Patchworks

The enormous success of the hit drama serial 小娘惹has sent many into a craze over the Peranakan culture. While I confess to be one of those who did not follow this drama serial with fervor, my interest in Peranakan culture stems from my grandmother’s keen practicing of its customs, which more often than not has let me savour various nonya kueh. Hence, together with another volunteer from Patchworks, I jumped at the opportunity to speak with Mr Peter Wee, a self-described ’story teller of the Peranakan culture’ within the heavily adorned walls of his establishment, the Katong Antique House, and find out, among others, the real meaning of the term ‘Peranakan’.

Amidst the intricate study of each painstaking weave of the kebaya and the feasting of the senses at each culinary demonstration (including a very delicious sambal udang), we at Patchworks also grabbed the chance to delve into the workings of the Peranakan Play. We volunteers also met up with GT Lye, an undisputed authority on the art of the Peranakan Play, and discovered the truth behind the role of the ‘impersonator’ on stage. We were lucky enough to receive a spontaneously crafted rendition of a Dondang Sayang, which would be transcripted and translated for the upcoming publication.

Come let us share with you these lesser-known aspects of the Peranakan Culture in ‘Patchwork of Reminiscences’.

Cross-posted from Yesterday.sg on 27th May 09.
http://yesterday.sg/2009/05/patchworks-an-impersonation/