HAMID bin Ahmad (Haji)
Vanishing Trades,
Accession Number 000897
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 10
Total Reels
- Mohd Yussoff Ahmad
Interviewer
- 04:49:00
Total Running Time
- Malay
Language
Copyright Notice
All rights to the recordings and transcripts on this website, including the rights to copy, publish, broadcast and perform, are reserved. Written permission is required for any use. If you have any queries, please contact nas@nlb.gov.sg
Reel/Disc 1 of 10
Metadata
- 8 Oct 1987
Recording Date
- 00:29:04
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Personal background. His early life and employment. His parents. Early interest in bangsawan. Father's friends - Aman Belon, Putih Lawak, etc. Often went to see performance by Din Tijah Opera at Happy World Amusement Park. Bangsawan stories included Puteri Bidasari, Dandan Setia, Yatim Mustaffa, etc. Performed in tent cinemas, also at Queen's and Garrick Theatres.
Remarks
Also interviewed for Communities of Singapore Pt 3 Acc no. 000960.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 10
Metadata
- 8 Oct 1987
Recording Date
- 00:27:24
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Bangsawan over radio. Wrote script with Japanese social background. The word bangsawan means members of upper class or noble persons. Probably early troupes founded by members of royal families. First bangsawan in Singapore around 1880s. Songs and music with Indian influence. Opera troupes - Indra Zanibar, Indra Ratu, Star Opera. Proprietor Baba Bongkok. Alhambra, Royal and Diamond Theatres.
Remarks
Also interviewed for Communities of Singapore Pt 3 Acc no. 000960.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 3 of 10
Metadata
- 8 Oct 1987
Recording Date
- 00:28:31
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Handsome and beautiful players must be able to sing. Popular performers. Gifts from audience. Din Tijah Opera was popular. Factors that caused splits. Formed Nahar Opera. Comedians Aman Belon, Hassan Temberang etc. A bangsawan story staged nightly for a week or more, in parts, as its length required. Seats even reserved for a month or more by well-to-do audience.
Remarks
Also interviewed for Communities of Singapore Pt 3 Acc no. 000960.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 4 of 10
Metadata
- 11 Dec 1987
Recording Date
- 00:29:32
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
1910s the golden period for bangsawan. Din Tijah Opera was popular. Other troupes - Indra Ratu, Indra Zanibar, etc. Mamak Pusi, a Persian, from Penang. Prima donna, Misi Gafor, though limping but a good songstress. In 1930s, Pak Khairuddin (Tairu) was popular hero. Main players should be versatile. In 1940s, bangsawan inactive. Japanese songs in `extra turns'. Salaries of performers based on towkay's own assessment.
Remarks
Also interviewed for Communities of Singapore Pt 3 Acc no. 000960.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 5 of 10
Metadata
- 11 Dec 1987
Recording Date
- 00:29:11
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Less money or dud coins included in salary was indication of towkay's or proprietor's dislike. Ill treatments by towkays. After the war, many small troupes. Bad facilities. Good peformers less in number; troupe took whatever available. 70% of bangsawan performers moved to film productions. Bangsawan over radio.
Remarks
Also interviewed for Communities of Singapore Pt 3 Acc no. 000960.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 6 of 10
Metadata
- 11 Dec 1987
Recording Date
- 00:29:58
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Scripts for bangsawan. Srikandi Bangsawan. His first script based on Japanese social background. In late 1970s, bangsawan revived. Bangsawan personalities. Ministry of Community Development's support. Bangsawan in Malaya before and after the war; difference in treatment and attendance. After the war, bangsawan in both countries faced same problems. His comments on new style of bangsawan presentation.
Remarks
Also interviewed for Communities of Singapore Pt 3 Acc no. 000960.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 7 of 10
Metadata
- 11 Dec 1987
Recording Date
- 00:28:32
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
His comments on Jenaka Bangsawan (comical bangsawan). Ali Munsyi was first to stage bangsawan with Malay cultural influence. Present public critical response. Bangsawan is unique. Could stage any story based on any cultural or social background. His hope that members of Sri Anggerik and enthusiasts study seriously about bangsawan and its tradition. Modification.
Remarks
Also interviewed for Communities of Singapore Pt 3 Acc no. 000960.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 8 of 10
Metadata
- 11 Dec 1987
Recording Date
- 00:29:19
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Curtains and costumes. Script writings. Ministry's assistance. Workshop for script writers. Special style in bangsawan dialogue. His optimism. What caused them to be members of bangsawan troupes. Part-time employment. Musicians, composers, curtain painters and make-up artists. Salaries 50cents to $5 per day. Tukang buka cerita (story producer) narrated chosen story for performance. Dialogues left to players.
Remarks
Also interviewed for Communities of Singapore Pt 3 Acc no. 000960.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 9 of 10
Metadata
- 11 Dec 1987
Recording Date
- 00:27:34
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Usual message of good and bad deeds with appropriate endings. Competition for better roles among players. The towkay's choice. Director chose cast. Rehearsal during the day. Impromptu dialogue. Court jesters also played important parts. `Darji' the dress maker. Costumes well looked after. Name `opera' changed to bangsawan in 1930s. Self make-up. Home-made celak (mascara).
Remarks
Also interviewed for Communities of Singapore Pt 3 Acc no. 000960.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 10 of 10
Metadata
- 11 Dec 1987
Recording Date
- 00:29:55
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Background music. Instruments: piano, violin, rebana, guitar, drums, etc. Piano was essential for background music. Foreign songs for `extra turns'. Gifts like money (coins), diamond ring tied or wrapped with a handkerchief thrown onto stage while performer was singing. Distribution of handbills. Posters. Also men ringing bells. Items before the show. Special treatment when members of royal families attended.
Remarks
Also interviewed for Communities of Singapore Pt 3 Acc no. 000960.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
