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Knowing each other through Cantonese Opera

14 October 2011 0 comments

Organisers of Treats for the Elderly370 by 226 Enthused by the success of past opera performances in bringing joy to the beneficiaries, “Opera Treats for the Elderly” was staged on 17 September 2011 to strengthen intergenerational ties between youth volunteers and seniors. As an initiative “for seniors by youths, for youths by seniors”, the programme provided both the elderly and youth volunteers with an enriching experience.

Organised by YMCA of Singapore and supported by Queenstown Family Life Champion (FLC), the opera performance was held at Queenstown Community Centre (CC) and graced by Mr Yam Ah Mee, Chief Executive Director of People’s Association.

Through interacting and getting to understand the seniors better, this initiative reinforces the value of filial piety and selflessness among the youth volunteers. Not only have the youths learnt to befriend and care for the elderly, it has also inculcated in them an interest in Cantonese Opera as a traditional Chinese art form.

In order to better appreciate Cantonese Opera, the youth volunteers attended a workshop conducted by the senior volunteers of Queenstown CC’s Active Grannies Club. At the workshop, seniors shared with youths on the cultural context, gestures and expressions used in opera performances. Youth volunteers also subtitled the content of the Cantonese Opera in English and Chinese so that people who do not understand Cantonese can also enjoy the performances.

Equipped with the relevant knowledge, the youth volunteers engaged the elderly through a series of interactive games that quizzed the audiences’ understanding of the opera performances on the actual day of the event.

Ms Teo Lin Lee, FLC of Queenstown Constituency and one of the main performers in “YMCA Opera Treats” shared, “The elderly from the homes were not just receivers from the programme but also givers – they interacted with the youths, imparted to them values and even shared with them a life story or two. Through this partnership, the youths also got to learn from senior mentors from the Queenstown Active Grannies Club, in spreading warmth to those in the community.”