Showtime

Forget the likes of Madam Butterfly and Aida. Back in the '50s, you didn't have to travel too far to treat yourself to a little opera. Brought by Chinese immigrants in the 19th Century to Singapore, Wayang (street opera) enjoyed its heyday as the most accessible form of entertainment for years.

In fact, its popularity alarmed the authorities, who tried to restrict crowds around such performances. But the measures didn't keep people away, and wayang continued its rise.

This led to dedicated theatres, such as the Seow Hong Hokkien Wayang at Lorong 3 in Geylang Road.