Chinese Opera Not Bowing Out Just Yet

FROM B1 commissioning local Chinese opera productions, offering venue sponsorships and providing marketing support.

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On its part, the NAC continues to support opera groups through grant schemes, arts housing, partnerships and commissions. There are currently about 50 programmes under the 2023-2025 NAC-Arts Education programme directory to promote appreciation of Chinese opera.

Support for opera is not simply a one-way street. In 2024, legendary magistrate Justice Bao was "roped in" to appear in a video clip designed to warn people about scams. This was after SCCC matched five Chinese opera troupes with various government agencies to deliver public service messages. In addition to the Singapore Police Force's anti-scam campaign, the Health Promotion Board was also in on the act with operatic reminders on the importance of regular health screening.

WOOING THE YOUNG The erosion of dialects here poses challenges for Chinese opera practitioners. Many have turned to surtitles in English and Chinese to help their younger audiences follow their performances.

However, Ms Pearlyn Lo, president of Cantonese clan Kong Chow Wui Koon, draws hope from how Western opera in European languages is able to flourish despite its linguistic opacity for many.

"The audience can start by appreciating the storyline, the vocal music, the stylised movement and the colourful costumes in a performance, no matter what languages one may speak," she said.

Kong Chow Wui Koon conducts a regular weekly class in Cantonese opera singing. It also includes interactive sessions on Chinese opera as part of its guided tours for students visiting its cultural centre in New Bridge Road.