Echoes of history: "Lim Boon Keng – The Musical" at Jen Hotel
On Sunday, 14 July 2024, I had the pleasure of attending an enchanting evening at the Grand Ballroom of Jen Hotel. The occasion was the screening of "Lim Boon Keng – The Musical", thoughtfully paired with a Penang-Singapore people-to-people friendship dinner. The event combined cultural celebration, historical reflection and fine dining, creating a charming evening.
The evening commenced with a cocktail reception. The emcee, Dato' Lillian Tong Poh Kheng, Deputy President of The State Chinese (Penang) Association (SCPA), set the tone for the night. Desmond Moey then introduced the making of "Lim Boon Keng – The Musical", paving the way for two captivating cultural dances.
The Sayang Sayang dance troupe mesmerised the audience with Dayung Sampan, a Nyonya dance performance choreographed by Oon Suan See. Dato' Lillian Tong, among the Nyonya dancers, clad in beautiful kebayas, danced elegantly, exuding grace and tradition. After the dance, she highlighted that the graceful hand movements often represented the phoenix and were kept close. The Dayung Sampan dance, sponsored by Dato' Seri Tan Gin Soon, President of SCPA, was met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd. This was followed by an ancient Javanese dance by a troupe from Yogyakarta, whose intricate movements transported us to a different era.
The tributes to Lim Boon Keng continued with a recorded video message from Dr Poh Soo Kai, his grandson-in-law and Tan Kah Kee's grandson. Datuk Lim Chien Aun shared personal anecdotes as the son of Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, reminiscing about their times in Singapore. George Yeo's recollection of visiting Penang with Lee Kuan Yew added a deeply personal touch to the historical narrative. YAB Chief Minister Tuan Chow Kon Yeow delivered the welcome address, eloquently highlighting Lim Boon Keng's remarkable journey.
Following the tributes, a Chinese six-course dinner commenced, with each course individually plated and served. I particularly enjoyed the warm and hearty soup, as well as the parcel of aromatic rice, wrapped in a lotus leaf. The dessert, beautifully presented in a young coconut, was equally scrumptious, concluding the delightful meal. What made the evening even more special was the company of Aunty Suan See, Dato' Seri Tan, and my good friends from SCPA – Helen Yeo and her husband Norman, Loh Geok Lan and Teresa Kam. That evening also marked Helen and Norman's 11th wedding anniversary, adding a touch of celebration to the gathering.
During the dinner, Clement Liang, a founding member of the Wu Lien-teh Society, gave a brief presentation on the collaborations between Dr Lim Boon Keng and Dr Wu Lien-teh in Penang, Singapore and China. Alex Tan Tiong Hee provided a poignant recount of Dr Lim's experiences during World War II, including the extortion by the Japanese military government, adding depth and context to the evening's theme.
The much-anticipated screening of "Lim Boon Keng – The Musical" began. Written by Lim Boon Keng's great-granddaughter, Stella Kon and directed by Jeremiah Choy, with music by Desmond Moey, the musical serves as a poignant tribute to Lim Boon Keng. The high-definition projection and enhanced sound system at Jen Hotel ensured an immersive viewing experience, capturing the essence of this historical narrative. Stella Kon, renowned for her seminal one-woman play "Emily of Emerald Hill", which debuted more than three decades ago, continues to leave an indelible mark on Singaporean theatre.
Sebastian Tan's portrayal of Lim Boon Keng was powerful, capturing the essence of a man who was both celebrated and misunderstood. The musical highlighted his achievements and contributions, from founding schools and championing education for girls to his efforts in rallying public support for various causes. Despite being accused of collaborating with the Japanese during WWII, the musical sought to restore justice to his legacy, emphasising his integrity and dedication.
The evening at Jen Hotel was more than just a musical screening and dinner; it was a celebration of history, culture and friendship. "Lim Boon Keng The Musical" served as a sound reminder of the complexities of historical narratives and the importance of preserving legacies. The event was a fitting tribute to the enduring friendship between the people of Penang and Singapore, leaving everyone with a deep sense of appreciation for the shared history and cultural ties.
The musical screening and dinner were organised by the Commonwealth of World Chinatowns under the leadership of Winfred Khoo. Auntie Suan See must surely beam with pride for her son Winfred, whose efforts brought the intriguing story of Lim Boon Keng to Penang. Among the distinguished guests were former Singaporean minister George Yeo Yong-Boon and former Penang chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, alongside a gathering of friends including Khoo Salma, Marcus Langdon, Quah Seng San, Dato' Seri (Dr) Anwar Fazal, Loh Cheng Kooi, Loh Lean Kang, Mariam Lim, Ooi Lean See, Jaffre Yee, Dato' Peter Cheah Swee Huat, Lee Khai and many others.
The evening's reflection on the importance of preserving history for posterity left a lasting impact on me. As we immersed ourselves in the narrative of Lim Boon Keng's life and contributions, I was reminded of the profound role history plays in shaping our identities and understanding of the past. Preserving these stories ensures that future generations can learn from the struggles, triumphs and complexities of those who came before us, fostering a deeper appreciation for our cultural heritage and shared humanity.
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Written by Adrian Cheah
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14 July 2024