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OPERA CINA TEOCHEW PULAU PINANG
Teochew Puppet & Opera House,
122, Lebuh Armenian,
10300 George Town,
Pulau Pinang
Picture
24
Video
Available
Today's Visitor
48
Number of Visitors
680
Introduction and history
Opera Cina Teochew, combining the traits of rich and long history of arts, is a theater related to religious beliefs. Their troupes often perform in Penang at the Hungry Ghost Festivals in Bukit Mertajam and Seberang Perai Tengah.
Boasting a beautiful use of ancient dialect, this classical show is one of the many opera variations of the Chaoshan region of Guangdong, China. In the show, performers speak Min Nan dialect, bringing to life the ancient Chinese words not found in the Chinese dialects of today.
A Regular Story in Teochew Chinese Opera
Its popular story is Butterfly Lovers: Maiden Meeting, narrating the deep passion and sensation between two lovers akin to the Western Romeo and Juliet. Like others, this opera presents music, songs, martial arts, acrobatics and drama.
Use of Chinese Language or Dialect
The entire language spoken in the show is Teochew, the dialect used by the people of Chaosan in the east of Guangdong region, China. Most Chinese in Penang speak Hokkien, and also know Teochew.
FUNCTION
Teochew Chinese operas are held for the locals, especially the Chinese community, to celebrate some festivals. It is a traditional entertainment to uphold the heritage of their ancestors.
The performers dazzle in satin and silk fabric rich with intricate patterns and magnificeint embroidery. The attire, in a glowing display of colours, adds to the play’s exuberance and liveliness. The following colors symbolize:
• Pink – female character
• Yellow – scholar/ royal character
• Black – a character whose face is painted
• Blue – joker
Their props are rich headdresses, crowns or hats, scarves and handkerchiefs. The shoes are black satin (kuai xue). The cast wear thick white and pink powder make-up, enriching the long-standing tradition of the opera characters. For example, one will wear a long beard or mustache and be heavily made-up to resemble an old person.
The items and props are influenced by the story. The backdrop (or curtains) displays wooden swords painted silver and paintings befitting the story. There are also wooden spears. Carved wooden tables and chairs with Chinese motifs are placed on the stage.
Goh Hooi Ling is an active performer of the Chinese and puppet operas in Teochew in Penang. She received the 2023 Art Supporter (BBK) award organized by JKKN Pulau Pinang.
Reference Source
i. Bahan Bacaan : Preserving Classic Teochew Puppetry
and Opera, https:mypenang.gov.my
Teowchew Puppet and Opera House, https://gtwhi.com.my
ii. Tokoh (jika ada temu bual tokoh) : Goh Hooi Ling
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Zurairi bin Hanip
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Pulau Pinang
Kompleks Pustaka Warisan Seni,
Lot No. 2180 Lintang P. Ramlee,
Off Jalan P.Ramlee
10460 PULAU PINANG
04-281 7791 /7792
