Opera Princess Hang Li Po Revives After Half a Century
28 Dec
Author:Liu Yiting
Editor:Wu Wenyu
PETALING JAYA, 28 Dec — The Malaysian Chinese-language original opera Princess Hang Li Po commenced its full-cast run-through at the Atria Shopping Gallery studio. The session marked the last major step before its official premiere from January 30 to February 1, 2026.
Premiered in 1971, Princess Hang Li Po is regarded as one of the significant milestones in Malaysia’s original Chinese-language operas. Adapted from the legend of Hang Li Po who had been married to Malacca Sultanate, it is a combination of opera, drama and local musical styles in collaboration that showcases exchange and interaction culture cross as well as the fate of women. Half a century later, the revival seeks to re-activate the work’s artistic value through contemporary staging, preserving its essence while allowing new audiences to understand its historical significance and practical relevance.
Dress rehearsal excerpts from different productions prior to the full run-through[Photo by LIU YITING]
This revival has also garnered sustained support from cultural circles and the broader community. Resources and assistance have been jointly provided by co-organizers including the Kuala Lumpur Chinese Alumni Association (Persatuan Murid-Murid Tua Sekolah Chong Hwa Kuala Lumpur) Chan Lok Hung Music Foundation,the Malaysia-China Culture and Arts Association,and the MY Starfish Foundation. Among them, the President of the Association, Tan Sri Datuk Seri T.C.Goh, JP, emphasized: “Culture and the arts serve as vital links connecting history and present, communities, and nations. Art not only captures the pulse of an era but also preserves shared memory and emotion, guiding society to better understand and cherish our common values.” He also stressed: “Art enables us not just to witness history, but to feel it; not merely to understand culture, but to let it become a bridge that connects people in shared sentiment.”
Malaysian Chinese Culture&Arts Association and affiliated organisations [Photo by LIU YITING]
Chief Director Ho Shih Phin admitted during rehearsal that accepting the directing role brought not just technical pressure, but a sense of cultural responsibility. “At that moment, I felt as if I’d been entrusted with a bridal escort mission,” he said. He explained that the new version aims to liberate Princess Han Li Bao from the stereotypical narrative of being “passively married off,” showcasing her choices and courage in a cross-cultural context.The stage design has around civilizational convergences for its symbol system, lighting carried a ritual atmosphere. The character comes to life with a little movement and some projected images as well. “We want audience members not to just be watching history, but be part of the journey,” he added.
Chief Director Ho Shih Phin directing scenes during the run-through [Photo by LIU YITING]
Music improvement is central to the revival. Music Director Dr. Wong Chee Wei noted that all 23 musical pieces from the 1971 version are preserved. Meanwhile, the once-limited orchestra has been expanded into a full, standardized ensemble. “Half a century has passed, the stage technology has advanced, but the work’s significance endures,” he said. The new production aims to present the opera’s full glory through more mature sound layers and synchronized staging.
Music Director Dr.Wong Chee Wei explaining details of the run-through [Photo by LIU YITING]
The visual production has also been completely renewed. Costume Director Beatrice Looi shared that rather than minor adjustments, over 140 sets of costumes have been redesigned and newly made, including those for dancers. She explained that because Princess Hang Li Po exists between history and legend, the designs balanced research, imagination, and practical production conditions. The goal is to reflect the era-appropriate splendor and dignity, turning the legend into “a visible world on stage”.
Costume Director Beatrice Looi explaining the preparation work for the production [Photo by LIU YITING]
The cast brought intergenerational synergy to the rehearsal. Tenor Stefano Chen, one of the lead performers, believes that the revival of Princess Hang Li Po with a relatively complete configuration holds iconic significance for the development of Malaysian Chinese opera. Also participating is 72-year-old Lee Yoke Lan, who watched the original 1971 performance and now joins the revival as a “Malacca palace lady”. Calling her return to the work after half a century “a rare serendipity”, she hopes more audiences will witness the classic’s comeback.
The organizer, The Theatre Arts Research Association, stated that intensive rehearsals have focused on refining stage management, sound balance, coordination between chorus and movement, and scene-change timing. The run-through with all 150 participants aims to align every element of this complex production into a unified force before the official performance. As the premiere approaches, Princess Hang Li Po will soon meet contemporary audiences anew. When the curtain rises, what is illuminated may be more than a legend. It could be a resonant echo of local culture, still carefully honored across time.