In this image, the Chinese opera vest has the character ‘bing’, or ‘soldier’ in English, sewn onto it, clearing indicating the soldier role played by the actor wearing it. Chinese opera costumes, which have evolved over the centuries during the dynasties of Imperial China, are typically decorated with intricate designs and accessories that can easily identify the character on stage, portraying his age, traits and social status. Also known by the Malay term ‘wayang’, which means ‘performance’, Chinese opera in Singapore can be traced back to the 19th century with the arrival of Chinese immigrants. Up to the 1930s, wayang was a popular performing art, both as a platform for religious worship, as well as a cheap form of entertainment.
