This photograph was taken in 1960s at the end of Sin Sai Hong Opera troupe’s （新赛凤剧团） performance in Penang, Malaysia and the elaborate backdrop was designed and hand painted by the troupe’s in-house designer who would accompany them wherever they perform. The troupe was first established in 1910 using another name and was performing gaojiaxi （高甲戏） back then. The troupe changed its name to “Sin Sai Hong” in 1936 and changed to performing gezaixi （歌仔戏） which was gaining popularity in the 1930s. It is the oldest Hokkien Opera Troupe in Singapore. The Sin Sai Hong collection donated to the National Museum also consists of old photographs, certificates and costumes.
