Actors enacting a traditional wedding ceremony during the play ‘Our Clan Jetties’ by Nineties Production at Chew Jetty in George Town, Penang. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
IN ORDER to share the rich heritage of the Penang clan jetties in Weld Quay with the outside world, a fifth generation resident in Chew Jetty has willingly converted her wooden house on stilts into an auditorium.
Chew Siew Pheng, 42, turned three out of the five bedrooms into a hall for live theatrical performances titled ‘Folklore By The Sea’ which tells the history and development of the clan jetties from the 1880s.
“There are seven clans here in total in Weld Quay. Besides Chew, there are also the Ong, Lim, Tan, Lee, Yeoh and the Koay clans.
“The community here was started by pioneer Chinese immigrants and their houses were built on stilts above the sea and connected by wooden walkways.
“Although some of the structures have evolved over time, the jetties’ old-world charm still exists.
“We hope our stories can be heard and passed down to our descendants,” said Chew during the launch of the auditorium recently.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the transformation was in line with the state’s effort to promote performing arts.
“George Town is full of interesting tales, and a lot of culture and heritage that we can share.
“Storytelling which has been practised in the early days through words or writing is still very effective until today,” he said.
Tickets for the storytelling sessions are priced at RM18 for adults and RM10 for children, while the play is priced at RM35 for adults and RM18 for children.
(The storytelling sessions are available on Monday to Thursday, the play on the weekends, and a mixture of both on Friday).
For bookings, call 014-2269549 or 011-6246 2884.
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