HISTORY
Trengganu Street, in Chinatown, connects Sago Street and Pagoda Street. It is named after the state of Trengganu in Malaysia. The history behind this street dated back to the 19th century. This street was well known for the presence of Lai Chun Yuen opera house. However due to its declining popularity due to the demand in cinema halls and amusement parks, it was rented out to Shaw Brothers and was converted to a cinema, known as Sin Seng Theatre. The theatre did not survive through the Japanese Occupation. It was badly damaged by a bomb then. Renovations to its structure were made after the war however it was no longer used for entertainment purposes but as merchandise shops and warehouse for the hawkers.
Trengganu Street was also an infamous recreation outlet for the early Chinese immigrants. There were opium, gambling dens and brothels on the street to serve the Chinese coolies. There were also street hawkers found along the street. Hawkers serving exotic recipes were also what used to make Trengganu Street famous. Their specialty was brewed tonic soups made from a concoction of tortoise, turtle, snake, lizard, or snake meat served in thick ceramic urns.
NOW
Fast forward to today, Trengganu Street is now a pedestrian mall. We can no longer see the vibrancy of hawkers sitting along the streets but the heavily commericialised souvenir shops instead. However, Trengganu Street still houses a few performing arts groups.
One of which is Drama Box which is located at 14A-C Trengganu Street.
Drama Box is a non profit contemporary theatre company with a charity status. It was formed in the 1990s and had since gain a reputable name for presenting works that help to raise awareness and civic responsibility in Singaporeans.
Next we have the AS theatre located at 12A-C Trengganu Street. It is a non profit company as well. It was founded in 1993 by a group of talented artists.
*Another performing arts group found was xin sheng poets society. It is established in 2010. It was previously known as Hainan Guild Book Club. The activities carried on there are mostly related with books, literature, interest in Chinese culture. It also promotes reading culture of the people which further enhances their literary quality.
