THE classic Teochew Puppetry and Opera show has gained significant recognition in Penang, following an award won by renowned Teochew Opera performer Ling Goh.
She clinched the top prize of RM1,000 in a competition organised by the Department of Culture and the Arts, Penang on Sunday.
In an interview with Buletin Mutiara recently, Ling Goh who represents the fourth generation of Teochew Opera performers, said she was thankful for the Pendukung Seni NGO award.
She shared that she had received an invitation from the Department of Culture and the Arts, Penang, to participate in the competition two months ago.
Her mother Toh Ai Hwa, the founder of the now-defunct Kim Giak Low Choon Puppet Troupe, had also submitted her portfolio in the Tokoh’s category but did not make it through. Nevertheless, Ling Goh was proud that her success was celebrated by her mother and troupe members.
“This is my first award and recognition from the Department of Culture and the Arts, after leading the Penang Teochew Puppet and Opera House since 2014. I am overwhelmed by the recognition and deeply appreciate the efforts of my troupe members.
“I hope this success can spur more interest among the younger generation,” she said.
Having grown up in the Teochew Opera troupe and following in her mother’s footsteps, Ling Goh now aspires to achieve even more in the future.
She expressed her intention to participate in a national competition with the intent to promote the art of Teochew Puppet opera on a nationwide scale.
“Cultural shows and traditional arts like these must be promoted widely,” she emphasised.
Asked about how she plans to spend the RM1,000 prize money, Ling Goh said she would treat her troupe members to a meal to acknowledge their contribution to her success.
With her recent achievement, Ling Goh has set her sights on transforming the Penang Teochew Puppet and Opera House into a learning association.
“For now, I am conducting three classes in a week, comprising over 50 students. The oldest is 74 years old while the youngest is seven years old.
“I hope to cultivate their interest in this traditional art and spread the knowledge, making it accessible for aspiring learners to take up their lessons locally instead of abroad,” she added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar