Chinese Opera Teahouse

Chinese Opera Teahouse

Experience the colourful art of traditional Chinese Opera and learn how to appreciate the intricate movements, music and elaborate costumes.

By Chinese Theatre Circle

Select date and time

Friday, July 5 · 8 - 9pm GMT+8

Location

5 Smith St

5 Smith Street Singapore, 058919 Singapore

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event
Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.

About this event

Nestled in the heart of historic Chinatown, the Chinese Opera Teahouse is also the headquarters of arts non-profit organisation Chinese Theatre Circle. We offer the programme "Sights and Sounds of Cantonese Opera" (on Fridays, through booking only) which introduces the traditional art form of Chinese Opera to the public, accompanied by a refreshing pot of Chinese tea. Chinese Opera is renowned for its "painted faces," elaborate embroidered costumes and graceful movements, but can be difficult for a newcomer to understand. We will explain the elements of Chinese Opera through a short talk and demonstration with Q&A in English, followed by a short performance of an excerpt from an opera classic. You can also take photographs with the performers in their beautiful costumes after the performance. We hope you will leave the Teahouse with a deeper appreciation of the intricacies of Chinese Opera and how the Chinese communities in Singapore have kept the art alive up to the present-day!

Suitable for groups, families and children aged 3 and above. Please note that a minimum booking of 2 tickets is required, due to the intensive preparations required for the performance.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Chinese Theatre Circle's Chinese Opera Teahouse located?

It is at 5 Smith Street in Chinatown, not far from the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

How do I get to the Chinese Opera Teahouse?

The easiest way to get here is by the MRT (subway). There are 2 MRT stations nearby: Maxwell (Thomson-East Coast Line) and Chinatown (Downtown Line or North East Line).

How long is the activity?

The programme is one hour long, incorporating a talk/demonstration and a short performance.

Is food and drink available?

Chinese tea will be served. However, there is no food service. Due to licensing regulations, food from outside the premises cannot be consumed in the Teahouse. But there are many small restaurants in the surrounding streets, so you can eat before you come over.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Please let us know beforehand (by email) if you require wheelchair access.

Is the activity conducted in English or in another language?

The talk and demonstration are conducted in English. The short excerpt is performed in Cantonese, which is one of the Chinese "dialects" spoken in south China and one of the commonly spoken dialects in Singapore.

Is the activity suitable for families and young children?

Yes! The activity is suitable for children ages 3 and up.

Tags

Organized by

Chinese Theatre Circle

Chinese Theatre Circle (CTC) has been promoting the traditional art of Chinese Opera in Singapore and beyond since its establishment in 1981. Chinese opera involves drama, singing, music, martial arts and acrobatics. Specializing in Cantonese Opera, one of the most popular forms of Chinese opera worldwide, CTC presents opera performances in theatres, at various festivals and corporate events, trains aspiring performers and presents educational talks and workshops in schools and the community. CTC has staged more than 2000 performances in Singapore and performed in more than 20 countries including China, the USA, Italy, Romania, Canada, Australia and Ukraine. CTC presents a weekly short performance and talk, open to the public, at its Chinese Opera Teahouse located in the heart of historic Chinatown, Singapore.