Dim Sum and History!

Wong Pei Yee|jesusofsuburbia87@gmail.com
the ridge transmedia
A NUSSU Publication

Dim Sum Dollies in The History of Singapore
Esplanade Theatre
21 to 28 Feb 08, 8pm
Ticket Price: from $38

Picture Credit: http://www.yum.sg/

“It’s some Singapore propaganda,” mumbles some middle-aged Caucasian at the end of the show.

That’s something to be said when you have an entire theatre waving little Singapore flags like it was National Day Parade come early, seemingly high on patriotism and nationalistic fervor.

Picture Credit: Wong Pei Yee

However, back for a second run in theatres, it’s not hard to see and understand the popular appeal of Dim Sum Dollies in The History of Singapore! and the Dim Sum Dollies themselves.

Played by seasoned theatre actresses Pam Oei, Selena Tan and Emma Yong, the Dim Sum Dollies were a delight to watch and listen to as they delivered the show with a sincerity and heart that left one warm and fuzzy. Much credit must also go to Chopstick, played by Hossan Leong for his impeccable comic timing and craft.

Employing the somewhat well-worn formula that Dream Academy Theatre has used in previous productions (Multiple Personalities Disorder, Broadway Beng), Dim Sum Dollies in The History of Singapore! explores Singapore history and cultural icons such as samsui women, the Singapore Girl and the Sarong Party Girl with a good mix of slapstick and satirical humour and as a conclusion, celebrate the diversity of the country as a feel good end to the production.

In this case, this involved singing National Day songs that run the gamut of official languages from Mandarin to Tamil. One almost suspects that this trio of cabaret singers actually works for the National Education department of the government.

Picture Credit: Wong Pei Yee

Like the Caucasian above, it is easy to dismiss the show as “propaganda” for its schtick and tackiness. However, take a closer look and it might be hard to ignore the light-hearted sarcasm that surface in the script ever so often. Furthermore, cleverly using history as a veil to the commentary on current issues, the Dim Sum Dollies walk the line between provoking and humouring the authorities as well as the audience.

For example, “Singapore was found on a liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeee… lion,” they sing while enacting Sang Nila Utama’s naming of the island. In the segment “Be My Ang Moh”, there is cutting observations made of the Sarong Party Girl and the Western expatriate while “Dirty very dirty Pirates” and “Luckily” were excellent and completely accessible political satire. There are slightly weak links like “Five Spice” and “Samsui Women” but there are more hits than misses within these segments.

Though the production’s facile and formulaic conclusion might raise some foreign and jaded local eyebrows, look beyond the surface and you’ll find that the Dream Academy Theatre has not only hit on a winning formula but has touched a vein and moved local hearts, achieving what politicians and policymakers will never be able to do: presenting society with a way to understand society, smirks and all.

Around since 2002, into their fourth production and still going strong, one can only look forward to what the Dim Sum Dollies have up their feather boas and sequins next.

The writer and her friend (next to Selena Tan) with the Dim Sum Dollies.

Dim Sum Dollies in The History of Singapore! ends its run today (Thu, 28 Feb 08) at the Esplanade Theatre. Tickets are selling fast and are available through www.sistic.com.sg or by calling the SISTIC Hotline at 6348 5555.