Cantonese Opera Remains Popular Today
May 11th, 2009 by Caroline
Cantonese Opera is an extremely popular form of theatre in Singapore. It is a traditional and highly stylized art that dates back centuries. The Chinese Theatre Circle and the Kong Chow Wui Kun Opera Troupe are two popular and well respected companies. They are major cultural and entertainment institutions as well as popular tourist attractions. Many people who visit the city stay in a boutique hotel Singapore and want to experience as much of the local culture as possible. Cantonese Opera is different than most Western audiences are accustomed to and they find themselves extremely enthralled by the spectacle and style of these productions. Most of the operas are heavy in symbolism which reaches into the subconscious of people from around the world. They can also be seen as a demonstration of the universal nature of archetypes.
The Chinese Theatre Circle is a non-profit professional company that was first established in 1981. It is performance, educational and community outreach based and continues to support and promote the art of Cantonese Opera. It has staged more than 2000 performances both in Singapore and around the globe. They have performed in more than 20 countries including the United States, Australia, Scotland, England, France, Italy and more. They have performed in numerous international festivals including the International Theatre Festival in Tokyo, the international Children’s Festival in Virginia, USA and the prestigious Edinburgh Festival.
The Kong Chow Wui Kun Opera Troupe is one of the oldest opera companies in Singapore. It performs regularly at festivals and produces a few shows at community centers every season. The troupe stages elaborate full-length productions each year in celebration of its anniversary. This summer it will produce a spectacle concert at the Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre in celebration of its 169th anniversary. This company remains true and testifies to the long standing tradition of Cantonese Opera in Singapore. It remains a significant social aspect for its citizens even in this world of ever expanding entertainment genres and performance styles.
Related posts:
- Esplanade Singapore
- Dramaworks Theatre Company in West Palm Beach
- Sanskrit Drama Impacts Contemporary Theatre
- 7 Stages in Atlanta
- Phuket Film Festival 2009
- No Comments »
- Posted in Travel