Performing Arts in Singapore (Opera)

About Project

The interviews here document the practice of Chinese opera (Chinese wayang) in Singapore through interviews with actors, directors, musicians and troupe managers, of commercial and amateur troupes from the pre-war era to the 2000s.

Some of the topics of discussion include the master-disciple and teacher-student relationships in Cantonese Opera, interviewees’ experience working with overseas performers, and the effects of noise control measures on opera performances in the 1980s.

Interviewed are Aw Yeong Peng Mun, who once performed Cantonese opera at the World Trade Centre, Christopher Choo Sik Kwong, who worked with the Chinese Theatre Circle, and Chung Wai Lye, who was part of the musical section in the Poon Yue Association and later the contemporary singing section in Kong Chow Wui Koon.

Names of Interviewees in Performing Arts in Singapore (Opera)