9Ĭhinese street opera was introduced to Singapore by Chinese immigrants who arrived in the latter half of the 19th century. He described the show as “groups of people carrying shrines, flags, and banners, among other objects, and were accompanied by the playing of cymbals and gongs”.

6Īlthough the first recorded use of the Malay word wayang to refer to Chinese street opera was in 1887, 7 the earliest description of wayang dates back to as early as 1842, 8 when Charles Wilkes, Commander of the United States South Seas Exploring Expedition, was in Singapore and observed various ceremonies performed by the Chinese to celebrate Lunar New Year. 5 Wayang is now considered an important part of Chinese heritage and culture, and is performed by both professional and amateur opera troupes. 4 Since then, the popularity of wayang has waxed and waned, in no small part due to modern developments. 3 This traditional Chinese dramatic form was brought to Singapore by immigrants from China in the 19th century as part of their religious rites. 2 In Mandarin, Chinese street opera is known as jiexi (“street show”).

Wayang, a Malay word meaning “a theatrical performance employing puppets or human dancers”, 1 commonly refers to Chinese street opera in Singapore, although it is also used in reference to other forms of opera such as wayang kulit.

Chinese opera singers