Aussie tourists get rare invite to mingle with Chinese opera cast

For most tourists visiting Penang during the Hungry Ghost Festival, the Chinese opera performances are a must see. But only a lucky few will ever get the backstage experience.

A group of six Australian visitors and their two tour leaders enjoyed a novel experience when they were invited backstage to mingle with members of a Hokkien opera troupe performing at Hutton Lane. The troupe, hailing from Fujian, China, helped the excited tourists, all from Melbourne and its surrounding areas in the state of Victoria, put on makeup, try on the elaborate costumes and even taught them some basic movements and poses.

Memorable opportunity: (foreground from left) Greer, Nanne Anstee and Sherryn Allan trying on the Hokkien opera costumes with the help of an opera performer during a backstage visit of a performance on Hutton Lane in Penang

Dianne Tame, on her fifth visit to Penang, found it memorable, and said, “It’s my third Hungry Ghost Festival, but the first time I got to go backstage. Everyone’s very pleasant and it’s absolutely amazing. I love the diverse, multi-cultural aspect of Penang, and it seems that whenever I’m here, there’s something different for me to see.”

She cited the locals’ friendliness as a key reason for her love affair with Penang, and listed the Kek Lok Si Temple and Khoo Kongsi as among her favourite places on Earth. Dawn Raff was enchanted by the beautiful costumes, and getting to try them on was the highlight of her visit. “I didn’t know what to expect at first, but it proved an interesting experience. The performers themselves are very enthusiastic about what they do,” Raff added.

The group’s tour leaders, John Hanna and Veronica Greer, themselves regular visitors to the island, believe events like the opera are a more attractive proposition for tourists compared to the regular sightseeing spots. “It is important that efforts are made to preserve these dying arts. There are a lot of modern concerts nowadays, but operas are few.

Looking the part: Tame (right) is all smiles as a member of the Hokkien opera troupe applies makeup on her face

“In some parts of China, it is almost gone. Luckily the people of Penang still hang on to their roots,” Hanna said. Chiming in, Greer said that despite having been to many places around Asia, they still find Penang among the best when it comes to cultural experiences. “I have always been fascinated by the Chinese opera. I only wish I can understand what’s being said!” she quipped.

-thestar online.