PAK Choy Yoke 毕翠玉
Vanishing Trades,
Accession Number 000952
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 5
Total Reels
- Fok Yit Wai
Interviewer
- 02:16:05
Total Running Time
- Cantonese
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 5
Metadata
- 11 Aug 1988
Recording Date
- 00:30:33
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Her background. Father joined Poh Cheong Choon Opera Troupe in Kuala Lumpur as drum-player. At age of ten, elder sister Pak Choy Kheng learned techniques of Cantonese opera from master. At nine, elder brother was musician in opera troupe. All, except elder sister, had studied in private school in Penang. She became sister's understudy. First minor role as maid. Became leading actress at sixteen.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 5
Metadata
- 13 Aug 1988
Recording Date
- 00:30:20
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Mother's unsuccessful attempt to be opera troupe leader. Explained how she could handle martial role with bound feet. In those days, opera performers did not have a script to rehearse. Reasons for her popularity with opera fans in Malacca. Showered with gifts, sometimes money. Performed on contractual basis with Shaw Company when she came to Singapore.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 5
Metadata
- 13 Aug 1988
Recording Date
- 00:30:32
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Terms of contract with Shaw Company. After stint in Malacca, she went to Penang. Got married during second trip to Penang. How to tell if performer was leading artiste. Her definition of leading artiste (tai-lo-gun). Audience's preference for new faces on opera stage. Important for leading artiste to be seen in new costumes frequently. Met husband at opera troupe in Penang.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 5
Metadata
- 13 Aug 1988
Recording Date
- 00:29:51
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Through her contact, most opera performers married within own circle. Children's studies disrupted when she and husband performed in Malaya. As female performer, she feared to offend male opera fans. During her time, overseas opera troupes were unheard of. Noted improvement in costumes and performing standard in Teochew opera. Terms of payment of master who taught elder sister.
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Reel/Disc 5 of 5
Metadata
- 13 Aug 1988
Recording Date
- 00:14:49
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Reason for Cantonese opera fans' preference for leading artiste. Why local Teochew opera troupe could survive. At Shaw Company, she was paid every five days.
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