LATEST EVENT ON SMALL TALKS!
Drama workshops with seniors
First commissioned by PAssionARTS
We always hear of older folks who can speak a smattering of other languages. They may not be experts in those languages, but they can always make small talk with friends of other races or dialects.
In this 8-session workshop, a group of 14 elderly neighbours living at Hougang Avenue 3 gathered every week to share their stories from days past. Between 51 years old to 80 years old, the senior participants may not all speak the same language, but through the workshops, they managed to uncover stories of their lives in the neighbourhood, finding a common language of memory, through the colourful tapestry of small talk.
我们总认识几个除了自己的母语以外，还会讲很多种方言，英语，甚至马来语，印度语的人。他们不算精通，但至少可以跟长者与左邻右舍亲切地话家常。如今，母语、方言已经很少人会说了，祖辈的很多故事是否也会随之消失？
你认为“家”在哪里？ 对居住在后港3道的十几位老居民而言，家是养鸡养鸭，上山挑水，跟弟妹抢东西吃，看五毛钱一出戏的地方。在剧场导演韩雪卿的引导与构思下，她们穿越时空，用潮州话、马来话一起回忆儿时精彩的趣事，闲话家常。来跟我们一起话家常吧！
“It is a privilege for me, at 80 years old still has a chance to go up stage and hold a microphone. All these years in my life, I do not have a chance to do so.” – Toh Kim Hong
“…Ms Jalyn Han listened to our kampong stories, she choreographed and turned it into a small talk performance. She patiently taught us how to overcome forgetfulness, be natural, presentation skills and we also enjoyed ourselves thoroughly…” – Irene Soon
“The performance at Kovan Hub and Kallang CC has given me confidence, joy and a victorious spirit. The sharing of the era between 1950s to 1960s has indeed given our younger generation an understanding of what is it like at that time…” – Lee Theng Inn
“My granddaughter is very proud that I, almost 80 years old have the opportunity to perform despite being wheelchair bound.” – Tan Tnar Chuan (po-zua auntie)
*Quotes has been translated to English
文：傅容慧
在时间的长河里60年不算什么。可是在我生长的土地里，
庭音阿姨说，她孙子都不会讲华语，只讲英语，
当时我们都笑了，可是我回想起这个故事，只觉得心里一阵酸。
众阿姨们异口同声说:以前看到5分钱就会捡，积少成多！
五嫂育有二男六女，在物资匮乏的年代还可以这么”多产”，
《话家常》是2013年百盛艺术节的项目之一，笔者为此项目的制作助理。