Little Nonya

It has been a while since Mediacorp came up with a drama series that is worth catching. LIttle Nonya is the latest local drama series to air at the 9 o’clock prime time spot.

This series aims to educate people about the Peranakan way of life. The producer or script writer in my opinion is rather smart in introducing facts about the Peranakan way of life subtly. FIrst you have the accidental flipping of a book that showcased ancient photos of Babas and Bibis. Thereafter, almost every episode tells the tales of the Peranakan culture like for instance Tok Panjang (or long table) in which guests would have to sit through a 12 course meal. I think this drama series scores in terms of both educational value and entertainment value.

Even before this drama series was aired on the telly, I have always had a fond likeness towards Peranakan culture. My best primary school mate was of Peranakan descent and I have always thought she was pretty. Peranakan culture is a combination of rich flavoured food (just imagine 九层糕 or 9 layered cake, Kueh Kosui, Ang Koo Kueh and Onde Onde. Heaven!), detailed embroidery (till this day I am eyeing at my grandma’s coin purse) and colourful china. There are also intricate traditional rules to follow.

Though the Little Nonya is supposedly a sob sob show to reveal the traditions of Peranakan like it is hard for a girl to choose her own fate (in marriage) or that a female’s marriageability often depends highly on whether she has good embroidery skills and more importantly cullinary skills. Nonetheless, it is high time that Singapore has a local film that showcase a part of our heritage and I believe that Little Nonya has done us proud.