Singing in the Streets

WAYANG, OR CHINESE street opera, appeared in Singapore with the arrival of Chinese immigrants in the 1850s. They built temples and staged performances outdoors on the deities' birthdays and for other festivals.

They drew such loud crowds that the authorities introduced the 1856 Police and Conservancy Acts to restrict assemblies, processions and street operas. But the rules were met with resistance and failed to curtail the performances.

Eventually, theatres dedicated to the form were constructed. They were primarily stationed at Smith Street, often known as hei yuen kai or Theatre Street, and Wayang Street, now known as Eu Tong Sen Street. Chinese opera continued even during the Japanese Occupation, but the political instability and downward-spiralling economy were no help.