Chinese opera, or ‘wayang’ in Malay, was a form of theatrical performance brought to Singapore by the Chinese immigrants. It was a popular form of entertainment during the 19th and early 20th century. Street operas were typically acted out on makeshift stages in open spaces near or next to Chinese temples as these performances constituted part of the wider religious celebrations and festivities. The popularity of Chinese operas waned drastically in the 1970s with the emergence of cinema and television. Nonetheless, it is still recognised in Singapore today as an integral part of Chinese traditional culture and art form.
