Taking centre stage: A Teochew opera performing during the Hungry Ghost Festival in Jalan Pasar in Bukit Mertajam. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The days of local Teochew opera troupes captivating audiences during the annual Phor Tor (Hungry Ghost Festival) in Penang are over.
Bukit Mertajam Yu Lan Celebration Organisation chairman Datuk Seri Peh Weng Khim said local opera troupes have stopped performing due to the younger generation’s lack of interest in preserving traditional art forms.
“The last time we managed to hire a local Teochew opera troupe for our annual Phor Tor in Jalan Pasar here was two years ago.
“The leader told us that his troupe members have since retired and that they could not find anyone interested in becoming an apprentice,” he said.
For generations, the local Teochew opera troupes have been the main draw during Chinese temple celebrations, including during the Hungry Ghost Festival.
“It is a sad day that the once-thriving art has ended this way, but we have to keep our tradition going.
“We now hire a Teochew opera troupe from Bangkok for our Hungry Ghost celebration,” he said.
Peh said the 21-member Thai troupe performs two daily shows (10am and 8pm), adding the evening show would sometimes have tourists attending.
“In previous years, we brought in a Teochew opera troupe from China that had more elaborate costumes and backdrops, but their fees turned out to be expensive, costing more than twice what the local troupes used to charge.
“There are still a few Hokkien and Cantonese opera troupes in Penang, but I fear that they may soon suffer the same fate as their Teochew counterparts if nothing is done to keep this art alive,” he lamented.
During the Hungry Ghost Festival, which falls on the 7th month of the lunar calendar, it is believed that the gates of the underworld open, allowing spirits to roam the earth.
During this festival, troupes often perform the Teochew opera as an offering to spirits, to entertain the ghosts, to keep them in a positive mood, and to ensure they do not harm the living.
The performances also serve as a cultural and communal activity, bringing people together to observe the festival while preserving their heritage.
Teochew opera is known for its graceful movements and detailed, expressive gestures, while the elaborate costumes and intricate makeup are also significant aspects.
The performers wear traditional Chinese garments that are brightly coloured, with specific colours and designs representing different characters or social status.
The makeup is similarly symbolic, with different colours and patterns indicating a character’s personality, role or fate.
