GEORGE TOWN, December 14 – The 10-day Peranakan Penang festival which kicks off on December 17, will feature among others, a gala fashion showcase, musical showcases, tours, food and Nyonya-themed workshops funded by the Federal Government investment arm, MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd under the Creative Industry Recovery Grant via PENJANA (Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi Negara).
Organized and produced by eSolved MSC Sdn Bhd in partnership with Joe Sidek Productions, the Peranakan Penang festival will consist of both physical events and also live streaming of the main events on major online platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Programmes will include talks, exhibitions, fashion showcase, tours, food and drinks presentations, along with performances by prominent Peranakan personalities, scholars, artists, designers and entrepreneurs.
Penang landmarks which include the historic Eastern & Oriental Hotel, the Chinese Straits Eclectic-inspired Pinang Peranakan Mansion which once served as the former residence of Kapitan China Chung Keng Quee and the island’s tourism icon – its trishaws – will serve as backdrops for many of the festival’s events.
Peranakan Penang will include Peranakan-inspired tours, a night of ‘ronggeng’ and ‘joget’ dancing, an afternoon of Dondang Sayang, the presentation of Peranakan Chinese and Peranakan Jawi cuisines, workshops on ronggeng, Nyonya food and embroidery, and also on manik (beaded) shoe-making. Also on display will be a special collection of Peranakan Batik from Lasem and Pekalongan in Java, with vintage kebayas from Penang.
“This physical plus online streaming hybrid model is perfect for the current COVID-19 endemic period. For those who can attend physically, this adds to the festivity and atmosphere. Those who can’t make it can watch it live and still be part of the festivity. So, it’s the best of both worlds!” enthuses festival producer, Charles Tang. MyCreative continues to play its part in helping to promote and support the creative industries by offering loans and grants, training and knowledge sharing especially in enhancing digital skills and marketing efforts online.
Some of the Peranakan Penang festival highlights include:
- – Peranakan Penang Fashion Show (opening highlight for Peranakan Penang) 17 December, 8:30PM, Eastern & Oriental Hotel
A special fashion presentation by designers Ranndy Goh, Kenny Loh, betterthanblouses, Jing Ooi, Shasha’s Collection with special jewellery rounds from Jonathan Yun Sculptural Jewelry and Nam Loong Fine Jewellery.
- – Jazz Ethnic & Peranakan Keronchong
22 December, 8:30PM, Dewan Sri Pinang
Performed by the acclaimed UiTM Chamber Pop Orchestra, this show promises an evening of eclectic recital of classical and contemporary Peranakan keronchong songs.
- – Malam Keronchong & Ronggeng
25 December, 8:30PM, Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Join us for a Peranakan Christmas evening with soulful Keronchong performances by renowned songbird Janet Lee accompanied by the WVC Jazz, and followed by the NusPARC Ronggeng Ensemble. Don your best kebaya and dance the Peranakan Penang style of ronggeng along with the performers!
- – Sembang Peranakan – The Straits Chinese Peranakans & the Jawi Peranakan
19 December, 3:00PM & 21 December, 5:30PM, Bangunan UAB
A weekend of presentations and panel discussions by some of the most prominent personalities of the Straits Chinese Peranakan and Jawi Peranakan on subjects related to the communities.
- – Peranakan Batik Exhibition – Pekalongan, Lasem & Penang
17 – 26 December, 10:00AM – 6:00PM, Bangunan UAB
This exhibition showcases some of the finest and intricate batik pieces produced by the Peranakan communities in Penang and Indonesia, curated by Ivan Gabriel.
- – Jawi Peranakan of Penang Exhibition
17 – 26 December, 10:00AM – 6:00PM, 7&9 King Street
A special pop-up exhibition showcasing the history and heritage of the Jawi Peranakan community in Penang.
- – Belai Feat. Bunga & Amsyar Leee (Music Video)
Online in fb.com/peranakanpenang
Commissioned music video in partnership with Warner Music released in conjunction with Peranakan Penang.
Watch out for more updates and programme releases by Peranakan Penang through the official website at https://peranakanpenang.com/ and the official Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/peranakanpenang.
