The Singapore International Cantonese Opera Festival takes place every September and October. It is organized by the Chinese Theatre Circle, which was established in 1981 with the intention of promoting Chinese Opera. It was awarded its non-profit status in 1995. The CTC does a great deal more than organizing this major event, it is the busiest Opera Company in Singapore. Attending the opera can be an extravagant event, and is often accompanied by shopping in the boutique hotel Singapore.
Chinese Opera involves more than the music, it is a beautiful display of colorful and dynamic costumes as well as graceful and harmonious movement. The opera stories most often relate to Chinese tradition and history, based on ancient classics. There is a lot of symbolism in the performances, through the costumes, setting and also in the movement. They are stylized and incorporate an economy of gesture. Most often the operas involve a moral lesson or and promote traditional values. They usually include themes of patriotism, honor and loyalty.
The Scholar and the Maid is a popular opera and was produced by the Chinese Theatre Circle in 2007. The script was originally written by Hong Kong playwright Mr. Tang Di Sheng and was condensed by Mr. Leslie Wong into a two-hour production for the CTC. The opera tells the story of a well known academic, Tang Bo Hu from the Ming Dynasty who disguised himself as a servant in the home of the Prime Minister in order to win the love of a young woman, Jui Xiang, whom he met at court. The opera is a comedy, and Tang Bo Hu’s plans eventually succeed, though he encounters many hilarious circumstances and obstacles on his way to win Xiang’s heart. The theme song is a love duet called “Meeting at the Temple” and remains a popular favorite among Cantonese Opera lovers.
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