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Teochew opera
Traditional Chinese	1. 潮劇 2. 潮州戲
Simplified Chinese	1. 潮剧 2. 潮州戏
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin 1. Cháo jù 2. Cháo zhōu xì Southern Min Teochew Peng'im 1. Dio5 giah8 2. Dio5 ziu1 hi3

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.

Origins

Teochew Opera was originated from the Teochew, or Chaoshan 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.

Significance

Teochew opera often plays an essential role in religious and ancestral ceremonies within the Teochew community where operas are staged as offerings to spirits and ancestors, reinforcing both religious and cultural bonds. The opera also includes symbolic elements that have deep cultural significance, reflecting the values, beliefs, and shared history of the Teochew people.

It often plays a role beyond entertainment in religious and community ceremonies, particularly during festivals like the Hungry Ghost Festival. During such events, the performances become offerings to ancestors and spirits, aligning with traditional Chinese beliefs about honoring one's heritage. These ritualistic performances incorporate symbolic gestures, costumes, and even specific character archetypes that convey respect for tradition and reinforce communal bonds.

Teochew Opera in Malaysia

Teochew 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.

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.

Adaptation and cultural fusion

In Malaysia, where diverse ethnic and cultural groups coexist, Teochew opera has adapted to resonate with a broader audience. Performances have incorporated elements from various local cultures, including Malay traditions, for example: subtitles in English, Mandarin, and Malay, making it more accessible and relatable to the audiences who doesn't speak Teochew Min. In addition, it also incorporated to portray storylines that resonate with Malaysian values or cultural narratives, making the opera relatable to audiences from different ethnic backgrounds.

References

1. "Chaoshan", Misplaced Pages, 2024-08-13, retrieved 2024-10-19
2. ^ 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).
3. Ang, Chieng, Lin, Ziqiao, Julia, Mei Foong (October 8, 2024). "Symbolism in Ritual: An Example of Teochew Opera Performance Among the Malaysian Chinese". Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences. 22 (2). doi:10.57239/PJLSS-2024-22.2.00582.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
4. Lin, Ziqiao (26 December 2022). "From Sacred to Profane: Teochew Opera in the Malaysian Chinese Community" (PDF). International Journal of Academic Research in Business & Social Sciences. 13 (1).

External links

• Werle, Helga (1975). "Notes on Chiuchow Opera". Journal of the Hong Kong Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. 15: 71–87. JSTOR 23881625.

• Chinese opera
• Teochew culture