LOU Mee Wah 卢眉桦
Performing Arts in Singapore (Opera),
Accession Number 003467
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 5
Total Reels
- Teo Kian Giap
Interviewer
- 04:01:10
Total Running Time
- Mandarin
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 4 of 5
Metadata
- 2 Feb 2010
Recording Date
- 00:58:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Gave a more detailed account on her early training days. At 19, learned Cantonese Opera at the Gang Zhou Clan Association (岗州会馆). Learned from the older musicians and工册谱, and not taught music theory. Not a major problem to her as she has been listening to Cantonese Opera while she was young. Never told what roles they were suited to sing. There would be an ensemble for accompaniment. Had difficulties reaching the lower key of her voice in early days. The troupe focused more on acting, and lesser on singing. Soon went on stage, playing males roles, in particular young male roles.
Studied movement, (台步,身段). In the 70s, National Theatre invited Hong Kong Cantonese Opera groups to perform in Singapore, where she caught performances of Luo Jia Ying (罗家英),Lin Jia Sheng (林家声). The teachers/martial arts instructors taught them during their free time. An instructor of Chu Feng Ming (楚凤鸣)’s group, Mr Ren (任) saw potential in her and taught her the basics. Usually took lessons after work, and weekends. At that time, there were more than 10 students learning.
Size of the music ensemble was about 10 to 20. Music instruments included yang qin, gu zheng, er hu. Teacher was a patient person. Slowly rose to play 2nd tier male roles in the troupe. While singing wasn’t mature, she was willing to go on stage to perform any role.
Also helped out in other areas of performance, including copying scripts. Remember the use of old printing machines. Made copies (A3 size) for both actors and musicians (文字谱,册谱). Cast listened to records to learn the songs and lines.
Helped out on costumes, including packing, storing and making. Costumes then and now. She was also involved in set and prop making. Learnt western painting from Mr Liu Kang at his studio near Cathay. Her impression of Mr Liu. No training in traditional Chinese painting, read books to build up knowledge so as to make props.
She was also keen on fashion design personally.
She was involved in selling tickets. Shows had both English and Chinese subtitles in those days.
How the name of 敦煌剧坊 (Chinese name of Chinese Theatre Circle) came about.
Detailed account on the development of her voice. Took lesson(s) from Ms Lee Shu Fen (李淑芬) and Mr Huang He (黄河). Learned from visiting artists, in particular Mr Hu Zhi Fen (胡芝风) theory and Mdm Hong Xian Nv (红线女) singing.
She talked on how she trained her students at the Community Centre.
Her job titles at Chinese Theatre Circle. Her idol Mr Lin Jia Sheng (林家声) and why he inspired her. Her favourite production that she had starred in, A Costly Impulse. Production toured Cairo, Beijing, Berlin and Romania.
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