Interweaving dramatic storytelling, multimedia art and Cantonese opera excerpts, this theatrical production celebrates the extraordinary four-decade journey of Chinese Theatre Circle (CTC) and its founders, pioneering Cantonese opera couple Joanna Wong and the late Leslie Wong. Joanna Wong, a Cultural Medallion honoree, is Singapore’s best-known Cantonese opera artist, known globally for her skills and as a teacher. Her husband Leslie was a lyricist and opera composer who was learned in Chinese classics, whose work has been performed by CTC around the world.
Dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of Cantonese opera, CTC has played a significant role keeping traditional arts alive in Singapore and shaping our multicultural identity while establishing standards for artistic achievement in Chinese opera. In commemoration of their 45th anniversary, the company is thrilled to present an original English and Cantonese theatrical production, One Love, A Legacy. The production deviates from previous Chinese opera productions: it is created through artistic collaboration between Joanna Wong, homegrown Cantonese opera artists Christopher Choo and Jaron Leong, and award-winning visual artist Ming Wong.
Heartfelt, earnest and celebratory in nature, this contemporary production intertwines Joanna and Leslie’s love story with the evolution and achievements of CTC, featuring a cast comprising CTC’s artists, Joanna’s former students as well as guest artists from China’s Hong Dou Cantonese Opera Troupe. Skilfully blending theatre, Cantonese opera and multimedia, One Love, A Legacy reflects on the personal sacrifices, collective aspirations, and enduring passion of traditional opera artists in Singapore.
Performances on 19 Sept, 7.30 pm and 20 Sept, 3pm. There are English and Chinese surtitles. The show is presented in collaboration with the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, with support from the National Arts Council, Lee Foundation, and the Cultural Matching Fund.
