Theatres
There are many cultural places within Kreta Ayer's urban fabric that still holds memories for Singaporeans, such as the Chinese Opera theatres.
The theatres were prevalent and reflected the innovation in entertainment at the time. Stage operas and street performances were also prevalent throughout the streets especially during festivals.
Map of Former Theatres
Lai Chuen Yuen Opera House
Lai Chun Yuen can be regarded as the origin of early Cantonese Opera. The theatre was quite popular for Chinese operas around the 20th century and attracted lots of Cantonese actors. The theatre turned to the source of several early names for the major streets in Kreta Ayer, such as "theatre street (now Smith Street)" and "theatre back-street (now Temple Street)“ and even made Kreta Ayer the most prosperous area of Singapore at that time.
Other Theatres
The Great Southern Hotel
The Majestic Theatre
Former Metropole Theatre
One of three famous cinemas in Chinatown. The post-war decades from 1947 to 1972 has often been termed the ‘golden age’ of Singapore cinema.
Oriental Theatre
Oriental Theatre 1958
Oriental Cinema 1989
The first Chinese movies accompanied by sound were shown in the theatre in 1927. The theatre was bought over by Shaw Brothers in 1946. It was known as "Palacegay" and "Toho Gokeizyo" during the Japanese Occupation.
Chinese Artists Association of Singapore
A society of Chinese artists in Singapore. Formerly known as the Lai Yuen Tang, an organisation of early Cantonese opera artists founded in 1857 and passed down from the Bahe Huay Kuan in Guangzhou.
Chinese Theatre Cycle Limited
Established in 1981, the Chinese Theatre Circle (CTC) has been promoting the art of Chinese Opera, dance and music in Singapore and beyond. It has staged more than 2,000 performances in Singapore and 23 countries. In March 1995, it became the first non-profit professional performing Chinese Opera company in Singapore and was subsequently awarded the Excellence for Singapore Award in 1997 for its efforts in promoting Chinese Opera in Asia and in the world. CTC is noted for its pioneering efforts in creating awareness of Chinese Opera. In 1984 CTC initiated the “Bringing Chinese Opera To The People” series by performing at community centres. CTC made its debut in schools and junior colleges in 1995 through its Arts Education Programmes. In June 1998, CTC started the first Chinese Opera Teahouse in Chinatown in Singapore to create greater opportunities for the appreciation of Chinese Opera. Chinese Opera Programmes (display and lecture) are also conducted at this Tea house for tourists and students.
Singapore Cantonese Opera Festival
Organized by Chinese Theatre Cycle Limited, cooperated with Guangzhou Hongdou Cantonese Opera Cycle and Kreta Ayer CC Chinese Opera Troup, and on a yearly basis. It will joint ongoing tours with Cantonese opera groups from China.
Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre
Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre was built in 1969. The theatre has been revamped several times, including an entire overhaul which was completed in May 1979, before it became the well-equipped theatre seen on 30A Kreta Ayer Road today.Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre currently is managed by Kreta Ayer Community Club Management Committee, it continues to stage various arts and culture groups to the heartlands, having strong emphasis on Chinese opera, and with a keen sense of social responsibility. With more than 940 seats available, the Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre is a perfect venue for any form of modern & cultural performances.
