Hainanese Rod Puppetry:
a Vanishing Art 

Published: 8 Sep 2022 @ esplanade.com
Caroline Chia

An enduring troupe
San Chun Long is the oldest and last surviving Hainanese puppet troupe in Singapore. From 1947 to 1976, it was the only Hainanese troupe on this island and enjoyed its “golden age” as there were numerous performances both in Singapore and the neighbouring region. For example, in 1948, the troupe was invited to stage a 15-day performance in Riau, Indonesia, which drew huge crowds every night. As fondly recalled by veteran performer Long Hian Keng, San Chun Long was invited to stage a ticketed performance in an amusement park in Kuala Lumpur during the 1950s. Many children went to watch the performance. Furthermore, Hainanese temples and associations in Ipoh, Penang and Sabah also invited San Chun Long over and funded their performances.

Various Hainanese puppet troupes emerged after 1976 but they were shortlived. In 1976, “Xinjiapo Muou Yishu Xituan” (新加坡木偶艺术戏团), or “Xin Yi” in short, was established. Feng Chaobo, a Hainanese opera performer, was appointed Xin Yi’s troupe leader and the troupe sold its puppets in 1996. The disbanding of Xin Yi saw the establishment of a new troupe named “Tien Heng Kang Heng Nan Drama Association-Qiong Tune Puppet Troupe” (Xin Xing Gang Qiongnan Jushe Qiongyin Muoutuan 新兴港琼南剧社琼音木偶团). In 1998, Tien Heng Kang was invited to stage its first Hainanese rod puppet performance in the Singapore Hainan Hwee Kuan or clan association, which also housed the Kheng Chiu Tin Hou Kong (Goddess of Sea Temple). Tien Heng Kang’s puppets were supposedly bought from the now disbanded Xin Yi troupe. Another troupe named Fu Long (福隆) was established by Mo Lümo in 1993.

Notable characters and works
A significant presence in Chinese mythology, the Eight Immortals, namely He Xiangu, Cao Guojiu, Li Tieguai, Lan Caihe, Lü Dongbin, Han Xiangzi, Zhang Guolao and Han Zhongli, also exist in the Hainanese rod puppet tradition. The immortals, represented by eight puppets, are part of the ritual prelude portraying the “Praying to the Eight Immortals”. In the past, particularly during the mid-20th century, children were most excited during the staging of puppet shows as they rushed over to pick up coins that were tossed during this ritual. The coins are mixed with rice grains and the tossing of coins symbolise blessings by the Eight Immortals.

The repertoire of Hainanese rod puppet theatre shares similarities with its opera counterpart but is rather unique as compared to puppet theatre of other regional groups. Some of the more frequently performed titles that were transmitted before 1947 include Plum Blossom of Seven Stars 《七星梅》 and Both Father and Son Emerge As Scholars 《父子同科》. Other works performed by San Chun Long include Robe of Pearls 《珍珠衫》 and Borrowing A Marriage Partner 《借亲配》. From my observation of San Chun Long and Tien Heng Kang, both troupes use playscripts during their shows. Like other puppet types, there is live music performed by musicians. Musical instruments include the wind instrument suona (唢呐), drum or gu (鼓), gong or luo (锣), yangqin (扬琴), plucked lute or qinqin (秦琴) and high fiddle or banhu (板胡).

With the passing of ageing puppeteers and musicians, I cannot help but worry for this waning art form as they have difficulty getting the younger generation to be part of this tradition. Through various collaborations, particularly in the secular contexts, we hope to increase public awareness and in turn attract young people to this intangible heritage.


San Chun Long Puppet Troupe performs at Esplanade Forecourt Garden on 9 Sep 2022, as one of several Chinese puppetry troupes at Moonfest 2022.