It all began at St. Augustine’s Square on the morning of Sunday 1 March 2025. The air crackled with anticipation as tourists and locals gathered, eager for the guided tour to commence. Titled “Theatres in the Old Town,” this tour was part of the Theatres and Cinemas in Macao series, organised by the local theatre company, Dream Theater Association.
The tour explored Macao’s history through its performing arts venues, starting from Dom Pedro V Theatre, passing by locations such as the Cheng Peng Theatre near Rua da Felicidade and the Kam Pek Cultural and Entertainment Centre, the predecessor of Kam Bek Market, and concluding at the open square at Hong Kung Temple. Over the course of one hour, we would delve into the stories and individuals behind these venues, with my role being to interpret the tour in English.
While my background is primarily in translation, interpretation presented a new adventure. I had previously served as a docent for English and Mandarin tours and as an interpreter for various talks, but this was my debut as an interpreter for a tour, during which participants moved through the busy streets and alleys of a city.
Preparation is Key
As with every job, thorough preparation was essential. I memorised the Chinese script, fact-checked details, and researched all proper nouns in English. Practising was crucial; I dedicated ample time to studying relevant vocabulary, understanding the historical context, and familiarising myself with the subject matter.
Adding Context is Important
One key aspect was understanding the functions of the venues. Many were referred to as theatres but also served as cinemas in the past. To clarify, I mentioned each venue’s dual purpose whenever it was introduced. Additionally, I explained that the Chinese name for St. Augustine’s Square (崗頂) translates to “the top of a hill,” adding context to bridge the gap between languages.
At the final stop, the open square of Hong Kung Temple, I shared that it was once a bustling site for market stalls, known as tai tat tei (大笪地) in Cantonese. This term carries cultural significance beyond just an open space for flea markets, so I provided context to enrich the visitors’ understanding.
Embracing the Unexpected
A memorable moment of the tour occurred at the Dom Pedro V Theatre, which hosted the Asian debut of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. The tour organiser surprised visitors with an excerpt of this opera classic, featuring an actress interpreting the lyrics in Cantonese on stage. Though this impromptu performance was not part of the original script, I embraced the spontaneity, listened attentively, and interpreted the poetic lyrics to the best of my ability. I reminded myself to keep calm and carry on.
Enjoying the Job
As many theatres once showcased Cantonese opera, visitors enjoyed an excerpt of the classic The Purple Hairpin (《紫釵記》) by renowned virtuosos Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin, all while strolling through the city’s vibrant streets and alleys to our next stop. I relished the opportunity to chat with my listeners during these pauses, sharing insights about the show and the cultural context.
This experience was nothing short of transformative. Every moment was a chance to learn and connect.
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Main image: Calvin Lam Chon Iap
Images: Dream Theater Association