INTERACTIVE THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE WITH NYONYA MEMOIRS

Ah, the course of true love never did run smooth according to William Shakespeare. This timeless basis forms the crux of Nyonya Memoirs – a revolutionary interactive theatre performance being staged in Melaka until 19 July 2015.

Presented by The Hatten Group, this RM8million production is conceptualised to highlight and promote a deeper appreciation of Melaka’s Peranakan culture and heritage. Premiered in May this year, the star-studded show tells the fateful story of Bao Zhu (played by Dorothy Foo), a young Nyonya maiden whose relationship with Zhang Min (reprised by Evan Siau), a poor Baba was opposed by her prominent, well-heeled family.

An extravaganza of music, songs and satirical dialogue, this is one performance that literally keeps you on your toes. Right from the get-go as the audience trooped beyond the heavy curtains after the entrance, our attention was drawn to the life-like nostalgic setting. 

Of course, cameras were whipped out for instant snapshots (NO flash photography was allowed) as everyone ‘ooh-ed’ and ‘aah-ed’ over the artfully created ornate props: from a local tea stall and shop front to old-fashioned kitchen and family dining table found in a Nyonya home. 

When the member of the cast resplendent in her Nyonya get-up jumped up to exhort her lines, everyone was caught off-guard but it was part and parcel of the performance’s uniqueness. 

Instead of a restricted raised stage, we found ourselves walking right into the theatre set. Everyone just wandered around the replica of a town square, complete with old-school shops, a few street carts and mobile hawkers. It was slightly unnerving at first as we didn’t know what to expect, which direction to head for or where the play will be performed. Suffice to say, most of us were like a flock of lost sheep looking for the shepherd. 

Once the initial song and dance began around the ‘lawn’ area, we somehow managed to assemble in a semi-circle around the performers. Luckier members of the audience had stools to sit on but for the majority, it was standing room only.

As the love story between the two protagonists unfold, we had to segue towards the different stage sets. Some confusion ensued during intermission as we were barred from the more elaborate set-ups (understandable since those are costly to create) for photography. It would have been more effective for all parties concerned to have clear and proper signages put up, to inform members of the audience the permissible and forbidden areas.

 

Anyway, love ultimately conquers all and the touching tale wraps up with an elaborate wedding procession which takes place outside the event hall. The dialogue is a mixture of Mandarin, Malay and Chinese Hokkien dialect with English subtitles shown on various TV screen mounted around the theatre setting area.

Catch NYONYA MEMOIRS every Friday to Sunday at 4pm and 8pm at Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall. Tickets are priced at RM52 per adult for MyKad holders and RM26 - per child 7-15 years old (MyKad holder) and senior citizen (60 years old above). Non MyKad holders pay RM66 and RM33 respectively. For ticketing enquiries, call tel: +6 018 663 9696 or visit www.nyonyamemoirs.com

GO WESTIN KL FOR JUADAH IFTAR

Ayam Percik is one of my fave finds from The Living Room's Juadah Iftar spread this year.
Suffused with bright turmeric flavour, the moist, slightly smoky meat tastes even better with an accompanying spicy and creamy sauce.

Also included in the indulgent spread for the breaking of fast are delicious multi-racial dishes such as the Indian Muslim speciality of Nasi Kandar. Get the chef to mix the different types of curry gravy for you - I only sampled the Daging Kandar, a 'dry' beef curry redolent with heady ground spices but it was enough to make a lasting impression.

Humble but chockful of satisfying flavours is the kampung evergreen of Sayur Lodeh - our local version of ratatouille which has chopped cabbage, carrot, long beans, beancurd sticks (fu chuk) and glass noodles cooked in coconut milk, turmeric and other spices. 

Spice fiends can enjoy their fill of curries and masak lemak dishes too. Notable picks will include Sambal Petai Sotong, Ketam Masak Lemak and Asam Pedas Oxtail; bursting with deep-seated and robust spice nuances, they bear ample testaments to Malaysia's traditional food heritage.

I'm also partial to the dizzying array of Ulam and Kerabu selection - unbeatable choices to whet the appetite before one tackles heavier mains. Try some Kerabu Glass Noodle and Spicy Kerabu Wing Beans before succumbing to piping hot Bubur Lambuk and Nasi Briyani with Roast Lamb.

 

Some hawker's fare such as Assorted Fritters, Roti John, Murtabak, Ikan Bakar and Satay also make their comeback by popular demand. In addition, contemporary offerings: Roast Snapper with Chive Cream Sauce, Roast Beef Carvery and Hot Pot Selection lend the buffet an international feel.

 

For the sweet-toothed, The Westin KL chefs has pulled out the stops for their staggering dessert showcase. The wonderland of fruits, cakes, ice cream (fried ice cream served on request), puddings, sweet broths, cookies, chocolate pralines and other confections is a sight to behold and wickedly delightful.

You won't have enough tummy room to fit everything in so be selective and either surrender to your preferred morsels or aim for more inventive creations that catch the eye.

Sticklers for tradition will like the plethora of Kuihs and old-school Bubur while modern palates may prefer the wide variety of frosted cakes and creamy puddings.

Applause should go to Malay Chef Abdul Hallim Sultan and Chef De Cuisine Boobalan Arumugam who are responsible for spearheading the culinary team, tasked with cooking up the Juadah Iftar feast.

Priced at RM148 per adult and RM74 per child, the Juadah Iftar buffet will be available until 15 July 2015. For reservations, call The Living Room, tel:03-2773 8338.