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Chinatown Business Association (CBA) is proud to present ‘Chinatown Opera Festival 2019’, the first ever opera festival showcasing Singapore’s rich local heritage and culture. Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, the festival will run from 20th to 24th November 2019 at the bustling Chinatown district, a go-to destination for both locals and tourists.

With this dynamic opera festival, travel back in time and re-live the nostalgic days of performance art in the 1950s and 60s. CBA recreates the experience of Chinese opera through exquisite performances, curated atmosphere and sentimental food items.

From Hainanese and Hokkien opera to the more popular Cantonese opera, expect an array of vibrant performances by local and international troupes such as Chinese Theatre Circle (敦 煌 剧 坊) as well as Guangzhou Hongdou Cantonese Opera Troupe (广州红豆粵剧).

Other highlights of the festival are the ‘Chinese Opera Weapons Showcase’, as well as teachings on the “water sleeve” and face changing performances predominant in Chinese Opera. Additionally, a segment of ‘Pop Music and Chinese Opera’ featuring pop songs influenced by Chinese Opera would be introduced for younger audiences.

The festival has free activities for the public to enjoy, such as photo booth, colouring station, games stall and opera props display. There are also public paying activities such as food and beverages stalls, mask painting and sales of Opera Merchandise.

Participation in the ‘Chinatown Opera Fest Contest’ that occurs throughout the festival days stands one a chance to walk away with a brand new Apple iPhone 11. Simply unleash your creativity by dressing up in the best opera costume to win. Please see Annex A for more contest information.

Tickets are currently on sale at Chinatown Visitor Centre, Chinatown Heritage Centre and online at SGD $20 for Premium Seating and $10 for General Admission of night shows. Please see Annex B for ticketing information and Annex C for programme line up.

“We hope festival goers bring back a piece of Singapore and Chinatown’s heritage through a dynamic first-of-its-kind festival where authentic Chinatown memories are relived and local culture are shared across generations” says Ms Lim Yick Suan, Executive Director of CBA.