Fusion of Cultures at Singapore’s Lao Sai Tao Yuan’s 160th Anniversary

In a beautiful display of multicultural collaboration, Hamsapriyah Rao known as Priyah Rao performed at the 160th anniversary of the Lao Sai Tao Yuan opera group in Singapore. She danced to the Tamil song Yakkai Thiri by A.R. Rahman while wearing a traditional Teochew Chinese opera costume.

This performance stood out for its combination of Indian Bharatanatyam dance with Chinese opera, symbolizing cultural harmony.

A Unique Cross-Cultural Performance

Priya’s performance was a blend of two ancient art forms—Indian Bharatanatyam and Teochew opera. She gracefully performed intricate Bharatanatyam steps, dressed in the grand attire of Chinese opera. The performance demonstrated how different traditions can come together to create something unique and beautiful.

This event was a significant moment for the Lao Sai Tao Yuan troupe, which has been working hard to attract younger audiences. By showcasing a Bharatanatyam dance, they highlighted how traditional art can evolve while keeping its core elements intact.

The Experience of a Lifetime

Priya shared how much the experience meant to her, especially the process of preparing with traditional Chinese opera makeup. This involved a detailed transformation, with layers of makeup to reflect the character she portrayed.

Photos in courtesy of hamsapriyahrao on Instagram and TikTok

On Instagram, she expressed her excitement stating,

“Never EVER in my wildest dreams would I have thought I will have the chance ONE DAY to wear the Chinese Opera costume and make up and perform to a TAMIL SONG.

This experience was nothing less of an Extraordinaire for me from the treatment, the people especially ALL the Senior Artistes back stage who dressed me up and whom I performed alongside with.

I’ve watched Chinese Opera during my younger days in my neighbourhood. Whoever knew, I’ll be part of one of it one day ?

Stay tuned in my next posts where I showcase the video I did an actual role in the Chinese Opera gig – a small role regardless a very memorable one.”

Preserving Teochew Opera for Future Generations

Lao Sai Tao Yuan is one of Singapore’s oldest and most respected Teochew opera troupes, dedicated to preserving this traditional Chinese art form for 160 years. In recent years, they have adopted modern methods like webtoons and mobile games to keep the younger generation interested in their rich cultural heritage.

Photo in courtesy of Nick Shen Weijun 沈炜竣 on FB (Lao Sai Tao Yuan Teochew Opera Troupe on its 153rd year anniversary, 2017)

Through this anniversary event, Lao Sai Tao Yuan not only celebrated its legacy but also continued its mission to ensure Teochew opera remains relevant for future generations.

Supportive Online Reactions

The performance was well-received online, with several viewers commenting on the successful fusion of the two art forms.

One viewer remarked on how seamlessly the costume, dance, and music blended, describing it as a “remix of Chinese Opera.”

Another commenter expressed pride in her performance and praised the choreography. It was later revealed by Priya herself that she had personally choreographed the entire dance.

Watch the videos here:

@hamsapriyahrao

Can’t explain my fortune to be part of 160th anniversary of Teochew Opera group in Singapore ! What an honour to be part of this 🥹🩷 Counting all my blessings to have gotten the chance to do this Huge thanks to Nick Shen and Tok Tok Chiang opera troupe for including me in this event ! 🫰🏼🥲🩷 #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fyp #viralfyp #browntiktok #viraltiktok #fypシ゚viral #yakkaithiri #ayuthaezhuthu #arrahman #chineseopera #chinesewayang

♬ original sound – HamsapriyahRao – HamsapriyahRao