[Laki Tua, Bini Muda] Calling for Baba Malay speaker for our series of Baba Malay play-reading at the Peranakan Museum (Ixora Room, 39 Armenian St, Singapore 179941)

28 May 2023 (Sun) 3 – 6p.m Laki Tua, Bini Muda written by late Baba Felix Chia

Following the successful completion of last week’s play-reading of Pileh Menantu (Choosing a Daughter-in-Law), we are opening the registration for the second play-reading of this series, for Laki Tua, Bini Muda (Old Husband, Young Wife). This play is about misguided love set in the household of a Peranakan family in the 1950’s under British rule.

Late Baba Felix Chia wrote this play for the opening of Peranakan Place on Emerald Hill Road, in 1985. This play was not performed publicly since then.

Be stimulated by the deep language of the olden chakapan Baba, learn the meaning of phrases such as “nanti hiah pakey kopiah ijoh?”. In reading or acting out the words, players will appreciate the humour, the nuance of the language, the metaphors, and the identity of the Peranakan Chinese or Baba and Nyonya, Enchek-enchek and Embok-Embok.

We recognise that the use language of Baba Malay is fast diminishing, and as such, are striving to revive our unique native tongue that is bazaar Malay mingled with Chinese dialects and English. So, if you read and speak Baba Malay, or want an opportunity to practise your Baba Malay, or just want to observe, please email events@peranakan.org.sg.

Fees to cover refreshments and materials for this event are:

Member: $15 | Non-member: $20

Registration will be on first-come first-served basis, limited to 30 places only.

Coming up:

[Save the date] 11 June 2023 (Sun) 3 – 6p.m Bibiks Behind Bars written by Baba Richard Tan.