White generally symbolises cunning, treachery and unthrustworthy behaviour whereas red stands for bravery and trust, blue for recklessness and black for integrity and justice. There are generally four main roles in Chinese Opera - Sheng (male roles), Dan (female roles), Jing (painted face roles), and Hua Lian (clowns).Įach category is further subdivided into distinct types. “It is used to introduce characters, indicate personalities and differentiate between good and evil,” Chew explained. They were not supposed to show their faces in the public,” recalled Sarawak’s Chinese opera pioneer, Chew Eee San, 80.Ĭhinese Opera places much emphasis on facial make-up (which could take hours to do) but it is particularly fascinating and rich in meaning. “In the old days, women had to observe a very reserved and controlled conduct. In the past, many female roles were played by males because there were no girls in the performing troupe. Performances were mainly held to accompany religious processions and temple fairs.
Gezai xi has its roots in mainland China, having absorbed and combined several forms of performing arts and regional operas from the southern region of China’s Fujian Province. In Kuching, it is known as Gezai xi or Taiwanese Opera, making use of lively, folksy language with extensive use of Southern Fujianese dialectical terms. It is a form of story-telling that captures the imagination by combinating and turning dialogue, singing, music, acting, colourful costumes and make-up into a spectacular theatrical art form. With the decline of this dramatic art form, perhaps this is the perfect time to revisit a proud tradition that has been entertaining the Chinese community for over a thousand years.Ĭhinese opera comes in many forms, separated by regions and dialects with the notable ones being Beijing Opera (Jingju), Cantonese Opera (Yueju), Sichuan Opera and Shanghai-based Kunqu Opera. The association now has over 100 members, most of whom are veterans between 40 and 80 years old. In 1950, the one and only Chinese opera troupe from Kuching - Yi Sing Fukien Dramatic Association - was formed, and after a span of six decades, is still performing today.
The Chinese opera is one such form of dramatic and musical theatre at grave risk of disappearing with the passage of time as society continues to evolve. ROLL CALL: A group of veteran Chinese opera actors and actresses before the start of a show.
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