Cantonese opera singer and actress.
Hung Sin-nui was born Kuang Jianlian. She lived from 1924 to 2013. She became a renowned figure in Cantonese opera. She also appeared in movies. Hung created the “Hung-tone” style of singing. It was crisp smooth and flirtatious. She incorporated techniques from Peking Opera and Western opera.
Hung Sin-nui’s family were Cantonese opera performers. She began her career at age 12. Her aunt Ho Fu-lin mentored her. She took the stage name Hung Sin-nui in 1940. It translates to “Red Line Girl”. In Chinese folk legend, a red line signifies connecting relationships. It especially signifies marriage.
During World War II, Hung moved to Hong Kong. These were her golden years. She starred with her husband Ma Si Tsang. He was a well-known Cantonese opera singer. Together they performed in many productions. “The Spoiled Brat and Her Groom” was one. “Bitter Phoenix” was another. Hung established herself as a diva. She began her movie career. Her screen debut was in 1947 in “Unforgettable Love”. Hung made 105 films from 1947 to 2009.
In 1955, Hung moved to mainland China. Premier Zhou Enlai invited her. She joined the Guangdong Cantonese Opera Troupe. She founded the Hongdou Cantonese Opera Troupe. Hung trained many Cantonese Opera actors. During the Cultural Revolution, her career stopped. She was branded “Black Line Girl”. She and her family were sent to labor camps. She swept streets. Hung sang in her heart when she couldn’t sing aloud. She practiced during thunder when no one could hear her.
After Mao Zedong’s death, Hung returned to Cantonese opera. She appeared in two more films. Hung Sin-nui died in 2013. She was 88 years old.
The Guangzhou city government opened this Arts Center in 1998. It commemorates Hung Sin-nui’s contribution to Cantonese opera. The Hung Sin-nui Arts Center preserves her work. Her documents and memories of her career also live on here.
Step inside. Discover the legacy of the Red Line Girl. Learn about a true Cantonese opera legend. You will find that Hung Sin-nui dedicated her life to her art.