[Explanation] Starting from Aberdeen Wharf, it takes about an hour to reach Po Toi Island, the southernmost island in Hong Kong.
According to legend, this island, known as the "Hong Kong South Pole", is so called because it is rich in seaweed shaped like futons.
When you set foot on the island, the first thing you see is the unique and intricately shaped jagged rocks on the island, which have been weathered over the years, thus creating the snail stone, the monk stone, the bergamot rock and other strange stone wonders, which became a unique podium. .
If you visit the island during the annual birthday of Tin Hau, you can also see the most prestigious magic theater on Po Toi Island.
[Concurrent] Chen Yuguang, the master of the magic theater
Many villages and outlying islands will have some temples.
The characteristic of Hong Kong is that there are many times to reward the gods, and to sing Cantonese opera together, the gods and people have fun together.
I have known this magical theater for so many years, and I guess I have been in contact with Hong Kong, (the magical theater) really has a history of more than 100 years.
[Explanation] Tianhou Niangniang, also known as Mazu, is a god worshipped by people in the southeast coastal areas of China, including Hong Kong.
The birthday of Tin Hau is celebrated on the 23rd day of the third month of the lunar calendar every year. There are celebrations in Tin Hau temples all over the country, and the most important part is the performance of miraculous arts.
Nowadays, due to the unique Lingnan culture in Guangdong, only Hong Kong still retains the tradition of building a magic theater.
For Hong Kong master Chen Yuguang, who has been engaged in the construction of magical theaters for more than 40 years, the theater on Po Toi Island, which is perilously standing on the cliff outside the Tin Hau Temple, is a highlight of his career.
[Concurrent] Chen Yuguang, the master of the magic theater
The theater on Po Toi Island is actually called complex.
Below is a slope, bumpy rocky beach called a cliff.
Because it is bumpy, we have difficulties in our work.
Based on our experience, if the bottom part of the stage is done first, it is equal to the flat ground. I will make the cover on this flat ground and it will be simpler.
【Explanation】Built on a steep and steep rocky beach, supported by thousands of bamboo branches, without nails and rivets, the model is exquisite and the structure is stable. It can not only perform sacrifices, but also shelter from wind and rain.
Chen Yuguang said that this test is the courage, experience and skill of the scaffolding master.
[Concurrent] Chen Yuguang, the master of the magic theater
The first material for us to build the magic stage is called bamboo.
The second is called cedar. The cedar is the cedar. You see a big one is cedar.
The third is the wooden board, which is the wooden board on our stage now.
The fourth is the pig iron on the shed.
The fifth is our most important stick.
No screws, no nails, all sticks to tie.
The materials used here, we have about 500 cedar, about 3,000 bamboos, about 800 wooden boards, and 1,200 pig iron. The glue sticks we use use 150 ties.
[Explanation] During the birthday of Tin Hau in 2021, due to the epidemic, although all magical opera performances were cancelled, the theater was still set up as scheduled, and the on-site audio system was set up to broadcast Cantonese opera in a loop. The villagers returned to the village as usual to worship the gods and celebrate their birthdays, praying for a smooth weather and safe access.
[Concurrent] Cheng Suji, Chairman of Po Toi Island Value Council
Every year for the birthday of Tian Hau, some of these villagers (people) have to return by plane.
The birthday of our queen is indispensable.
why?
The most important thing is that these benevolent people and villagers raise a sum of money, hoping to have a big show every year, to protect safety and good health, and the most important thing is to be able to make a living.
[Concurrent] Huang Xizai, Vice Chairman of Po Toi Island Value Council
The most distinctive feature of Hong Kong is our shed on Po Toi Island, built on the cliff.
In the past, there were no electric lights in big dramas, and those people used gas lamps to illuminate them.
The theater (at the time) was also very small, not as big as it is now. The actors who did the big show came out, and the old aunts used a boat to carry him out.
Today is over, the actors all slept in the shed, and there was no way to go. There was no traffic at that time.
[Explanation] As the times change, islanders have left the island to make a living. Today, Po Toi Island is sparsely populated, with less than 10 permanent residents remaining.
Although it is no longer the grand occasion of the thousand sails races and hundreds of boats competing, but during the birthday of the Queen of Heaven, the fans of the former fans are still willing to trek through the mountains and rivers, and take the pains to gather in front of the Tin Hau Temple to participate in this cultural feast. The blessings for a better life are passed on from generation to generation.
Reporter Fan Siyi reports from Hong Kong
Editor in charge: 【Luo Pan】