Musical showcases Chinese folk songs
KUALA LUMPUR: To preserve Chinese linguistic traditions, especially the ancestral dialects, Asia Musical Production is staging a musical featuring folk songs delivered in these dialects.
Ho Lin Huay, director of Asia Musical Production, which has been showcasing Chinese performing arts for 16 years, says it is important to remind the Chinese community of their origins.
Thus, the musical she has put together – aptly called “Tale of 4 Dialects” – will feature Hakka, Hokkien, Teochew and Cantonese folk songs.
“Today many young people do not speak these dialects although some may understand them.
“The dialects are slowing fading away from daily communications.
“Many speak Mandarin but Mandarin is something you can learn; not the dialects which originate from the ancestors,” she told theSun.
Ho said while the Chinese community in Malaysia has preserved the authentic ancestral cultures and traditions, the present and future generations must also show interest in maintaining the traditions.
“This musical consists of four short stories in different dialect which will feature its own folk songs.
“The four short stories on love, hope and home will showcase simple life stories,” she said.
The musical is a tribute to our parents and grandparents, added Ho.
Coming from a Hakka family, Ho recalled how her late mother used to recite some old Hakka verses.
She said she could not remember them as she had not paid much attention at the time.
“My mother always said ‘it is okay to sell the ancestor’s home but never sell the voice of your ancestors’.
“My mother passed away last year, I regret I didn’t record her reciting some of the old Hakka verses.”
The Asia Musical Productions, one of the biggest musical producers in Malaysia is known for some of its productions including Princess Wen Cheng, Siddhartha and Above Full Moon.
“Tales of 4 Dialects” will be held on Nov 21, 22, 28 and 29 at The Pentas 1, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC).
It will feature a cast of 28, including Edward Blue, Alana Sim, Lee Elaine, Liow Jun Yi, Jazz Law, and a band of six led by music arranger and music director Yuan Leow Yunn.
There will also be a Chinese food and handicraft bazaar “Taste of Memory in the Park” in conjunction with the musical.
The tickets are priced at RM253, RM183, RM153, RM123 and RM83 with 20% discount for group purchase of six tickets and more and 10% discount for students, senior citizens and the disabled.
Visit www.asiamusicalproductions. com or www.ticketpro.com.my or call 018-2666900 / 03-22762077 for more information.