Zhangzhou City Xiang Opera Troupe had ended their series of performances successfully on 11th February and had taken the morning flight today back home.
It was a pity I could not make it for their final show as I had a Chinese New Year function to attend to, but I heard the response from the audience was very good. In fact their last few shows were almost full-house, even though these shows were re-runs. Generally, I’m very satisfied with their performances. Amai had even suggested them to aim for the April-May slots in future if they were to come again, as it coincides with the birthday celebration of the Temple God. If Zhangzhou City Xiang Opera Troupe can get to act during this period, it would mean 20 over days of performances for them.
Actually, performing for 17 days in a stretch this time round is already a challenge for the troupe, as they don’t even perform more than 10 days consecutively in the same venue. Many actors were actually very panicking during their performances because they do not have sufficient time to rehearse and memorise their dialogues and songs. Some even had to rehearse last minute by the side of the stage just before going out. Imagine if they were to act for another 10 days! That’d mean more stress for the crew, and the faster they run out of shows to put in future. In fact, it was said that Xiamen Municipality Opera Troupe is supposed to come, but they couldn’t as they’ve ran out of shows to stage here (They have been here in 1999, 2001 and 2004).
This April-May, Taiwan’s Ming Hua Yuan Opera Company was rumoured to be the invited troupe to perform for the Temple God’s birthday celebration. It’s not hard to see how rich and influential the temple is to be able to engage foreign troupes to perform for so many days. In fact, many Hokkien opera troupes, local and abroad, are eyeing on this temple, because rarely can you find such a grand Hokkien opera gala. For local troupes, some would rather cut down costs from their performances elsewhere to replenish their costumes and props just for their show in this temple in order to boost their popularity.
Back to Zhangzhou opera troupe, I have very good impression of the troupe, as everyone is very friendly and does not put on any airs. However, what will become of them in time to come is a question. I’ve seen actors from some other troupes who had become arrogant over the years and it really put me off. Some of them are not even great stage actors in the first place! Some become arrogant partly because of the strong fan base they have in Singapore. Singaporean audiences in general can be very fanatic and some would offer gifts and money to their favourite actors. Some are even willing to take them as god-sons and god-daughters! It is little wonder that they become more and more proud, because they have been pampered too much and thus turning them into materialistic people. Hopefully the actors of this troupe do not become like that, or else I’ll be greatly disappointed!
It was a pity I could not make it for their final show as I had a Chinese New Year function to attend to, but I heard the response from the audience was very good. In fact their last few shows were almost full-house, even though these shows were re-runs. Generally, I’m very satisfied with their performances. Amai had even suggested them to aim for the April-May slots in future if they were to come again, as it coincides with the birthday celebration of the Temple God. If Zhangzhou City Xiang Opera Troupe can get to act during this period, it would mean 20 over days of performances for them.
Actually, performing for 17 days in a stretch this time round is already a challenge for the troupe, as they don’t even perform more than 10 days consecutively in the same venue. Many actors were actually very panicking during their performances because they do not have sufficient time to rehearse and memorise their dialogues and songs. Some even had to rehearse last minute by the side of the stage just before going out. Imagine if they were to act for another 10 days! That’d mean more stress for the crew, and the faster they run out of shows to put in future. In fact, it was said that Xiamen Municipality Opera Troupe is supposed to come, but they couldn’t as they’ve ran out of shows to stage here (They have been here in 1999, 2001 and 2004).
This April-May, Taiwan’s Ming Hua Yuan Opera Company was rumoured to be the invited troupe to perform for the Temple God’s birthday celebration. It’s not hard to see how rich and influential the temple is to be able to engage foreign troupes to perform for so many days. In fact, many Hokkien opera troupes, local and abroad, are eyeing on this temple, because rarely can you find such a grand Hokkien opera gala. For local troupes, some would rather cut down costs from their performances elsewhere to replenish their costumes and props just for their show in this temple in order to boost their popularity.
Back to Zhangzhou opera troupe, I have very good impression of the troupe, as everyone is very friendly and does not put on any airs. However, what will become of them in time to come is a question. I’ve seen actors from some other troupes who had become arrogant over the years and it really put me off. Some of them are not even great stage actors in the first place! Some become arrogant partly because of the strong fan base they have in Singapore. Singaporean audiences in general can be very fanatic and some would offer gifts and money to their favourite actors. Some are even willing to take them as god-sons and god-daughters! It is little wonder that they become more and more proud, because they have been pampered too much and thus turning them into materialistic people. Hopefully the actors of this troupe do not become like that, or else I’ll be greatly disappointed!
4 comments:
run out of shows?
I think it is ok to repeat some shows they have performed in previous visits.
Haiz.. Hopefully one day my dear Liyuan troupe can come... :(
I don't think liyuan opera would come to perform at the temple as liyuan opera is not popular among most hokkien opera fans here. Most probably liyuan opera would only stage their shows at the theatres during Art Fests.
ZZ people told us that they have many other scripts back in China, some are even award-winning scripts. Most likely they would come in 2008 but not next year as they have to prepare for a competition in Fuzhou Art Fests.
The Xiamen pple did have repeats when they came the 2nd and the 3rd time. Some even changed the titles of the shows.
If they were to spread the main lead roles among their actors, I think for over 20 days should be fine.
I guess the ZZ's success over here will trigger XM to be more serious in their performances if they were to be invited again. But I hope not to see any of the dans' horrible dyed hair on stage!
Hahah, I know Liyuanxi is a black horse and kind of 'cold door' (leng men). Liyuanxi is more suitable to be staged on a smaller stage. Hopefully one day they will come but anyway, I will be going QZ and gotta grab the chance to see show~
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