::::: Welcome to Chinese Opera Institute ::::

2006 had been packed with projects and activities as we focused on three key strategic areas of grooming a new generation of audience and performers; upgrading pedagogy and creating original opera with Singaporean characteristics and building up academic and artistic linkages.

Education

1.1 Training Courses and Workshops

In 2006, the Chinese Opera Institute (COI) conducted courses for 13 schools and presented Arts Education Programmes in 42 schools.

The training courses conducted by the Chinese Opera Institute equipped students with Chinese Opera performing skills. Some were taught as co-curricular activities while others were taught during curriculum time.

1.2 Public Performances

The COI has offered comprehensive training programmes and has led students through acting and reciting exercises to help them develop a passion for learning the Chinese language and culture and to acquire knowledge and skills of performing Chinese opera. Students who attended the training courses were able to stage a full length Chinese opera for public performance under the guidance of COI teachers.

i	. Xinmin Secondary School staged “The Nightingale” at the New Drama Centre at the National Library on the 31st of March. The Guest-of-Honour was Mr. Chan Soo Sen, Minister of State, Ministry of State & Ministry of Manpower and MP for Joo Chiat.
ii.	Balestier Hill Primary School, Balestier Hill Secondary School, and Chong Boon Secondary School jointly presented Huang Mei Opera “Admiral Zheng He” at the Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre on the 29th of June 2006. The Guest-of-Honour was Mr. Gan Kim Yong, Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Manpower & MP for Chua Chu Kang.
iii.	Balestier Hill Secondary School, Balestier Hill Primary School, Chong Boon Secondary School, Nan Chiau High School and Raffles Girls’ School jointly presented “The 7th Youth Opera Showcase” at the Victoria theatre on the 22nd of July. The Guest-of-Honour was Mrs Lim Siok Peng, Chief Executive Officer of the National Heritage Board. This year’s performances featured the participation of over 120 students from 5 schools. This annual event is put up by secondary school students. The Youth Opera Showcase increased young Chinese Opera enthusiasts’ knowledge and understanding of Chinese Opera performances and Chinese culture through both classic and modern works.

The 7th Youth Opera Showcase included the following features:
a.	All operas were specially written for young performers and young audiences. They are educational and usually around 30 minutes in length, with dramatic and action packed plots to capture the attention of the young, active minds.
b.	Performances included a variety of attractions, such as the singing in “Dream of Red Chamber”, the martial arts scene in “Cross Road Inn” and the amusing storyline of “Phoenix Egg”. Veteran actors of COI presented the “Cross Road Inn” to showcase martial arts skills. This assortment of attractions is arranged to entertain the young audience.
iv.	“The Story of Xinmin”, a contemporary opera that traced the school’s 60 years of history was presented at the Kallang Theatre on the 3rd of August.

The COI has also created opportunities for the students to perform at International Theatre Festivals overseas. Such exposure would help the students achieve their highest aspiration, build confidence as well as a strong desire to study their mother tongue and learn more about their cultural heritage. The exposure for the students in these events provided them with excellent opportunity to see the best of theatre practitioners around the world, to experience the rich diversity of cultures and to interact with young people from different countries.

i	Bukit Panjang Government High School’s “Woman of Valour: Mu Gui Ying” represented Singapore at the Liverpool International Theatre Festival from the 25th to 31st of July. Their skillful performances captured the hearts of the audience and won them the award of “Best Visual Effects”. Participating countries included Canada, Pakistan, Ireland, Germany, USA and Singapore.
ii.	Xinmin Secondary School’s “Tale of Bukit Merah” written by Dr. Chua Soo Pong and directed by Ms Zhang Li represented Singapore at the ?th International Children Festival of Performing Arts from 28th August to 6th September in New Delhi, India. It is presented on the last day of the Festival which included performances of fifteen student groups from 14 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa. The innovative approach to combine Malay Pantun (a combination of poise and poetry) and Chinese Opera won praises in India.
iii.	Nan Chiau High School represented Singapore at the 4th Huang Mei Opera Festival from the 8th to 12th of November performed at the People’s Theatre in An Qing, An Hui province, China. “Phoenix Egg” was well received as the comical dialogue and skilful performance of the young cast was entertaining. To support Nan Chiau’s presentation, the COI teachers also presented “The Haunted Temple” and “Mouse Daughter’s Marriage” in the same evening. The three operas were recorded by the China Central Television and broadcasted to millions.
iv	Invited by the Department of Chinese Studies of the National University of Indonesia, the COI conducted a three-day workshop on Chinese Opera for over 40 students from the 2nd to 4th May. Under the guidance of Dr. Chua Soo Pong, Ms Zhang Li, Mr. Lin Jia and Mr. Qin Zhan Bao, the students perform an excerpt of “The Butterfly Lovers” and played supporting roles in the full-length opera, “Hua Mu Lan”, which was created by the COI.

Training Courses at Chinese Opera institute

The teachers of the COI conducted 49 three-month courses at the Institute’s studio, ranging from vocal music, movements, martial art skills, and opera acting to children opera. Many participants are members of different amateur groups and enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Members of the COI Children Ensemble, set up by founding director Dr. Chua Soo Pong in 1998, presented “ Mouse Daughter’s Marriage” at the 9th World Festival of Children’s Theatre in Lingen, Germany, from the 14th-22nd July with great success. The children production was considered by the adjudicators to be an excellent example of injecting new ideas into traditional theatre.

The Besides the regular Chinese opera classes held at the institute, COI also conducted training courses at Persatuan Theng Chuan Tan Clan Association in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, the Paya Lebar Community Centre, Teck Ghee Community Club and MacPherson Community Club, which helped to promote opera at grassroots level.

The COI organized a Children’s Opera Camp on the 14th and 15th of March as part of the Chinese Cultural Festival organized by the Singapore Press Holdings.

Major Promotional Activities

Competition and Performances

i.	The COI organized the 1st National Chinese Opera Competition at Raffles City on the 5th of February. A panel of adjudicators from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore were invited to judge the competition. Prizes were sponsored by Golden Travel. The Guest-of-Honour was Mr Ong Seh Hong, MP for Aljunied GRC.
ii.	The COI and Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre jointly presented comedy “Zhu Zhi Shan Chooses Son-in-Law” at the Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre. This was performed on the 3rd and 4th of March by the Zhejiang Comedy Opera Troupe as part of the Chinese Cultural Festival organized by the Singapore Press Holdings.
iii.	The National Heritage Board invited the COI to present “Tale of Bukit Merah” at Suntec City on the 20th of July and Teochew opera “The Haunted Temple” on the 21st of July.
iv.	The National Library invited the COI to present children opera “Mouse Daughter’s Marriage” at the opening ceremony of the Asian Children Festival and “The Tale of Bukit Merah” at the Singapore Expo on the 15th of November and 18th of November respectively.
v.	The National Museum invited the COI to present a double bill, “Tale of Bukit Merah and “Phoenix Egg”, at the Glass Atrium of the National Museum on the 17th of December.

3.2 Public Lectures and Forums

i. Chinese Opera Forum I
Mr Chen Zhi Lin, Artistic Director of Si Chuan Opera Theatre Academy was invited by the COI to give a public lecture on the “Unique Performance Style of Chuan Opera” at the Chinese Opera Institute on the 10th of January.

ii. Ms Lian Zhi Dang and Ms Wang Pang Hong from Xiamen University were invited to speak at the Chinese Opera Forum organized by the COI on the 15th of January. The panel discussed contemporary theatre and opera in China.

iii. Qin Zhao Bao, senior instructor of the COI gave a lecture at the Chinese Opera Institute on “Development of Beijing Opera” on the 26th of February at 7pm.

iv. Chinese Opera Forum II
“The Art of Comedy was the second Chinese Opera Forum organized by the COI in 2006. Wu Ming Long, Tang Guo Ming and Cai Jiu Hua, leading comedians in Zhejiang province, China were invited to share the ‘secret’ of their arts with opera enthusiasts. The forum held at Chinese Opera Institute on the 4th of March was filled with witty remarks and laughter and was enjoyed by all participants.

v. “Basic Techniques of Singing Children Opera” was the title of public lecture given by Hu Juan, senior instructor on the 14th of October. Almost a hundred enthusiasts attended the lecture held at the Chinese Opera Institute.

vi. Renowned Teochew Opera actress Wang Shao Yu from Shanton Arts School was invited to give a public lecture on “Vocal Music of Teochew Opera” held at the Chinese Opera Institute on the 11th of November. Over 80 Teochew opera practitioners and supports attended the talk.

vii. A talk on “Directing Opera in Chuan Opera Style” was jointly organized by Thau Yong Amateur Musical Association and the COI on the 2nd of December. The speaker of Ren Ting Fan, a much respected opera theatre from Si Chuan, China provided an insightful discussion that was much appreciated by the participants.

Research and Publications

Research is an important part of COI’s endeavour as it enriches both the staff conducting the research and the readers who gain a deeper understanding of Chinese opera through the efforts of the researchers.

This year, Dr. Chua is working on a research project on Cantonese opera and guiding Mr. Lin Jia on a research project on “Puppet Theatre in Singapore”.

Ms Cai Bi Xia is working on “Methodology of Teaching Children Opera”.

In 2006, a total of 31 articles were published and 9 papers were presented at conferences by COI staff.

Major Productions

i. “The Haunted Temple” by the COI Hokkien Opera Clan was presented at the Joo Chiat Community Club on the 4th of March. It was part of the Chinese Cultural Festival organized by the Singapore Press Holdings.

ii. “An Evening of Comedy” was jointly presented by the COI, Nanyang Pho Leng Hui Kuan and South West CDC at the New Drama Centre on 1st April 2006. The Guest-of-Honour was Prof Low Seow Chay, MP for Choa Chu Kang. “An Evening of Comedy” was a triple-bill that consisted of “The Toad’s Adventure”, “Cinderella” and “The Mouse Daughter’s Marriage”.

iii. “Tang Bo Hu the Witty Scholar”, scripted and directed by Hung Kun Yu premiered at the Tampines East Community Club on the 29th of April. This romantic story of Tang Bo Hu was brought to life in a theatrical tour de force filled with dance, poetry and action.

iv. “The Magic Lantern” premiered at the Esplanade Outdoor Space on the 6th and 7th of August as one of the highlights of Esplanade’s Moon Fest. It is presented in two versions, Teochew opera and Huang Mei Opera and is scripted by Dr. Chua Soo Pong. The one-hour opera attracted a big crowd and was received favourably as it was packed with dramatic action and lyrical dance.

v. The COI and Joo Chiat Community Club jointly presented Hokkien opera “Mahabharata” on the 3rd – 4th November 2006 at the KAPT. The Guest-of-Honour was Mr. Chan Soo Sen, MP for Joo Chiat on the 3rd, November and on the second night, Baey Yam Keng, MP for Tanjong Pagar was Guest-of-Honour.

Collaborations

Tien Yun Beijing Opera Troupe invited Zhang Li, COI’s senior instructor to direct “An Evening of Beijing Opera” held at the Victoria Theatre on the 7th March.

Paya Lebar Community Club invited Cai Bi Xia, COI’s instructor to direct “An Evening of Teochew Opera” at the Auditorium of the Paya Lebar Community Club on the 28th October.

Er Woo Amateur Musical and Dramatic Association invited Zhang Li, COI’s senior instructor to direct two operas which were staged at the Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre on the 5th-6th December.

Singapore Hainan Society invited Zhang Li, COI’s senior instructor to direct “The Savage Land” which was staged on the 25th December at the Esplanade.

Lin Jia, COI’s instructor was invited by Persatuan Theng Chuan Tan Clan Association in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, to direct a Teochew opera, “Song of Love” performed on the 12th November in Jonor Bahru.

Conferences

i. Teochew Opera Conference and Festival in Guangzhou, China
An International Conference jointly organized by the Federation of Arts and Literature, Guangdong Province, Chinese Opera Research Institute and Zhongshan University on Teochew Opera Development invited Dr. Chua Soo Pong, Miss Cai Bi Xia and Mr. Lin Jia, to attended the event on the 5th-7th Novembe, held in Guangzhou, China. Scholars from China, Korea. Japan and Singapore presented a total of eighteen papers at the conference. Dr. Chua’s keynote speech focused on the importance of preserving the aesthetics of Teochew in the midst of globalisation and standardization and the urgency of learning the classics from great masters. He also suggested that pedagogy and teaching methods for Chinese opera should be reviewed to achieve better results. Miss Cai’s paper concentrated on the Teochew opera presented by COI and amateur groups in Singapore at international theatre festivals. Mr. Lin’s paper is a case study of a Teochew opera group in Johor, Malaysia. The delegation also attended performances of leading Teochew opera groups from China, Thailand, as well as an amateur group from Singapore, from the 5th-7th November 2006.

ii. Huang Mei Opera Conference
The 4th Huang Mei Opera Conference was held in An Qing, An Hui. Dr. Chua’s paper, entitled “Writing New Opera for Young Audiences” outlined the characteristics and cultural value of children theatre. He shared his experience of writing opera for young audience. Ms Cai Bi Xia presented a paper on Huang Mei opera on the international stage and provided an overview of Huang Mei opera created by the COI over the years

iii. Chinese Opera Education International Conference, National Normal University, Taipei
To celebrate its 60th anniversary, National Normal University of Taipei organised an International Conference o Chinese Opera Education on the 7th to 8th December. Dr. Chua Soo Pong was invited to present a paper on “Chinese Opera Education in Singapore: Challenges and Opportunities”.

iv. International Conference: Change and Innovation in Chinese Opera, co-organised by the COI and National Museum, Singapore. Among the arts forms, it is in the traditional performing arts that pressures for change and innovation have been most urgent given the challenges of the contemporary world. Chinese opera critics, practitioners and scholars from Beijing, Taipai, USA and Singapore are gathered to debate the challenges facing traditional performing arts practices today and the innovative ways in which practitioners have been finding news ways to develop their art and engage new audiences. The conference was conducted in Chinese and English. Speakers and moderators included Professor Liu Ping and Professor Liu Zhen, from China, USA, Prof Tasi Hsin Hsin from National Chengchi University, Taipei, Asst Prof Lee Tong Song, Emory University, Prof Yung Sai Shing, and Asst. Neo Peng Fu, Professor Koh Tai Ann and Assoc.Prof Koh Hock Kiartfrom Nanyang Technological University, Asst Prof Margaret Tan from Singaproe Management University, Dr. Wong Meng Voon from the Open University, and leaders of local Chinese opera groups. Mr. Lim Fang Hua made the welcome speech at the participants at the opening ceremony. Dr. Chua Soo Pong gave the keynote speech entitled “The Development of and the Challenges faced by Chinese Opera in the 21st Century”. The conference was attended by over 180 participants and was featured in TV news.

Overseas Festivals

i. The COI Hokkien Opera Class was invited by P.T. Trika Bumi Pertimi to present five operas directed by Hung Kun Yu, from the 8th to 11th of June. The five operas were “Ramayana”, “The Haunted Temple”, “Tang Bo Hu the Witty Scholar”, “Romance at the Battlefield” and “The Female Prime Minister”. The 600-seated auditorium was fully packed for every performance. The event was extensively publicised by the press as it was the first time Hokkien Opera was staged for public performances after the government banned the presentation of Chinese cultural shows since 1969.

ii. Invited by the America International Theatre Festival and the Teacher Clan Association of Southern California, the COI presented Teochew Opera “The Haunted House” and an excerpt of “Ramayana” in Midland, Texas and Los Angeles, California respectively from the 7th to 15th July. At the Festival in Midland, COI won three prizes: The Best Director Award (Dr. Chua Soo Pong), The Best Actress Award (Ms Cai Bi Xia) and the Mest Costume Design Award (Ms Tan Hong Chye).

iii. Commissioned by the organiser of 2006 Taiwanese Opera Arts Festival, the COI presented a new version of “The Haunted Temple” and premiered “Tons of Gold”, a contemporary satirical at the National Theatre in Taipei on the 13th to 15th of September. Supported by Taipei Culture Centre, the events included the premieres of 11 operas by leading groups from Xiamen, Taipei and Singapore. Top scholars, practitioners and critics participated in the forum which was held daily during the nine day festival. Two students from the Singapore Management University who were trained by the COI performed together with members of the COI Hokkien Opera Clan in the COI production which was well attended and received positive reviews. The Guest-of-Honour was Dr. Ker Sin Tze, Singapore’s Trade Representative to Taiwan.

Appendix A

Essay by Dr. Chua Soo Pong was published in the following publications:

1.	“Ghost Story on Stage: Rewriting of a Ming Dynasty Classic Nie Xiao Qian” published in Taiwanese Opera Festival souvenir programme
2.	Teochew Opera in Singapore: Continuity and Change” published in “An Evening of Comedy” performance souvenir booklet.
“ 3.	“Writing Comedy in Hokkien” published in Taiwanese Opera Festival souvenir programme
4.	“The Revival of Hokkien Opera in Today’s Singapore” published in souvenir programme of Mahabharata.
5.	“Indian Dance in Singapore: Past and Present” paper written for International conference on Oral Tradition held in Jakarta, Indonesia.
6.	“Puppet Theatre in Singapore: Problem ad Prospect” published in the souvenir programme of the ASEAN Puppet Festival
7. .	“Chinese Opera Education in Singapore: Challenges and Opportunities” paper presented at the International Conference on Chinese opera held at the National Normal Univeristy, Taipei.
8.	Writing New Opera for Young Audiences” paper presented at the International Conference on Huang Mei opera held in An Qing, An Hui, China.
9.	“Protecting Tradition, Improving Education: Strategies in Developing Teochew Opera” paper presented at the International Conference on Teochew opera held in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
10.	“Creative Dynamics of Chinese Opera in the 21st Century” paper presented at the National Museum on the 16th of December, Singapore.

Essays by Ms Cai Bi Xia were published in the following publications:

1.	“Bringing Teochew Opera overseas”, published in Guangdong Art.
2.	“The Stories of a Fairyland Kingdom”, published in “The Nightingale” performance souvenir booklet.
3.	“Joy of seeing the Teochew Clown Grow Up”, published in “An Evening of Comedy” performance souvenir booklet.
4.	“The History of Opera for Youths”, published in the “Admiral Zheng He” performance souvenir booklet.
5.	“Another Route to Indian Culture”, published in the “Mahabharata” performance souvenir booklet.
6.	“Director Chen Tong”, published in the 11th issue of Tropical Literature, 2006.
7.	“Philosophies under the Moon”, published in 2005 issue of Xin Hua Journal.
8.	“Teochew opera created by the Chinese Opera Institute and amateur groups in Singapore ( 1996-2006)” at the paper presented at the International Conference on Teochew opera held in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
9.	“Huang Mei opera on the international stage” paper presented at the International Conference on Huang Mei opera held in An Qing, An Hui, China.

Essays by Ms Zhang Li were published in the following publications:
1. “Developing a Vibrant Opera World”, published in International Daily,Indoensia.
2. “Experiencing Sincerity and Truth”, published in the “Mahabharata” souvenir programme.
3. “The Relationship between Xia Xi people and Teochew Opera”, published in “An Evening of Comedy” souvenir programme.
4. “Review of Hainanese drama by Tong Meng Seay”, published in “Selected essays for 2006”, published by the Singapore Literature Society.
5. “Presenting a Classic in Hainanese: Director’s note”, published in the souvenir programme of “The Savage Land” by Singapore Hainan Society.

Essays by Mr Lin Jia was published in the following publications:
1. “Working Hard to get Good Results”, published in “Admiral Zheng He” performance souvenir booklet
2. “Learning How to Act in Comedies”, published in “An Evening of Comedy” performance souvenir booklet.
3. “Learning Folk Lore Opera”, published in “Mahabharata” performance souvenir booklet.
4. “Teaching Chinese Opera at the National University of Indonesia” published in “ Yan Huang Culture” volume 6, 2006.
5. “Woo Wai Fong, Veteran Cantonese Opera Actress” published in Tropical Literature volume 11, 2006.
6. “ Presenting Teochew opera in Balai” published in “Selected essays for 2006”, published by the Singapore Literature Society.
7. “Case study of a Teochew opera group in Johor, Malaysia” paper presented at the International Conference on Teochew opera held in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
8. “ Studies of Two Puppet Theatre Groups in Singapore” paper presented at the National Museum on the 16th of December, Singapore.

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