Great Star Theater: 13th Jing Ying Cantonese Opera Festival
During the upcoming AAPI Heritage Month, San Francisco will welcome a cultural event that bridges tradition and modern expression. The Jing Ying Cantonese Opera Institute will present its 13th Cantonese Opera Festival on May 16–17 at the Great Star Theater in Chinatown. Through live performances and community engagement, the festival highlights the enduring vitality of Cantonese opera as an intangible cultural heritage in contemporary society.
As one of the few organizations in Northern California dedicated to promoting Cantonese opera, Jing Ying has long been committed to expanding access through bilingual productions, educational programs, and public dialogue. By breaking down language and cultural barriers, the organization enables audiences of diverse backgrounds to experience and appreciate this traditional art form. Organizers hope that through more interactive and accessible presentations, this centuries-old performance tradition will continue to evolve and thrive within American society.
The festival will take place over two days, with a special program on May 16 featuring State Senator Scott Wiener, former Mayor Willie Brown, Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, and Supervisor Danny Sauter, joining community members on stage for a shared performance.
Jing Ying notes that as the performing arts landscape rapidly evolves, traditional opera faces challenges including shifting audience demographics and cultural distance. Through cross-linguistic and cross-cultural innovation, the organization aims to bring more young people and non-Chinese-speaking audiences into the theater, offering new ways to engage with this historic art form.
Organizers emphasize that Cantonese opera is not only a legacy of the past, but a living tradition that continues to be reinterpreted and renewed. Looking ahead, Jing Ying will continue to promote the development of Cantonese opera in the Bay Area through performances, education, and community engagement, allowing it to flourish within a multicultural environment.
Tickets range from $30 to $100. For more information and ticketing, please refer to the organizer’s website or event materials.