The Golden Years of ...

... Cantonese Opera in Singapore were probably in the 60s and 70s. In those years, besides performances by active local groups, troupes led by top Hong Kong stars came to Singapore to perform at frequent intervals.

This was what Joanna Wong, well-known Singapore Cantonese Opera personality, said in an introduction to a book. The name of the book and its author are underlined.

All pictures in this post were scanned from the book.

In 1975, HK stars Leong Hon Wai and Chung Lai Yong performed at the Kreta Ayer People's Theatre. Dr Goh Keng Swee, then deputy PM and Defence Minister, was honorary sponsor. Ticket prices from $2 to $8. (A plate of fried kway teow cost 25 cents those days.) Leong Hon Wai passed away just last month at the age of 67. He died from 胰癌.


1966 - Troupe led by Sun Ma Si Zhen and Ng Kwan Lai performed at the National Theatre. The National Theatre has been demolished.


1967 - Mak Beng Weng and Law Yim Heng at the National Theatre.


1976 - Street opera at Lorong 17, Geylang. Top HK stars were Yuen Siu Fai and Leong Chui Fun.


1980 - Street opera at Chinatown celebrating the Seventh Month Festival.


Here is a quiz for you. The pictures below show 8 opera artistes. Besides Leong Sing Bo, I think number 1 and 2 are more familiar to Singapore opera fans. Who are the opera stars numbered 1 and 2?