Melaka today has more to offer than merely food and Jonker Walk.
Both may still be the first and foremost focus when one plans a trip to Melaka, but I’m telling you now that your itinerary should include the Nyonya Memoirs IF you are in the historical city on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
I’m a cynical 30+ old woman, whose interests are solely shopping, food and sports. As a popular influencer I’ve had my fair share of media trips to numerous countries, and had sat through countless theatre shows.
Nyonya Memoirs is not The House on Dancing Water, nor is it Moulin Rouge or Nanda, but for the ticket price and within the budget and limitation of talent and space, Nyonya Memoirs certainly hold its own.
Expect the unexpected, for this isn’t your typical sit-down show and may require a bit of moving about.
Fret not though, for if you are prone to wearing high heels like me, or just feeling plain lazy, movements can be minimal.
Should you wish to remain inert, no one would chastise you either.
In fact, you are even invited to have tea halfway through the show!
BELOW: Beware of some touching and painful scenes that will leave you with a lump in your throat.
I have had low expectations, yet found myself intrigued with the show nonetheless.
The plot is almost cliche; the ending predictable, but the set up, the flow of the performance as well as the ernest execution of roles by the actors are commendable.
I enjoyed myself during the 45 minutes (thereabouts) performance, and walked away with a sense of pride that this is locally produced show and is certainly not a bad way of spending a hot afternoon in Melaka.
Besides, one has to stop eating at some point right? 🙂
Take a break and stroll the 600 meters set of Nyonya Memoirs, beginning with a walk down memory lane just right after the ticket entrance.
It is designed to take on the look and feel of old town Melaka and the decor, lighting, furniture and props are centered on the tradition and customs of the Baba Nyonyas.
The performance itself is played out in a mix of Mandarin and Peranakan dialect. I’m a banana (Chinese with no knowledge of the language) but I managed through the facial expressions of the actors and the subtitles provided on screen.
I won’t spoil it further for all of you but rest assured that it is sufficiently entertaining for the young, the very young, the old and the hipsters. 🙂
Nyonya Memoirs is Hatten’s Group 1st foray into the Art and Cultural sector and this RM8 million project aims to highlight the local culture as well as to promote appreciation for Melaka’s Peranakan Heritage.
The Hatten Group is certainly transforming tourism for both locals & foreigners. The inspiration for this project is in line with the State Government’s goals to promote Melaka as a historical city and is expected to draw in an estimate of 500,000 additional tourists to Melaka, supporting Melaka’s 2015 State Tourism plans.
BELOW: Sneak peek of the Nyonya Memoirs set:
So do come to enjoy the 1st ever fully interactive live theatre production Nyonya Memoirs; and cap off the entire Peranakan experience with a stay in Estadia by Hatten, a luxury Peranakan home-style boutique accommodation.
Estadia is connected to Hatten Hotel, which is in turn linked to Terminal Pahlawan as well Melaka’s biggest mall – Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall.
Terminal Pahlawan is relatively new for now, but I see the potential of it being an air-conditioned Jonker Street, with most of its outlets offering popular local delicacies, local souvenirs, traditional wear and knick-knacks similarly to the infamous street.
The new Terminal Pahlawan:
Check out the Teddy Bear Cafe!
What to buy: Food, clothes, traditional garb and modern wear.
Another aspect of Terminal Pahlawan that I like – there are Peranakan decorative elements along the Melaka’s first indoor ‘heritage street’ connecting Estadia to the mall and each of these traditional item includes a short narration/backgound which really helps to instill better understanding of them.
Personally I think lighting should be less dim and hopefully more shops are opening soon to transform the entire “heritage street” to be as lively as it should be.
There is a food court within as well, and I look forward to it being fully operational soon. It would be great if it offers good Peranakan food and snacks under one roof – mayhap something like our Hutong?
Sypnosis:
Nyonya Memoirs spins the a fateful tale of a young couple where (female lead) Bao Zhu, who hails from a wealthy, established Nyonya family fell in love and accepts the proposal from the love of her life, Zhang Min, a poor, common Baba.
Their engagement was frowned upon as Bao Zhu’s powerful and prominent family forbids the union.
Divided by their social differences and driven to the deepest depths of heartache, can the true love between Bao Zhu and Zhang Min rise above to conquer all?
Nyonya Memoirs:
Showtime: Every Fri, Sat, Sun 4pm or 8pm
Tics: Adult: RM98 (promo 66)
Child: (7-15 yrs) RM49 (promo 33)
MyKad holders: Adult RM52, Child RM26
VENUE: Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall
ooo, the performance does look interesting. coincidentally i was just in malacca this past weekend for a two-day visit, but i didn’t know about this! 🙂
Yes, the Hatten Group is pushing for more coverage of this production & I hope my post will reach out to many so they will go and watch! 🙂
I wish I’ve known u were in Melaka! We could have chendol together! 😀
When did this started? I don’t remember seeing this when I was there in January 2015? It looks amazing though. I’m going there this August, hopefully it’s still there.