Cantonese opera in Malaysia
In a world where digital entertainment reigns supreme, a handful of still-standing traditional art forms struggle to preserve their cultural depth. One example is Cantonese opera, which has an intricate history that runs deep below the surface of its layered red-and-white face paint.
Enter Sifu Kam Sin Kiew, a Cantonese opera grand master in Kuala Lumpur determined to preserve and modernise this ancient art for future generations. A celebrated veteran in her craft, she continues to enchant both young and old audiences with her passion for the art.
We sat down with her to learn more about the art form and uncover what lies beyond the common local perception of its association with the Hungry Ghost Festival.
A legacy written in her blood
Sifu Kam was destined to fall in love with Cantonese opera from the start. “My parents were Cantonese opera artists in China, so it is in my blood,” Sifu Kam shared with TheSmartLocal Malaysia.
The dancer’s preadolescence years were spent watching her parents grace the stage. Her elder siblings were also deeply involved in the art. When her family relocated to Hong Kong, where the opera scene was flourishing, she found herself becoming even more enchanted by it.
Though she can’t pinpoint what initially drew her in, she reminisced on her start in Cantonese opera at just 10 years old, telling us, “At school, the teachers would often appoint me to dance during performances because they knew I had a natural flair for it”.
As she began to form the pillars of her own artistic practice, she came to recognise that opera was about mastering more than just lines. To her, it was about embracing the whirlwind of emotions and moving as fluidly as flowing water.
She would spend hours practicing and observing seasoned performers to emulate their grace and aura. One of her greatest inspirations was Hung Sin Nui, renowned for her signature “hung” singing style.
“I admired Nui greatly – she was a treasure of China, and her voice inspired me to find my own unique tone”, Sifu Kam shared. “I realised my passion for the art was growing rapidly, and I told myself: I want to be like her, and if possible, better”.
Crafting characters with heart and soul
In 1987, Sifu Kam moved to Malaysia. She consequently had to adapt to a new environment despite having little formal education and English-speaking skills, but these challenges didn’t deter her pursuits in Cantonese opera.
Image credit: Sifu Kam Sin Kiew
Her determination saw her catapulted into the spotlight, making her a revered name not only in Malaysia’s Cantonese opera scene but also in Hong Kong and Singapore. In 2013, she was honoured by The BrandLaurete and bestowed the title of Grand Master and Doyenne of Chinese Opera, which affirmed her position as a prime figure in the opera scene.
Her early performances – particularly Departure of Zhaojun and Legend of A Beauty – earned her recognition for bringing characters to life with a depth that went beyond mere imitation. She achieves this rather simply, sharing, “When I first receive a script, I immerse myself in it entirely, reading it thoroughly to grasp my character’s emotions and motivations”.
She firmly believes that opera is not just about singing – it’s about breathing life into the story through precise movements, vivid expressions, and a voice that resonates with the soul.
Image credit: Kam Sin Kiew, the Cantonese Opera Artist via Facebook
The costumes and makeup play a huge role in Cantonese opera too.
Each outfit is meticulously crafted to fully embody a character’s status, gender, and persona – in result, it adds dimension to the characters and helps set the scene for the audience.
Yet, if the costumes tell a story, the makeup completes the illusion.
Far from a simple foundation-and-powder affair, each performer typically spends 2 hours in the makeup chair. Greasepaint, a highly pigmented makeup, is used to create that dramatic look distinct in Chinese opera. Sifu Kam also let us in on a trade secret to create “bigger” eyes for that theatrical effect – facial tape is applied to pull the skin taut and then covered with makeup, creating an effect that even mascara and eyelash extensions cannot.
“The smallest details matter”, Sifu Kam stressed. “Even a simple nod or quick glance upward must align perfectly with the character’s emotions. That’s why we devote such great care to our preparation – every gesture, every stroke of makeup, must convey authenticity”.
Image credit: Sifu Kam Sin Kiew
As a seasoned figure in the performing arts, Sifu Kam also understands the pressure to maintain her appearance – something many women of all ages can relate to. She shared, “As an artist, you represent art, so you must maintain your elegance both on and off the stage”.
With over 50 years in the industry, she embraces the flow of age with grace. “I follow the nature of age – I dress appropriately, but with a modern twist”, she explained. “As you grow older, you don’t have to look like an old lady. You should look unique and reflect the aura of your artistry”.
Her approach to beauty is simple yet profound – “When you’re confident, 70% of your problems will disappear. The rest, like having a disciplined skincare routine and regular at-home and spa facials, are things you should work on. After all, as an artist, you’re always transforming, both on and off the stage. That is the true beauty of this life”.
Innovating tradition with a modern flair
While respecting the traditional roots of Cantonese opera, Sifu Kam acknowledged the need to adapt and change with the times. She established Kam Sin Kiew (KSK) Art Crew in 2012 with her daughter, See Wan, to help keep Cantonese opera alive, intertwining its timeless elegance with the allure of modern technology.
“We stay true to the core of Cantonese opera”, See Wan explained. “The costumes, makeup, and storytelling remain authentically traditional but we elevate the experience through modern additions like lighting, projections, and sound effects”.
The crew’s recent performance is testament to this. The love story between a fish and a dragon is elevated with animated backdrops creating a breathtaking visual context for the show.
See Wan also shared an intriguing experiment by the crew in a performance. “Last year, we staged a horror-themed opera, which is quite rare in Cantonese opera. In the show, titled The Dark Journal, we built suspense by halting the music for a full 2 minutes. It’s an unexpected pause, as the music typically flows uninterrupted”.
Eerie sound effects from ghostly wails to shattering glass, some crafted from scratch, were added to enhance and match the script too. See Wan beamed as she recalled the audience’s response to these new elements – “Everyone was on the edge of their seats. The crowd loved it!”
The beauty of the mother and daughter’s inter-generational bond extends beyond their relationship with one another.
Sifu Kam is equally passionate about passing the passion to as many younger performers as possible. “To keep this art form alive, we must nurture the next generation”, she explained. “And I don’t just teach them to perform – I want to help them grow as individuals”.
The doyenne currently conducts classes in schools and universities, fostering a vibrant community of Cantonese opera enthusiasts. The KSK Art Crew also performs an annual repertoire at Damansara Performing Arts Centre, which includes Sifu Kam’s original works.
To ensure each artist in her crew is truly seen, Sifu Kam writes original scripts such as Empress Wu and The Forbidden Love that incorporate unconventional approaches to costumes and makeup. Each performer is given a personalised character that allows them to shine.
This holds true to her belief that every artist must discover their unique style and bring something special to the stage. “Authenticity is key”, she emphasised to us. “The stage is life – you must be real and alive when you perform”.
Forwarding a timeless art of Cantonese opera in Malaysia
With over 50 years of experience in Cantonese opera, Sifu Kam remains a beacon of passion and perseverance, guiding this ancient art into the future. She inspires younger generations and ensures that the art form doesn’t merely survive, but also flourishes in the modern world.
Though both the art and its master are aged, the essence of their beauty continues to reflect each other like a mirror – intertwined, inseparable, and ever alive.
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Cover image adapted from: Kam Sin Kiew, the Cantonese Opera Artist via Facebook & Sifu Kam Sin Kiew
Some quotes have been edited for clarity.
TheSmartLocal Malaysia would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sifu Kam Sin Kiew and See Wan for their generous support in bringing this interview to life and for their gracious hospitality during it.