Three leading local dialect opera troupes join together to give an unusual multi-dialect performance of the classic, Madam White Snake. The tragic tale of two star-crossed lovers will be staged in six acts, with each dialect troupe performing two acts.
The Er Woo Amateur Musical and Dramatic Association, the oldest troupe in the local opera scene, takes the opening lead in Teochew. An active member of the People’s Association, the group was formed in 1912 with the aim to promote Teochew opera. For the past decade, they have maintained an average of 6 to 7 performances each year.
The Leling Beijing Opera Troupe follows with the third and fourth acts in Mandarin. Inaugurated in 1981, the troupe is popular with the local corporate organizations, statutory boards and schools. It has frequent cultural exchanges with mainland Chinese institutions such as the Chinese Traditional Opera College and the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing.
The Tung On Wui Kun Cantonese Opera Troupe offers the final two acts of the romantic folklore in Cantonese. Established in the early 40s, the troupe has recorded many milestones in the history of Cantonese opera in Singapore.
This joint performance of Madam White Snake in three different dialects will provide an interesting comparative study of the different Chinese dialect opera forms in Singapore.
(Source: National Arts Council Programme)