Opera Channel

The hotel we stayed in in China had over 30 tv channels to choose from. Nan Fang Station 3 has cantonese opera programmes daily. This station also often shows old cantonese musical programmes from Hong Kong. Central Television has a channel dedicated to Chinese opera, CCTV 11. You can watch Chinese opera from morning to night. In between there may be China-produced movies or dramas.

One afternoon there was a Puju competition. Puju is one of the opera types mentioned by MK in her lectures. There were 5 contestants and there were 4 rounds. In each round they had to show a different skill or talent. And after each round one contestant would be eliminated. The last round in which only 2 contestants were left was the most difficult. They were given the scripts of a pop or non-opera song and they had to sing it in a Puju opera style they chose.

The contestant acting the laosheng was the first to exit. Next was the sheng in the yellow costume. You could see the dejected look on their faces. Poor things, they must have put in a lot of effort. And they didn’t even have the chance to show their other skills.

I think this system is not very fair. It would be better if everyone performed in each round and their scores were totaled up.

Contestant no. 1, the girl in the warrior costume, was the final winner.

The 5 contestants


The first to go


So sad


The winner

An Internet Cafe in China

This was my first visit to an internet café/bar. This one was in a small hotel. There were several rows with more than 50 stations. Each station had an LCD monitor, web cam and headphones. It was a weekday afternoon, only about half of the computers were occupied. There were a few westerners. Most of the people were playing games. There was a bar counter where you could order drinks.

The rate is 4 rmb/h. You pay a deposit of 20 rmb (S$4) and get a card with an ID and a password. When you check out they will deduct from your deposit. I used for less than 30 minutes and was charged 2 rmb (40 cents). I think they charge by blocks of 10 or 15 minutes.

Many sites were blocked, even blogs. I tried several sites whose url contained the word blogspot and got the message ‘the site you are looking for is not available’. So I could not see Victor’s blog or Amai’s.

My friend who has visited many places in China said such cafés were common.

Free

This morning I was at a Shop and Save supermarket. I was looking at some fruits when a pretty girl appeared at my side. She offerred me a small packet of mini crackers and said something like 'try'. I thought she asked me to buy so I said 'don't want'.

I think I said too soon. Next moment she said free one. Then I noticed she was carrying a basket with packets of the crackers on one arm. Oh, free I said and took the packet.

Felt quite embarrassed - said don't want; now free, want. Forgot to thank her.

But if I didn't take it she would think I was acting.

Better let her think I'm a greedy Singaporean than a hypocrite.

The word free is very appealing.

Cantonese opera Romance of the Red Pear Flower

presented by the Chinese Theatre Circle on 13 May 2006 at the Drama Centre Theatre

This theatre is at level 3 of the National Library. It is a medium-sized theatre, quite a pleasant place. The stage is quite big. I think there are around 650 seats but I feel that the seats at circle 2 which is equivalent to level 5 are not suitable. You would be looking down at the performers at about 45°. Another thing is that there is no aisle down the center of the rows. So if you are sitting in the middle of a row, you will have to squeeze out to the left or right aisle which is about 14 seats either way. There are adequate toilets which are just outside the theatre. They are spacious and clean.

During the show, everything went smoothly. The lightings was appropriate and well-controlled and the sound system went without hitches. Changes of scenes were almost immediate without long pauses. The interval of 15 minutes was just adequate. Background sceneries and props were also well done. It could be seen that a lot of effort was put in. Sceneries of scene 4 were beautiful but it looked rather congested. I took some pictures but unfortunately they turned out blur. (Actually taking photos is not allowed inside the theatre.)

The main characters were performed by Seetho Hoi Siong, Wong Kum Yeng, Christopher Choo, Leong Kam Fai and Ellen Li. They performed well.

I think Scene 4 was the most enjoyable. In this scene the lovebirds met for the first time but the scholar did not know the true identity of the maiden. It was entertaining and funny with melodious songs and fine acting. This was not the first time I saw this excerpt but this was one of the best.

The last scene was also entertaining. And a happy ending that pleased everyone. The poor scholar topped the imperial exams and became a 狀元. He returned as roving ambassador and married the beautiful maiden. The corrupt prime minister was arrested for treason and other crimes. There was also a dance item by the 12 courtesans of the prime minister.

Relief and Joy after the performance. Click on picture for larger version.

Democracy?

I was thinking about the elections in Thailand; so just put my thoughts into words.

The judges declared the previous elections null and void. The reason was it was unconstitutional and undemocratic because the oppositions boycotted the elections.

My thoughts:-
1. The judges did this only after meeting the beloved Thai king. If that was the reason shouldn’t the judges have done it earlier or even stopped the elections?

2. Won’t this be a bad precedent. What if the ruling and the smaller parties gang together to boycott the next elections? Or in future, parties that don’t like this or that decide to boycott the elections?

3. I believe the parties boycotted elections because they knew that Thaksin’s party would win . If they were certain they could win would they have boycotted?

Opera at Macpherson

This Sin Yen Ling Troupe is performing at the short dead-end road indirectly opposite Macpherson CC. I think this is an annual affair. But I have never gone to watch because I had little interest in Hokkien opera then. This time I have a little interest so I went down to look see.

A group of about 50 fans were seated on chairs in front of the simple stage. Backstage was quite spacious and some performers were doing make-up or gossiping. They seemed very relaxed.

I happened to watch a scene which was quite funny. The male character was someone of high rank or royal status. He met a pretty girl and disturbed her. (The female artiste was a bit plump but not bad-looking.) They said a lot of funny things which delighted the spectators.

Later more people came. Nearby there was also a feast-cum-auction for ‘devotees’. I don’t know what the occasion was.

These are the 2 characters.


backstage

Polling

Trying out this polling thing.

Among the 4 beauties of ancient China who do you like best?
Pick your choice, click on the circle beside the name; then click vote.
Thank You

Idle thoughts

Can’t resist writing something about the elections again.

If I were in Potong Pasir, I would likely vote for Chiam even if I supported PAP. I’m not Kong Meng ( a highly-respected military strategist in ancient China), but on hindsight I think the PAP used the wrong strategy. If they had not used extra tactics or offered juicy carrots, I think Chiam would win with less votes.

I think the best thing is a ‘win-win’ strategy so that even if Chiam loses the seat he won’t lose face or respect. Otherwise, just leave him alone until he retires and someone from his party takes over. Anyway he is good man.

Reading the views of some diehard fans of the oppositions gives the impression that we are a fearful and oppressed lot. We fear voting for the oppositions. We fear speaking up because we will be faced with defamation suits. We have to lower our voices and look behind our shoulders when we criticize the government. They will tell you to look at America or Taiwan.

I don’t believe that one type of democracy fits all. I also don’t believe that you can say anything to defame others or stir up racial or religious unrest.

為國為民

"For the People, for the Country" This is my slogan for the next general elections. I'm thinking of contesting in the next GE. Suggestions and volunteers are welcome. Cash donations are more welcome. I'll be inviting these talented people to help:- MK to design a logo, AC to do the website, MD to be my strategist and Amai to perform at election rallies. Hahahahahahaha...

No, actually I’m not very interested in politics. My views are simple. I think a good government is one that cares for its people and manages the country well. To do that you need good and able people and strong leadership. Then every thing, be it education or defence, will fall in place. There will be peace and progress and the country will have a good reputation abroad. The Singapore dollar will be strong.

Next week no more election talk, back to opera… still got 2 more beauties of ancient China to introduce.

Election gossips

Relatively quiet in Macpherson. Some posters and banners here and there. Loudspeakers blaring out messages from pick-ups. Mr Yao Chih came to knock at my door. That’s about all.

Today it was reported Mr Sin Kek Tong said, if elected, he would just pick up Mr Yao’s plan (on upgrading) and see them through. So easy! Maybe the party, if elected to be the government, can just pick up the PM’s plan and see them through.

4 May

Someone suggested something like ‘unemployment insurance’ and another one suggested minimum wage for workers. No details.

Sounds nice, but this is not coffee-shop talk. Are these going to help workers or create jobs opportunities? I wonder if they have given some thoughts to their suggestions. More like they are just appealing to emotions.

I think in countries where there is high unemployment rate and everyone would scramble for any job, a minimum wage may help workers from being exploited. In Singapore, you have people who would rather not work if they don’t get the salary they want. You see, they already have their own minimum wage. Moreover, employers may think thrice before employing an additional worker. He might just distribute the extra work to existing staff.

3 May

Nee Soon Central – Lian Chin Way (36) vs Ong Ah Heng (62)

I think veteran Ong could better serve the residents. Perhaps new-comer Lian could work the ground and come back in 5 years time when Mr Ong would most likely not be contesting.

Sylvia Lim says any patient who chooses to stay in a class C ward should be allowed to do so and enjoy the subsidies.

I feel that patients who are wealthy should not opt for the heavily-subsidized C wards. It may not seem very fair but I think it is more rational.

2 May

At a rally someone grumbled about the GRCs again and said the late Mr S Rajaratnam, our foreign minister in MM Lee's cabinet, got into parliament without the GRC.

I am not sure about the circumstances during Mr Rajaratnam's time. Mr Rajaratnam was extraordinary. Now if you put 2 equally qualified candidates, one chinese and one of the minority race, in a SRC I am sure the chinese will win (and even if the chinese is less qualified than the other). The government foresaw this danger and so introduced the GRC.

1 May

Full time MP?

If an MP can run his constituency efficiently, it is okay for him to have another job. In fact it gives him a better understanding of things, for example jobs prospect. It would also be a waste if he gives up a job which has talent in or he specializes in.


30 April

Chiam See Tong said that if he were an NCMP he could not serve the residents as he would have no constituency to look after.

Why not? Sitoh Yih Pin has been doing that and he is not even an NCMP.

James Gomes said that he handed in the form but actually did not.

Now, if his movements have not been taped he could have insisted that he submitted the form. Then he could even accuse the election department of negligence or the government of trying to disqualify his Aljunied team.

29 April

In the news report about election rallies, Ling How Doong, former one-term MP, says “Don’t talk about the future, talk about the present.”

Like he is talking to terminally-ill patients or that Singapore has no future.

How can? Talk about both lah, the present as well as the future.

Sylvia Lim said George Yeo, foreign minister, is very good at negotiating FTAs. That makes him busy traveling overseas and so he has little time for residents.

This shows he is a good foreign minister. The residents in his constituency will also directly or indirectly benefit from the FTAs. That also shows one advantage of GRC – members can help out each other.

I got choice

Looks like Mr Sin Kek Tong will be opposing Mr Yao Chih in Macpherson. Both are good men. The oppositions like my constituency. Almost every election I got choice except when Macpherson was in Marine Parade GRC.

I think you cannot blame others if you have no choice. Why would the oppositions contest in a constituency they feel they have no chance at all. They need to spend money during the elections. They might even lose their deposits.

I also think you cannot fault the big GRCs. The main thing is that the oppositions do not have enough good candidates.

Previously, oppositions did not contest GRCs because they had not enough people. Then they blamed the GRCs. Now they are contesting some GRCs because they have the people. They do not contest all GRCs because they do not have enough people. So they blame the big GRCs. In future they will contest all GRCs when they have the people. What to blame now? They might even be glad that there are GRCs.

Nude pictures and Zhu Geliang

No, these two things are not related. Just 2 in 1 (2 topics in one title).

Last night I was looking through some old Chinese newspapers and movie posters in a website. It says as early as 1953 there was this small newspaper in Singapore which featured a nude picture on its front page. That was 53 years ago! Got nude pictures already! Now open your eyes big...


Here is an old movie poster on a show about Zhu Geliang (Kong Ming), the great strategist and a wise man. He served as prime minister to Liu Bei during the period of The Three Kingdoms.

This morning I read about three of the new candidates for the coming election. They are bicultural and they love Chinese classics. Two of them, Lee Yi Shyan and Baey Yam Keng, say that Zhu Geliang is their hero. Vow, if they got elected we would have two potential Kong Meng in the government!

Deng Lijun

This is one of my brother’s favourite singers. Very sad, she died young, many years ago, from an asthma attack…. in Thailand.

At first I paid little attention to her. But after listening to her songs day in and day out, I looked at her more closely. She had a sweet round face and a pleasant melodious voice – good for sentimental songs.

See, sweet round face.


The lyrics of this song were taken from a Chinese poem.

Just my view

The Bridge
I think many people never really expected the proposed (now abandoned) new bridge to replace the causeway to materialize. Why would Singapore spend millions of dollar on something she feels is not necessary and would not bring any benefit? Do we seriously think Malaysia would sell sand to Singapore to help her expand her size or allow the SAF to use Malaysian airspace?

But why was it not scrapped earlier. Or why was it started without first consulting Singapore? Isn’t it common sense that replacing the causeway affects both countries?

Uniquely Singapore
Elections in Singapore is unique. In many countries the stronger parties go to the election with the aim of forming the government, and the party that gets just over half the parliamentary seats would usually be quite pleased. Here in Singapore only one party goes to the elections with the aim of forming the government. And the party also aims to capture all the seats in parliament.

Choice
During a dialogue session about elections on tv, the participants said they want to have a choice. It gave the impression that they want a choice just for the sake of having a choice. Looks like - “I just want to vote, give me an opposition though I may not vote for him.”
I thought they should tell this to the opposition leaders.

Just for Fun

Title copied from Amai.
Thought the scrolling effect quite interesting so went to the link and tried....
This nice picture is from Miko's opera fanatic blog.

Random thoughts

I was reading this blog Natural Remedies, http://foodasmedicine.blogspot.com/. The title reflects its contents.

One of its heading: Eat banana for a stronger stomach

This is what it says about diarrhea – ‘Boil some diluted rice porridge. Drink the diluted rice water or even the porridge itself. Very effective.’

I was thinking how nice if there were food that makes you more intelligent or food that can change your voice or improves it so that you can sing better . Or even food that helps you change the shape of your face. You don’t like round shape, you want an oval-shaped face? No problem. No need for surgery. No need to use ping pong bats either. Just eat this…….Hahahaha


Hi, anyone interested in buying Chinese opera costumes and accessories? Click here for details.

The opera girl again

I met her again at the SCO concert last Saturday.

Me: Arts Festival coming, going to see any show?

Girl: This year no good. No Chinese opera.

Me: Got leh (I showed her the programme booklet I have just taken from the SISTIC counter), see Chuan opera – looks like Dr Chua’s recommendation.

Girl: (after reading the brief introduction) this one no good – not top class. The Arts Festival committee don't know about chinese opera. Aiya, Dr Chua and the COI also don’t choose carefully. You see, during the Chinese cultural month, they invited the silly Wuxi Comedy instead of some good Chinese opera.

Me: I think the Comedy is OK – something different. Another one, Zhanjiang Cantonese Opera Troupe. (I pointed to her another page.)

Girl: This actually not by the Arts Festival committee, this organized by the Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre Foundation. I don’t like this Leong Siew Meng (lead male artiste of the Zhanjiang Troupe).

Me: I think he not bad – singing good, skills and acting good. He also one of the youngest. (I think he is in his twenties and his troupe has many young artistes and musicians.)

Girl: He has no 大將之風.

Me: Who you think got this 大將之風 – the younger ones?

Girl: Peng Qing Hua and Wen Ru Qing (Both were Ding Fan's students who performed at the Esplanade Theatre last week.)

Me: I see Peng Qing Hua also quite small size like Leong Siew Meng.

Girl: But I think he got it.

Me: You think Lee Hsien Loong got 大將之風?

Girl: Yes, he has leadership qualities.

Me: Hahahahaha……

The End

Cao Ding & SCO 琴瑟和鸣

Singapore Conference Hall - 8 April 2006

Cao Ding is the guest conductor from Shanghai. (中国著名指挥家曹丁)

The programme includes:
Tone Poem - Recital of Lishan (音诗《骊山吟》)
Little Sisters of the Grassland 《草原小姐妹》(Pipa solo – Yu Jia)
First Erhu Concerto 《第一二胡协奏曲》(Erhu solo – Wong Sun Tat)
Capriccio of River Dabo 《达勃河随想曲》(Lead vocalist – soprano Wong Su Sen)
All were nice lively music.

Yu Jia and Wong Sun Tat gave impressive performances. After their performances, some of their students gave them flowers and teddy bears.

After the concert there was an autograph session.

My favourite Chinese musical instruments are erhu, pipa and guzheng.

I still remember a performance by China’s pipa maestro Liu De Hai on the pipa. He looked very calm and relaxed. He mesmerized the audience with his skills, techniques and music. He made it look so easy. But I believe the pipa is a difficult instrument to learn and very difficult to master.

In the photo - Wong Sun Tat, Cao Ding, Yu Jia

Opera lover girl

About a fortnight ago I was at the Singapore Conference Hall to watch an SCO concert. I saw the girl again. I have met her at cantonese opera shows, yue opera, pekin opera… And not long ago I also met her at a Xiang opera show at Paya Lebar.

She was at the table helping to hand out booked tickets and selling souvenirs. I walked over to her.

Me: Hi, I thought you were helping out at the COI.

Girl: No need now, they have enough volunteers.

Me: I see, not helping in any way.

Girl: If they need help they will call me.

Me: You very good, every type of opera you support – cantonese, pekin, hokkien … and now SCO.

Girl: Hee hee hee…

Me: See you again.

Maybe I will see her again tomorrow night.

CO stories

The cantonese opera A Gentleman’s Bridge is another unusual story. I think so.

My opera fanatic friend said , “You don’t understand.”
She said that I cannot use present-day moral yardstick to judge Chinese society and its practices thousand of years ago. Then, she said, traditions were law and women had no status in society. Right.

I remember A.C. said exaggerations are common in Chinese opera. True.

I think I also cannot look at the happenings in the Imperial Court in the normal light. Amai said face and power were more important to the Emperor and the ministers than justice. Never mind if innocent people died as a result.

The TV was on and one main news item was the election in Thailand. Then I thought of Thaksin. Is this also a question of power and face? I am not anti-Thaksin. My personal view is that if the Thais feel that he is not fit to lead the country, then vote him out. But not by street demonstrations.

Back to A Gentleman’s Bridge. The crux of the story:
Due to a terrible blunder a girl was match-made to her lover’s father. How to resolve the matter? An adulterous woman would be put in a rattan cage used to carry pigs and drowned in a river.

The show did not say how the blunder occurred. The audience had to create the missing part.

Usually Cantonese opera shows have beautiful if not lavish backdrops and settings. But in this show, most of the time it was a dark simple backdrop and just the bridge. Miko would be delighted as she likes simple backdrops which leave alot to the audience’s imagination.

Ting Fan and Jeong Mun Tuin are established artistes with their own styles and strengths. I think Ting performed better than last year when his troupe was here. Wen Ru Qing and Zeng Xiao Min, students of Ting Fan, played the young lovers and they performed creditably. Xiao Min is an outstanding ‘dan’ who is adept in the virtuous woman role as well as the warrior role. She sings well too.