Teochew opera or Chaozhou opera, Chiuchow opera (especially in Hong Kong), is one of the many variants of Chinese opera, originating in southern China's Chaoshan region. It is popular in eastern Guangdong, southern Fujian, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Cambodia. Like all versions of Chinese opera, it is a traditional Chinese art form, involving music, singing, martial arts, acrobatics and acting.
| Teochew opera | |||||||||||
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| Traditional Chinese | 1. 潮劇 2. 潮州戲 | ||||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 1. 潮剧 2. 潮州戏 | ||||||||||
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Origins
editTeochew Opera was originated from the Teochew, or Chaoshan[1] district in China and came into being about 300 years ago, at the end of the Ming Dynasty (1421-1431). It originated from the Nanxi of Song and Yuan Dynasties and was formed by the local culture of Nanxi.
In terms of long-term development, Teochew opera gradually formed its unique artistic style: the singing voice is light and low, lyrical and beautiful, and performances include lively singing and dancing and perfect division of characters.[2]
Teochew Opera in Malaysia
editTeochew opera was brought to Malaysia in the early 19th century by Chinese Teochew immigrants, and it was often used as a celebration of festivals or recreation after a day of hard work. After Teochew immigrants brought the custom of Teochew Opera, it established a foothold for Teochew traditions within Malaysia.
During the early 19th century, Teochew people migrated to Malaysia primarily due to economic hardships and the search for better opportunities, and Teochew opera became not only entertainment but also a way to maintain community identity and ease the emotional burden of being far from their homeland. As they established communities, these cultural practices helped them connect with each other, find solace, and integrate into the multicultural environment of Malaysia. It was not just a performance art but also a coping mechanism for immigrants, who used it to maintain a connection with their homeland and ease homesickness.[citation needed]
As part of Malaysia’s multicultural image, the opera has taken on a new life in theatres and festivals aimed at tourists. Subtitles and creative innovations help bridge cultural and linguistic gaps for broader audiences.
References
edit- ^ "Chaoshan", Wikipedia, 2024-08-13, retrieved 2024-10-19
- ^ 彭学珍 (1998). 潮剧在新加坡: 口述历史个案硏究 = Teochew opera in Singapore: case studies through oral history (Thesis thesis) (in Chinese).
External links
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