Sembawang temple staff denies choking puppet troupe member in shoving match: 'We felt betrayed'
Poong Qi Tao
TNP
Feb 27, 2025
A dispute between temple representatives and a puppet opera troupe escalated into a physical altercation and the police had to be called to Sembawang God of Wealth Temple at 3pm on Feb 24.
Ms Chen Yahua, 60, a member of the New Moon Phoenix Opera Troupe, told Shin Min Daily News that the agreement with the temple was for the troupe to put up performances over two months.
But the troupe was later informed that it had been reduced to just one month.
"Initially, we heard that a China opera troupe would be taking over, but later we found out the temple had actually invited another local troupe. We felt betrayed," said Ms Chen.
On the 12th day of her troupe's performance, Ms Chen approached the temple's management to clarify the situation and a female temple representative invited her to discuss it backstage.
"When I got there, she told me not to interfere, saying discussions were only between the temple and the troupe's boss," claimed Ms Chen.
"Before I could ask further, another female representative rushed over aggressively, holding a phone in one hand and pressing my neck against the wall with the other."
Seeing this, members of the troupe stepped in to separate the women but it led to a scuffle.
"I immediately called the police and the temple staff started dismantling our stage," she added.
A female temple representative, who declined to be named, acknowledged that there was some "shoving" but denied choking Ms Chen.
"The other party was very agitated and kept charging forward. I was just holding her back, I didn't lay hands on her," she said, adding that the troupe insisted on performing over two months.
The temple shared a CCTV footage that showed troupe members and two temple officials in a physical altercation.
There were shoves and shouts between troupe members and temple representatives. At the same time, a female temple representative was seen trying to dismantle the troupe's setup.
The entire altercation lasted about eight minutes before police arrived. Officers reviewed the footage and instructed the troupe to take down the setup and leave.
According to a temple official, it had collaborated with the troupe for at least four years without any issues.
The agreement was always verbal, with no formal contract.
But the troupe's recent change in management led to complications.
The official said the contract period was shortened as the troupe failed to acknowledge the temple's donors during the performances, the performance quality had declined and the troupe's audio system was bad.
Ms Chen acknowledged that the temple had raised concerns about their performance but explained that the troupe had just switched to new microphone headsets, which required adjustments during the show and in turn affected puppet movements.
As for the sound system, she admitted that some performers were not loud enough, so there was a need to adjust the volume.
The troupe is seeking payment for two months' worth of performances.
"We turned down other gigs for this commitment. Agreements should be honoured. We are considering legal action to claim the remaining payment," said New Moon Phoenix Opera Troupe leader Zheng Yani, 74.
In response, a temple official said the matter would be handed over to its lawyers.
