Kwai Chai Hong Revives Chinese Opera with Stunning Mid-Autumn Art Installation

Kwai Chai Hong’s latest Mid-Autumn art installation, titled “Drama Queen 月映戲伶,” is a breathtaking celebration of Chinese Opera, a grand and ancient art form that traces its origins back to the Three Kingdoms Period (A.D. 220–265). This installation breathes new life into Chinese Opera, a dramatic art form renowned for its complex fusion of music, dance, martial arts, acrobatics, and literary arts. Despite its rich heritage, Chinese Opera is facing decline in Malaysia due to modernization and a waning interest among younger audiences.

Kwai Chai Hong aims to combat this decline by reigniting interest in this centuries-old cultural treasure. Zeen Chang, Managing Partner of Bai Chuan Management, underscores the significance of this initiative: “Chinese Opera is one of the treasures of our collective cultural heritage.” Once a vibrant scene with about 180 active troupes in the 1950s-1980s, the number of Chinese Opera troupes in Malaysia had dwindled to less than ten by 2022. Through “Drama Queen 月映戲伶,” Kwai Chai Hong hopes to spark curiosity and encourage participation in this intricate art form, inviting everyone to join their #LongLiveChineseOpera movement.

The “Drama Queen 月映戲伶” installation is a collaborative effort featuring the talent of local artist Tan Sher Lynn and 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. This initiative not only seeks to preserve cultural heritage but also aims to make it appealing to younger generations by blending tradition with modernity.

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Revitalizing Heritage with Modern Flair

According to Zeen, the installation draws inspiration from the historical elegance of Chinese Opera, infused with Kwai Chai Hong’s unique touch. Sher Lynn’s creation offers a “phygital” experience—a blend of physical and digital art—allowing visitors to engage with Chinese Opera’s aesthetics through new media. The installation features a modern minimalist tunnel inspired by a Chinese Opera doyenne’s headdress. This tunnel, formed by three layers of illuminated metallic arches interwoven with red threads, invites visitors to enter the “mind of a doyenne,” surrounded by shimmering gems, mist, and flashing lights. Visitors can even interact with the art piece by casting their silhouettes on the inner mesh layer, creating their own shadow play.

The centerpiece of Sher Lynn’s work, the “Dancing Sleeves,” showcases the grace and fluidity of Chinese Opera. This segment represents the extended sleeves worn in traditional performances, symbolizing the art form’s elegance and emotional depth. Enhanced by Augmented Reality, the installation features abstract visuals and represents the five main roles of Chinese Opera: Sheng (male), Dan (female), Jing (painted face), Mo (older men), and Chou (clown).

Uniting to Preserve Cultural Heritage – Chinese Opera, often misunderstood as merely religious, actually offers a profound connection to Chinese culture, particularly within the diaspora community in Downtown KL. Dato’ Hamdan Abdul Majeed, Managing Director of Think City, expressed pride in supporting Kwai Chai Hong’s efforts to revitalize Downtown KL’s heritage. “Since receiving funding from the Think City Grants Programme in 2018, Kwai Chai Hong has transformed Downtown KL into a vibrant creative hub,” he said. The Kreatif KL Festival, spearheaded by Think City, features “Drama Queen 月映戲伶” as part of its Arts On The Move Programme, enriching the city’s cultural landscape.

Bringing Murals to Life with Augmented Reality – As part of the celebration, Kwai Chai Hong is also participating in the Augmented Reality Festival Kuala Lumpur 2024. Visitors will see Kwai Chai Hong’s murals come to life through vibrant augmented reality experiences. Selected artworks, including “Little Girl Peering Out of the Window,” “Cabaret Girl by the Window,” “The Couple Wall,” and “Er Hu Uncle,” will be enhanced with AR, offering immersive and engaging experiences.

The AR Festival, Malaysia’s first, runs from 30 August to 30 November 2024, showcasing AR artworks throughout Kuala Lumpur. For more information, visit AR Fest Kuala Lumpur.

Kwai Chai Hong is open daily from 9 AM to 12 AM. The “Drama Queen 月映戲伶” installation will be available from 16 August to 22 September 2024. Additionally, the Cantonese Chinese Opera troupe Kam Sin Kiew Art Crew, led by Grand Master Kam Sin Kiew, will perform “Fragrant Sacrifice 香夭” from the epic “Princess Flower 帝女花” on 24 and 31 August 2024. For performance details and updates, visit Kwai Chai Hong’s social media.

For regular updates, visit Kwai Chai Hong’s Facebook, Instagram, or website at www.kwaichaihong.com.

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