683935-1880-Female-Performers-in-Chinese-Theatres — Page 2

354

THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 5TH MAY, 1880.

That formerly there were in Hongkong both

male and female performers, acting conjointly on the stage in comedies and dramas, but the ex- tinction of this practice dates back to the very time when the Authorities (of Hongkong) first prohibited it;

That, however, in all Western countries, and in Japan, there are both male and female per- formers acting together on the stage, without ' such practice being prohibited;

That, whereas Your Excellency's adminis-

tration of the Government is prosperous and righteous, the scales (of justice) and the mirror (of inquiry) being held with steady hand, it is surely not required that the actors on the Chinese stage should alone be pushed into the corner and prevented making a success in Hongkong;

That, moreover, in thus requesting permission. to have plays performed by actresses, it is to be understood that there will be among the per-

formers, apart from the violinists and other

musicians and the attendant porters, none but women in female headgear, and absolutely no male actors wearing the queue;

That there is further a female stage-manager

to restrain the others and to see that the rules of the stage be adhered to, and all obscenities and frivolities be entirely excluded from the abridged

statements issued for each scene, there being of

course a separation of male and female performers; That His Excellency may be pleased to decide this matter with clear mirror (after full inquiry)

and even balance (impartially);

That, if your Petitioner be thus allowed the benefit of general enjoyment and tranquillity,

every one will emulate in peaceful pursuits, all

being indebted to Your Excellency's august libe-

rality and vast kindness;

And your Petitioner will ever pray.

25th March, 1879.

(Stamped,) The KWONG-TSUN Company,

Translated by

(of the) Ki-shing Theatre.

(Signed,) TUNG NAM PING.

E. J. EITEL.

27th March, 1879.

[No. 385.]

SIR,

COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE, HONGKONG, 4th April, 1879.

In reply to your Petition, dated_25th March 1879, I am directed to inform you that His Ex- cellency the Governor has considered your pro- posal (that women may be allowed to perform in the Chinese theatre) and although what you say is true, viz., that in Western countries and in Japan females are permitted to appear on the stage, nevertheless, having consulted the leading Chinese gentlemen in this Colony and having regard to the long established social laws and customs of the Chinese people on this subject, His Excellency the Governor cannot grant the prayer of your Petition.

Mr. TUNG NAM-P'ING,

Ko-shing Theatre.

I have, &c.,

W. H. MARSH,

Colonial Secretary.

八

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一千八百七十九年

年 三 月 二十五日

高陞園 廣晋公司 董南屏具

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韓政使司馬

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四月 初四日