It all started with this movie "881" which I went to watch with my parents on National Day. "881" means "papaya" in Hokkien, which is an allusion to the Papaya Sisters, Getai singers and main protagonists of the film.
The story is about two girls with one dream. Little Papaya and Big Papaya grow up idolizing Chen Jin Lang, the King of Hokkien Getai, and dream of becoming Getai singers themselves. As with any melodramatic movie worth its salt, the Papaya Sisters meet with their fair share of ups (enlightenment by the Goddess of Getai) and downs (competition by the Durian Sisters) before ascending the throne of Getai. However, their reign is all-too-short as Little Papaya dies of cancer, leaving only Big Papaya to continue on.
881 movie posterFor the uninitiated, Getais are boisterous live stage performances held during the Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore for the spirits who are allowed to roam mortal earth once a year during the 7th lunar month. The stage setup is composed of temporary structures and it is usually situated in the heartlands, in any empty field or even in carparking spaces. Performers normally don loud and glittery clothing. The main language spoken/sung is Hokkien, and these performances appeal mainly to the older folk.
Anyway I was so impressed by Royston and his cast's movie that I went down to Ubi today (the first day of the Festival) where he the entire cast was scheduled to appear at a real-life Getai. =)
Kudos to all the actors/actresses/cockerel who were in the film. Of notable mention are of course the Papaya Sisters played by Yeo Yann Yann (Big Papaya) and Mindee Ong (Small Papaya), and Liu Ling Ling, who as a veteran Getai singer and entertainer, was able to delicately and accurately portray her character Aunt Ling in the movie. Those who have watched the movie will understand the title of this post! =P
The soundtrack was equally nice too. Sensitive to the movie and uniquely Singaporean enough. I usually do not appreciate Mandarin songs, but one of the main theme songs "一人一半" really touched my heart. =) Go listen to it! I may add a link here later on..
Ok some pictures of one very eventful Monday night!
Papaya and Durian Sisters on stage
no this is not WP election rally! XD
everybody gathered on stage for photo taking
alternate shot
Anyway I was so impressed by Royston and his cast's movie that I went down to Ubi today (the first day of the Festival) where he the entire cast was scheduled to appear at a real-life Getai. =)
Kudos to all the actors/actresses/cockerel who were in the film. Of notable mention are of course the Papaya Sisters played by Yeo Yann Yann (Big Papaya) and Mindee Ong (Small Papaya), and Liu Ling Ling, who as a veteran Getai singer and entertainer, was able to delicately and accurately portray her character Aunt Ling in the movie. Those who have watched the movie will understand the title of this post! =P
The soundtrack was equally nice too. Sensitive to the movie and uniquely Singaporean enough. I usually do not appreciate Mandarin songs, but one of the main theme songs "一人一半" really touched my heart. =) Go listen to it! I may add a link here later on..
Ok some pictures of one very eventful Monday night!
Papaya and Durian Sisters on stage
no this is not WP election rally! XD
everybody gathered on stage for photo taking
alternate shot
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