New Local Teochew Street Opera Troupes Formed In 1970s/1980s
中源和兴潮剧团, 老玉梨春潮剧团, 金鹰潮剧团

Oh no, another local Teochew opera troupe will be folding up at the end of Dec 2006. It is none other than the well known 金鹰潮剧团. I recalled it was one of the troupes formed during the tail end of the peak period of Teochew street opera in Singapore.

In the late 1970s to early 1980s, new local Teochew street opera troupes like 中源和兴潮剧团 and 老玉梨春潮剧团 were formed. The actresses who played the male in each of the two troupes were from 织云潮剧团. During that time, 织云潮剧团 had too many 小生. I think they did not get enough opportunities to perform and they rather joined the new troupes as male lead than to remain in their troupes to play the role as supporting lead. At that time, the demand for Teochew opera was fantastic. 中源和兴潮剧团 put up a very impressive maiden appearance, 刘璋下山 and 老玉梨春潮剧团 put up 绿牡丹.

Then, came along 金鹰潮剧团. The main leads were from 新荣和兴潮剧团. They were 邓道兰 and 陈珍珠. They put up 斩 十 八 翰 林 and 屠夫状元 as part of their maiden appearance at Hong Lim Park where the opera festival was held. During that time, Hong Lim Park was packed with thousands of audience. 织云潮剧团 also staged a 2-episode opera called 仁义公主. I traveled from Toa Payoh to Hong Lim Park by bus just to watch the performances.

I have watched 金鹰潮剧团 performed 一门三进士 and 柴房会 at Whompoa market. Think these are two of their best performances they had put up in the 90's. I have not watched 金鹰潮剧团 for a while. Learned from a net friend that 金鹰潮剧团 only managed to secure contract to perform 20 out 30 days in the lunar 7th month. This is unbelievable. There are only 4 Teochew Opera troupes left in Singapore, namely, 织云潮剧团, 老赛桃源潮剧团, 金鹰潮剧团 and 新怡梨兴潮剧团. There are 2 other Teochew Opera troupes that do not perform very often. They are 老富贵春潮剧团and 正天香潮剧团. Not sure if they still exist. Therefore, I am indeed very surprised to learn that 金鹰潮剧团 is still unable to fill all the slots during this peak period. Gone are the days where all local Teochew opera troupes are fully booked for the whole of lunar 7th month.

Which troupe will go after 金鹰潮剧团?