In Chinese opera, scenery and props, such as this weapon in the photograph, are far and few between, as actors often rely on stylised gestures to express a certain situation or event. Otherwise known as ‘bian’, a type of whip, this weapon belonged to Phan Wait Hong, often regarded as Singapore’s most celebrated Beijing opera doyenne, who received the Cultural medallion in 1993. Born in Shanghai, Phan came to Singapore with a Chinese opera troupe in 1926, gradually establishing herself as a lead actress on the performing circuit over the years, travelling frequently to neighbouring countries for performances. 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.
