the Bangsawan (malay opera), is said
to be a lost theatre artform. In the pre-war years it enjoyed a wide following
from royalty to housewives.
we look into this theatre craft which once captured and fascinated theatre goers of its time. we also look into the lives of the personalities who enthralled the spectators with their talent and charisma.
as for the future of bangsawan perhaps a small legacy left behind by the bangsawan great - khairo dean, (in the form of a compilation of Bangsawan scripts) may yet see an appreciation of this artform as a genre of malay theatre arts. like shakespearean plays They still have something to offer present and future theatre buffs.
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Profile
of a Bangsawan actor extraordinaire
K
Dean also known as Tairu at the age of approximately 65 years
K Dean at about 50 years of
age in police uniform. He served for a few years on the Singapore Volunteer
Police Reserve Unit holding the rank of Inspector just after World War
II.
An unflattering portrait of
Cik Wan Tijah - K Dean's wife- taken when she ws in her late 40s.
K Dean with his wife, two
of his daughers and friends enjoying an el fresco satay meal - a pre-World
War II picture. In his hey-day he was feted by Malayan royalty and showered
with trophies and medeals and valuable gifts by his adoring fans.
Edah - One of K Dean's daughters.
Another
photograph of Edah. Note the hairstyles and fashion of the day.
A scene showing performers
on the Bangsawan stage. Note the props - stage wings and a painted canvas
backdrop.
The Bansawan musicians
- note how professionally dressed they were in jackets and bows. Like today's
stage plays they usually play in the pit in front of the stage. This photograph
was taken with the band on stage.
To hobbycrafts workshop
To
Tradisi Kampung
To
verses
To home recipes