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The musical practice and performance of Fujian opera in Singapore : a case study of Chew Yee Opera Troupe
Author
Chen, Joy Hsiu Cheun
Supervisor
Chia, Wei Khuan
Abstract
'Chinese Opera is one of the most influential and popular art forms in Singapore and extends a cultural link with the p&. Chinese opera serves not only as an aesthetic form that entertains, but also as a means of mass education, of ethics, ideology, literature and moral.' (Chua, 1995)
Raucous music piped through loudspeakers, beautifully sequined costumes in vivid colors and character portrayal through subtle gestures and movements beheld the fascination of adults and young children of yesteryears. This enthrallment for Fujian opera has since faded due to educational methods, the pursuit of economics and governmental endeavors. This has culminated with local professional troupes facing an eminent danger of dissipating from the traditional arts scene in Singapore and hence, has served as the motivation factor towards this study on the status of a current Fujian opera troupe. This paper will trace the history of Fujian opera in Singapore before focusing on musical practices and performances of Chew Yee Opera Troupe, a contemporary yet custom bound professional troupe. Eventually, external and intrinsic problems will be broached before an exploration of the ways to preservation will be reached. All these, in the hope of conserving a worthy art form steeped in cultural nuances and tightly bound to Singapore's local traditions.
Raucous music piped through loudspeakers, beautifully sequined costumes in vivid colors and character portrayal through subtle gestures and movements beheld the fascination of adults and young children of yesteryears. This enthrallment for Fujian opera has since faded due to educational methods, the pursuit of economics and governmental endeavors. This has culminated with local professional troupes facing an eminent danger of dissipating from the traditional arts scene in Singapore and hence, has served as the motivation factor towards this study on the status of a current Fujian opera troupe. This paper will trace the history of Fujian opera in Singapore before focusing on musical practices and performances of Chew Yee Opera Troupe, a contemporary yet custom bound professional troupe. Eventually, external and intrinsic problems will be broached before an exploration of the ways to preservation will be reached. All these, in the hope of conserving a worthy art form steeped in cultural nuances and tightly bound to Singapore's local traditions.
Date Issued
2004
Call Number
M1805.3 Che
Date Submitted
2004