6Īlthough the first recorded use of the Malay word wayang to refer to Chinese street opera was in 1887, 7 the earliest description of wayang dates back to as early as 1842, 8 when Charles Wilkes, Commander of the United States South Seas Exploring Expedition, was in Singapore and observed various ceremonies performed by the Chinese to celebrate Lunar New Year. 5 Wayang is now considered an important part of Chinese heritage and culture, and is performed by both professional and amateur opera troupes. 4 Since then, the popularity of wayang has waxed and waned, in no small part due to modern developments. 3 This traditional Chinese dramatic form was brought to Singapore by immigrants from China in the 19th century as part of their religious rites.

2 In Mandarin, Chinese street opera is known as jiexi (“street show”). Wayang, a Malay word meaning “a theatrical performance employing puppets or human dancers”, 1 commonly refers to Chinese street opera in Singapore, although it is also used in reference to other forms of opera such as wayang kulit.

How old is chinese opera