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Catch 5 different Chinese operas with English surtitles at S’pore Chinese Cultural Centre from Jun. 21 to Jul. 26
Enjoy a Saturday evening like no other.
Many of us love to be whisked away to fantasy worlds – that’s one commonality shared across generations.
Whether it is shedding a tear over star-crossed lovers or listening to impressive tales of war heroes, why not listen to these stories as if they were first-hand?
Five local Chinese opera troupes will be performing from Jun. 21 to Jul. 26, selling tickets at S$30 per show, or a special five-show bundle at S$120.
This can be a good way to switch up your weekend routine with your loved ones.
These are the five productions and their ticketing details:
1. “The Mistake of Justice Bao”
After Justice Bao wrongly convicts a general for the murder of the crown prince, a rebellion ensues.
Overwhelmed with the guilt of his mistake, Bao must find the true traitors to restore order.
Photo courtesy of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.
“The Mistake of Justice Bao” by Chinese Opera Studio
Date: Jun. 21, 7pm
Language: Teochew (with Chinese and English surtitles)
Purchase tickets here.
2. “The Peacocks Flying Southeast”
Adapted from a Han Dynasty poem, “The Peacocks Flying Southeast” follows two lovers, Liu Lanzhi and Jiao Zhongqing, who struggle to remain together due to the disapproval of their families.
Photo courtesy of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.
“The Peacocks Flying Southeast” by Chinese Opera Ensemble
Date: Jul. 5, 7pm
Language: Hainanese (with Chinese and English surtitles)
Purchase tickets here.
3. “The Betrothal Sword of Love”
A general’s daughter, Mei Anxiang, is to marry Wei Chaoren, but he betrays her to marry a princess and gain power.
In deep sorrow after her mother’s death, caused by Wei, she challenges Wei publicly, leads her army again, and reclaims lost territory.
Photo courtesy of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.
“The Betrothal Sword of Love” by OperaWorks
Date: Jul. 12, 7pm
Language: Cantonese (with Chinese and English surtitles)
Purchase tickets here.
4. “Mei Yu Pei”
A rediscovered classic of Beijing opera from the late Qing dynasty, “Mei Yu Pei,” follows the story of Su Yulian, who is to marry a morally corrupt man.
However, Yulian happens to lose her handkerchief at a temple, which then leads her to meet Xu Tingmei.
Falling for Tingmei, Yulian must escape her arranged marriage with a clever ruse so she can be with the man she truly loves.
Photo courtesy of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.
“Mei Yu Pei” by Tian Yun Beijing Opera Society
Date: Jul. 19, 7pm
Language: Jingbai and Yunbai (with Chinese and English surtitles)
Purchase tickets here.
5. “Marshal Lim Bo Seng”
“Marshal Lim Bo Seng” is adapted from the story of one of Singapore’s admired war heroes of the same name.
The production pays tribute to Lim’s sacrifices as he fought for his country, playing a crucial role in the anti-Japanese resistance during World War II.
Photo courtesy of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.
“Marshal Lim Bo Seng” by Tang Renaissance
Date: Jul. 26, 7pm
Language: Shanghainese dialect (Zhejiang-Jiangsu Region) (with Chinese and English surtitles)
Purchase tickets here.
Ticket promotion deals
With each show being showcased exclusively for just a day, why not watch them all?
Get the bundle deal and watch all five shows for S$120 (That’s S$30 in savings).
More discounts can be found on Sistic’s website.
More about the Chinese Opera Festival
The festival is an inaugural event and a joint initiative between the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and the National Arts Council (NAC).
Chief Executive of SCCC, Alvin Tan, highlighted the festival's importance in creating opportunities for local Chinese opera groups to grow and reach new audiences.
“Through the festival, we hope to support local Chinese opera groups by providing a safe, creative space for them to showcase their works and capabilities without having to worry about venue rental, funding, ticket sales, marketing etc. In doing so, we hope to safeguard and showcase a traditional art form which is rich in Chinese history and culture; attract new and hopefully younger audiences; and contribute to its long-term sustainability.”
Chief Executive Officer of NAC, Low Eng Teong, shared:
"Through this initiative, audiences from all walks of life can come together to discover, connect with the arts and experience the richness and heritage of Chinese Opera in Singapore.”
You can also sign up for free opera workshops, talks and more.
Find out more about the festival here.
Chinese Opera Festival 2025
Where: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Auditorium, Level 9, 1 Straits Blvd, Singapore 018906
When: Jun. 21 to Jul. 26
This branded article by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre made this writer want to quickly head back home so she could decide on the perfect dress to wear to the opera.
Cover photo courtesy of the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.
