JOHOR BARU: Parental support is vital to keeping Teochew opera alive and relevant among the younger generation as the traditional art form struggles to compete with modern entertainment.
Yong Wah Heng Music and Drama Club general affairs head Andy Tok said youths are generally interested in the art once given exposure, and the key challenge is providing them with the right platform to explore.
“To spark greater interest among youths, we are organising a free two-day Teochew opera workshop to give participants a chance to experience the centuries-old performance art firsthand.
“The programme will feature renowned Teochew opera artiste Zhang Guikun, a national second-class performer from China and an intangible cultural heritage inheritor,” he said in an interview.
Tok added that parental encouragement had played a key role in helping to keep the 18-year-old club active with younger members joining over the years, particularly those interested in learning traditional musical instruments.
“We have seen many young people embrace traditional musical instruments instead of modern instruments because their parents brought them to our club to learn.
“Some joined us when they were still in school, and it is encouraging that many return to help out during major performances even while pursuing their tertiary studies overseas,” he said.
However, Tok admitted that attracting younger participants remains a challenge.
“It has not been easy to get youths to join our activities. The challenge is making traditional musical arts appealing to them,” he said, adding that the club has been actively promoting its programmes on social media to reach a wider audience.
As part of its latest initiative, the club will host a workshop on May 29 and 30 at REAL Schools Johor Baru campus.
Participants will be guided through the four core skills of Teochew opera, which are singing, acting, recitation and movement, while learning about the cultural significance of the art form, he said.
The workshop is free and open to students and those interested in traditional culture, although participants are required to purchase a designated costume.
The event would then conclude with a public cultural showcase performance on the second day of the programme.
“I hope the initiative will inspire more young people to appreciate Teochew opera and ensure the heritage art continues to thrive for future generations.
“If young people do not step forward to learn these traditions, there is a risk that this art form may slowly fade away. We hope this workshop can ignite that interest,” he said, adding that those interested can contact him at 018-653 3881.
