M Y       O P E R A

Many people are surprised of my interests ... my job involves in high-tech computer environment, while my hobby lies in the traditional Cantonese opera performance. As a matter of fact, I happen to a co-founder for the Chinese Theatre Circle, one of the pioneer amateur opera groups in Singapore.

How did my interest in opera acting come about?

When I was young, I stayed in a kampong near Chai Chee, where there were a lot of Wayang shows, especially during the Seventh-month festivities. At 6 years old, my grandaunt brought me to see a Cantonese wayang at a Chinese Temple located nearby. I was fascinated by the colourful costumes, dazzling headdress and ornaments, graceful movements, and the melodious song. That's how I started to watch these shows with my playmates. Besides watching cantonese opera, we also watched Teo-chew and Hokkien wayangs. After the show, we would have our own performances at my courtyard. At that time, we do not have proper scripts, so we'd just act and sing whatever came into our mind.

Hence, I’ve always want to be an opera actress when I grow up. The chance came in 1974 when a Chinese Clan Association advertised in the newspapers to recruit young members for opera training. Both my brother and I enrolled for the training. Mrs Joanna Wong was my first official mentor.

Every Friday night, we would go to the Association for singing lessons and opera motion training. We sing in Cantonese, which is not a problem for me as I am a Cantonese. We were quite lucky because the Association was asked to perform a charity show for the Deaf and Dumb Association. The show was to be a grand one and needed a lot of performers. So even though we were trained for only 6 months, we were roped in to perform.

What roles do I play on stage?

My first role was a maid, and it was a successful one. Subsequently I was given roles with some singing and more scripts and actions. I normally play the supporting role such as the "xiao dan" female role which is the playful maid, young lady or kid. My favourite role is that of a fat comical magistrate wife. The most challenging aspect of being an opera actress is the satisfaction I get when I have played my roles well, especially the difficult ones. I hope one day I will be given the lead role.

Is performing for an international audience different from a local one?

The overseas audience appreciates our shows very much. We have translation slides to help them understand better. The local audience is more stingy with their applause, unlike their overseas counterparts who will keep on clapping even after the curtains are drawn.

Are there any superstitious beliefs during performance?

There is a belief that before we do our make-up, we must pay our respects to "Teacher Hua Kong". He is a deity sent by Heaven to supervise all the performances. If we don’t pay our respects to him, we will forget our lines. We also cannot bring "pao" to the backstage, or some mishap will happen. In addition, we must bow to all four corners of the wall - this is a sign of respect for the 'spirits' lurking around, and to ask them not to hinder us during performance.

My passion for opera.

I love my opera. But for career sake, I also need to constantly upgrade myself in order to catch up with the IT world. As a result, sometime I have to cut down several practice sessions and performances. Some of my friends think that opera is an old-fashioned performance art, and they used to tease me. Others think it is a very unique hobby. At first, my parents did not approve so I had to explain to them that I am not doing this for money, but more on a charity, social service and cultural basis.

How do I rate my performance?

I think I can act very well. From young, my imitation power has been very strong. I am a very good "copy cat". My only weakness is my singing as my voice is rather weak due to my sinus problem. My hearing is also not very good so I need a lot of concentration in order not to sing out of tune.

Is wayang a vanishing trade?

Yes and No. To earn a living as an opera actress in Singapore is impossible because less people are watching the shows nowadays. A lot of people think that wayang shows are too lengthy and old fashion. However, we are glad that the National Arts Council is now trying to promote chinese opera by introducing the art to schools and community centres.

What sacrifices did I make for opera?

Due to regular practices, rehearsals and performances, I have less time interacting with my family members and friends. My mother always complain that my home is like a hotel to me, as I mostly return home late at night.

A performance trip to Guangzhou, China, in October 1995.

In April 1996, we had a 2-day performance at Romania.
And here we are ... an old Romanian Castle built in the 14th century.