A ‘Tiger’ headgear, typically worn by generals or warrior characters, on display at the Chinese Opera exhibition at Muzium Negara. Photo: The Star/Art Chen
With bold makeup, towering headpieces, grand robes and stories passed down through generations, traditional Chinese opera is a spectacle like no other – and now you can experience it up close.
At the Chinese Opera: An Introduction And Remembrance exhibition, now on at Galeri 1, Muzium Negara (National Museum) in Kuala Lumpur until Sept 8, culture lovers and curious visitors alike can take a journey through the rich history and cultural evolution of this traditional performing art in Malaysia.
This showcase is a collaboration between Muzium Negara and KL’s Pat Woh Association Malaysia, a cultural arts group dedicated to keeping the spirit of Cantonese opera alive.
On display are over 90 artefacts, from rare costumes and antique headgear to handwritten scripts, musical instruments, and performance props.
“The artefacts on display are primarily owned by the Pat Woh Association, its individual members, as well as a sister association, reflecting a shared effort within the community to preserve and showcase these cultural treasures,” says Lim Choo Leong, deputy honorary secretary of Pat Woh Association Malaysia.
Visitors view Cantonese opera costumes (from left): Dai Hon Zong, Jyun Ling, and Mui Heung Saam. Photo: The Star/Art Chen
“Almost all the items in the exhibition are rarely seen by the general public today. These include traditional costumes, headdresses, stage props, and musical instruments that are seldom brought out from private collections or storerooms, making the exhibition a unique opportunity to experience them up close,” he says.
Exhibition coordinator Tang Yen Yen says the show came together through archival material and oral histories from those who lived the tradition – helping preserve and share the story of Chinese opera in Malaysia for future generations.
“The roots of Malaysian Chinese opera go back to the 19th century, when immigrants from southern China settled here, bringing their customs, beliefs, and operatic traditions,” says Tang.
“Early performance styles were shaped by Cantonese and Teochew opera,” she adds.
An installation offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of where Chinese opera performers get into costume and apply their make-up. Photo: The Star/Art Chen
Chinese opera in Malaysia isn’t confined to a single dialect or tradition – it mirrors the diversity of the Chinese diaspora and the country’s multicultural environment.
“In Malaysia, Chinese opera is performed in various dialects such as Cantonese, Teochew, Hokkien, Hakka and Hainan, reflecting the diverse linguistic landscape of the Chinese community here. The performances are tied to local festivals, religious events and community celebrations, serving not only as a form of entertainment but also as an expression of cultural identity and heritage,” says Tang.
Opera treasures
One of the exhibition highlights, Tang notes, is the display of rare, historical costumes and accessories used in actual performances.
“Among them is a bodyguard costume from the story of Justice Bao, believed to be over 70 years old and hand-stitched with intricate detail. This character is known for his loyalty and strength, and the costume reflects that through its bold, structured design.
“There’s also Justice Bao’s 'Black Mang' robe, over 50 years old, traditionally worn by upright judges or officials in Chinese opera. Its refined embroidery and heavy fabric represent authority and moral integrity, and showcase a level of craftsmanship rarely seen today,” she says.
Apart from costumes and instruments, the exhibition also features handwritten Chinese opera scripts and literary works. Photo: The Star/Art Chen
Other exhibits include handwritten scripts, some dating back decades, showing the evolution of Chinese writing systems and storytelling methods. Visitors can also admire antique headgear, each piece crafted to reflect the rank, role or personality of operatic characters – from warriors and nobles to deities and scholars.
The exhibition underlines how Chinese opera was once a communal experience. Performances were held in temples, school grounds and public squares, often sponsored by local associations and patrons.
Yet, like many traditional art forms, Chinese opera in Malaysia faces an uncertain future today.
“Chinese opera today faces the challenge of sustaining itself for future generations. While it is still performed during specific cultural festivities and celebrations, this alone is not enough to ensure its survival,” says Tang.
She adds that the exhibition serves as both a tribute to the past and a call to action for the future.
Welcoming the masses
With its line-up of public programmes, Muzium Negara hopes exhibitions like this will spark curiosity and inspire a new appreciation for traditional performing arts, especially among younger audiences.
“This isn’t the first time the museum has hosted a Chinese opera exhibition,” says Noor Wahida, Muzium Negara assistant curator of exhibitions and development division.
Visitors can discover Chinese opera in Malaysia through video exhibits and interactive displays. Photo: The Star/Art Chen
“But this time, it’s more interactive and in-depth – with live performances, mask workshops, makeup demos by actors, and oral sharing by veteran artists alongside the costumes and history,” she adds.
The exhibition also features programmes for schools and universities, including guided tours, Q&A sessions, and backstage make-up demos to reveal the intricacies of stage preparation.
Special public events are lined up too. On Aug 9, the Pat Woh Association Malaysia will host a Chinese opera makeup demo, music performance, and excerpts from three classic Cantonese plays.
On Aug 16, there’s a free "Children’s Cantonese Opera Workshop" to introduce young participants to the basics of the art form.
“This initiative creates space for the younger generation to experience Chinese opera in a more contemporary way and connect with it. Through live performances and interactive activities, they’re not just spectators – they also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values behind the art,” says Noor.
The exhibition also showcases a range of traditional Chinese opera musical instruments. Photo: The Star/Art Chen
The Chinese Opera exhibition fits perfectly with the spirit of Merdeka month and the upcoming Malaysia Day celebrations. But once it ends, it’s hard to say when the public will get another chance to see these cultural treasures up close.
Tang agrees that while it’s important to have such exhibitions, it’s equally crucial to keep the art form alive through regular performances and community engagement.
“To truly preserve and revitalise the art form, greater support is needed, including dedicated venues where Chinese opera and other traditional cultural arts can be actively and regularly performed.
"Beyond financial aid and infrastructure, fostering public awareness is vital. The community must recognise that the arts are not just entertainment, but an integral part of our cultural identity and heritage,” she concludes.
Chinese Opera: An Introduction And A Remembrance exhibition is showing at Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur until Sept 8. Free admission.
