Chinese opera elements fill streets of Chinatown

Kam (centre) and her crew at the modern minimalist tunnel structure inspired by a Chinese opera doyenne’s headdress at Kwai Chai Hong in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

Art installation in KL the cultural highlight for Mid-Autumn Festival

Ahead of this Mid-Autumn Festival, Kwai Chai Hong in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur is shining a light on the traditional Chinese opera.

Despite its rich heritage, the art form, which incorporates music, dance, martial arts, acrobatics and literary arts, is not as popular as it once was.

Bai Chuan Management managing partner Zeen Chang said there were 180 active troupes in the 1950s to 1980s.

“In 2022, there were less than 10 remaining Chinese opera troupes in Malaysia, and this number continues to dwindle as years go by,” she said.

Visitors to the area were treated to a performance by Chinese opera troupe Kam Sin Kiew Art Crew during the week leading up to National Day.

Visitors are greeted by illuminated ‘Flower Faces’ crossing over the red bridge at Kwai Chai Hong.

Visitors are greeted by illuminated ‘Flower Faces’ crossing over the red bridge at Kwai Chai Hong.

Troupe leader Kam Sin Kiew said they incorporated modern elements to attract younger audiences.

“Contemporary elements like ballet and ghost stories have been added to the performance.

“A ghost story is not something usually featured in Cantonese opera,” she said.

Kam shared that she found it hard to pass on the knowledge she had to the next generation.

The Dancing Sleeves installation features ‘Sheng’ representing the male role in traditional Chinese opera, and (below) ‘Chou’ depicting a comedy role.

“The biggest challenge is the lack of young talent interested in learning, and even when they do, there are few platforms for them to perform,” she said.

Kam added that it was difficult to find musicians skilled in playing traditional instruments, which were essential to the performances.

“Mastering the art of Chinese opera takes years.

“I’ve been learning it since I was 10, and now, I’m the only one in Malaysia still teaching Cantonese opera,” she said.

Visitors who missed the live opera experience can still view the “Drama Queen” art installation featuring interactive and augmented reality elements designed to engage people with traditional and modern aspects of Chinese opera.

An illuminated “Flower Faces” greets visitors before they encounter a minimalist tunnel structure inspired by a doyenne’s headdress.

Here, visitors can create their own shadow play as their silhouettes are cast on the inner mesh layer and become part of the art piece.

The local artist behind the installation, Tan Sher Lynn said she was inspired by certain aspects of the Chinese opera.

There are props available for visitors to take pictures with at the Mid-Autumn Festival art installation.

“The Dancing Sleeves installation references the movement of ‘water sleeves’ in Chinese opera, where fluid movements are evocative of water and wind, creating a poetic and ethereal form of expression,” she said.

This installation is also part of the Kreatif KL Festival, supported by Budget 2024 and facilitated by Think City and the Finance Ministry.

“We’re proud to continue supporting Kwai Chai Hong in revitalising Downtown KL’s heritage while infusing creativity and culture into the city,” said Think City managing director Hamdan Abdul Majeed.

The Drama Queen art installation will be at Kwai Chai Hong until Sept 22 and is open to the public daily from 9am to midnight.