Libretto

Before the 20th century, there were mainly 2 types of libretto’s- comprehensive and outline. The comprehensive libretto contained a script, lyrics or specific actions while the outline libretto did not. This gave actors more freedom to improvise on stage.

Beginning in the early Republican period, librettos became influenced by western opera and started to be arranged in acts and scenes. The fierce competition between different troupes led to the rise of professional playwrights and numerous new librettos.

Read more:

• City University of Hong Kong- Glamour of Cantonese Opera: Roles and Librettos in Cantonese Opera
• Bay Area Cantonese Opera: About Cantonese Opera 

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