With the full passion of revitalising Chinese Opera, Kwai Chai Hong’s latest Mid-Autumn art installation themed the “Drama Queen 月映戲伶”, is bringing the grandeur and beauty of Chinese Opera to life.
Dating back to the Three Kingdoms Period (A.D. 220–265), Chinese Opera is one of the oldest and most complex dramatic art forms in the world as it incorporates a rich and dramatic tapestry of music, dance, martial arts, acrobatics, and literary arts in its performances. Despite its abundantly rich heritage, Chinese Opera is now tragically fading out in Malaysia, facing challenges from modernisation and dwindling interest among the young audience.
Zeen Chang, Managing Partner of Bai Chuan Management, said “Chinese Opera is one of the treasures of our collective cultural heritage.” According to a report, during the heydays of Malaysian Chinese Opera in the 1950s-1980s, there were about 180 active troupes. In 2022, there were less than ten remaining Chinese Opera troupes in Malaysia, and this number continues to dwindle as years go by.”
Kwai Chai Hong is hoping to halt the extinction of this intricate art form by rekindling an interest in this century-old entertainment staple. The “Drama Queen 月映戲伶” art installation is a proud collaborative effort with talented local artist Tan Sher Lynn, Creative Technologist from FABU, supported by Budget 2024, and facilitated by Think City and the Ministry of Finance as part of the Kreatif KL Festival, which extends beyond the preservation of cultural heritage and art, but also making it appeal to younger generations.
Revitalising Heritage with Modern Flair
According to Zeen, the “Drama Queen 月映戲伶” theme draws inspiration from the historical art form of Chinese Opera which has enthralled audiences for centuries, with an added touch of Kwai Chai Hong’s DNA. Sher Lynn’s creation lets visitors explore a phygital experience, a blend of physical and digital art showcasing Chinese Opera’s aesthetics through the lens of new media, creating an interactive environment for visitors to experience and reflect on this cultural gem in the present day.
Crossing over the Red Bridge, visitors are welcomed by illuminated “Flower Faces” (花臉) leading to a modern minimalist tunnel structure inspired by a Chinese Opera Doyenne’s headdress. This showcase formed by three layers of illuminated metallic arch woven together with red threads invites to get “into the mind of a doyenne” as they are encircled with a ring of shiny gems, mysterious mist, and flashing lights. Visitors can even create their own shadow play as their silhouettes are cast on the inner mesh layer and become part of the art piece.
Moving on, Sher Lynn’s masterpiece for the “Drama Queen 月映戲伶” installation, the “Dancing Sleeves”, exemplifies the grace and elegance of Chinese Opera through hand movements and gestures whilst performing in their full costume regalia of the extended sleeves. This beautiful and symbolic part of the art installation represents the fluidity and emotional depth of the performance.
“It references the movement of water sleeves in Chinese Opera in which fluid movements are not only evocative of water and wind, but also a poetic and ethereal form of expression. The abstract visuals on the long flowing “sleeves” are enhanced by the additional Augmented Reality creation representing the five main roles of Chinese Opera: Sheng (male), Dan (female), Jing (painted face), Mo (older men), Chou (clown),” said Sher Lynn. A perfect juxtaposition of ancient art in the modern world. Kwai Chai Hong also had the honour to welcome one of the last remaining Cantonese Chinese Opera troupes, Kam Sin Kiew Art Crew, led by Grand Master & Doyenne, Kam Sin Kiew, to perform the scene “Fragrant Sacrifice 香夭” from the epic Chinese Opera “Princess Flower 帝女花” at the media preview yesterday.
Uniting to Preserve Cultural Heritage
Often misunderstood as something related to religious practices, Chinese Opera is an art form that offers a more profound connection to Chinese culture than anything else, especially within the diaspora community in Downtown KL.
Dato’ Hamdan Abdul Majeed, Managing Director of Think City said, “We are proud to continue supporting Kwai Chai Hong in revitalising Downtown KL’s heritage while infusing creativity and culture into the city. Since being awarded funding from the Think City Grants Programme in 2018, Kwai Chai Hong has catalysed the transformation of Downtown KL into a vibrant creative hub, fostering local artists and thriving businesses. The Kreatif KL Festival spearheaded by Think City, which aims to invigorate Kuala Lumpur’s historic core through community-driven creativity, will feature the “Drama Queen 月映戲伶” installation as part of the Arts On The Move Programme, enriching the city’s cultural landscape.”
Bringing Murals to Life with Augmented Reality
Part of celebrating heritage and culture is being able to blend the old and the new, art forms and digital innovation. Additionally, visitors will get to see signature Kwai Chai Hong murals coming to life this Mid-Autumn as Kwai Chai Hong is also one of the participating locations for the Augmented Reality Festival Kuala Lumpur 2024. Kwai Chai Hong’s captivating murals will be taking excitement to the next level, as they come alive in a vibrant partnership with AR Fest Kuala Lumpur. The selected artworks include “Little Girl Peering Out of the Window”, “Cabaret Girl by the Window,” “The Couple Wall,” and “Er Hu Uncle” will spring to life with vibrant augmented reality, transforming the street murals into engaging experiences.
These immersive showcases are part of Malaysia’s very first AR festival, running from 30 August – 30 November 2024, featuring AR artworks and installations throughout Kuala Lumpur. For further information, visit https://arfestkl.com/.
Kwai Chai Hong will be open to the public daily from 9AM to 12AM. The “Drama Queen 月映戲伶” installation will be available from 16 August 2024 to 22 September 2024. Come celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at Kwai Chai Hong with your loved ones and be sure to check out the 10 amazing eateries in the area.
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