Think Global, Act Local
Sorry folks, I was hung over with euphoria, basking in the rousing success of the blog’s official opening ceremony, which stretched out over a couple of days. Now let me get back to business, by plunging straight back into some more fun! I love watching movies, but I don’t do movie reviews and have no intention to start now. I just want to share with you a little local production, which have created certain waves in the local movie scene.
The local film industry does not have the pedigree of the Hollywoods and Bollywoods of the world but this film had open with a bang and had overtaken Hollywood blockbuster “Bourne Ultimatum” and also surpassing Jackie Chan’s vehicle “Rush Hour 3″ in the local box office.
I’m talking about the local mandarin movie titled “881“. It is a heart-wrenching story of a pair of sisters’ journey towards fulfilling their dream of being getai singers. The stage name given to the duo is “Papaya Sisters”. The numbers 881 actually sounds like “pa-pa-ya” in mandarin, hence the catchy title.
Subculture
Getai, which literally means “song stage” in mandarin, is a uniquely Singaporean subculture that has been around since WWII. It is a roadside live concert staged on temporary structures, held in the 7th month of the lunar calendar, or the Hungry Ghost Festival. Getai are staged for the enjoyment of “brothers and sisters of the nether world” which are believed to roam the earth during the ghost month. It entails performances by amateur singers, either solo or in groups, often in flamboyant and outlandish outfits, belting out mostly Hokkien or Mandarin songs. The compere will usually spout loud and lewd jokes and engage in silly banter with the audience to connect with them.
Have Your Say
What interesting subculture does your community practice? Is the subcultures strongly woven into the fabric of society and supported by young and old alike? Blog about it and share with us here.
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