Trading Stories: Conversations with Six Pioneering Tradesmen April 13, 2013

Info (website, email address or telephone): www.nhb.gov.sg/tradingstories

Trading Stories: Conversations with Six Pioneering Tradesmen is a community exhibition on old trades in Singapore and how tradesmen have coped with the challenge of changing times. Featuring the lives of six individuals who have made their living as a traditional goldsmith, movie poster painter, tukang urut or Malay confinement lady, Samsui woman, poultry farmer and letter writer, the exhibition sheds light on some of Singapore’s old trades through their personal stories– stories of sacrifices and struggles, of passion and fortitude, of entrepreneurial courage and adaptability.

This community exhibition at the Stamford Gallery also features numerous community contributions such as the loan of private keepsakes, locally produced documentaries and a community photography exhibit on old local trades. Members of the public are also invited to contribute to the exhibition by sharing their personal memories and stories of old trades in Singapore.

A special series of street theatre performances and trade demonstrations in conjunction with the Trading Stories: Conversations with Six Pioneering Tradesmen exhibition.

• Wayang Kulit performance
Date: 25 May 2013, Saturday
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Venue: The Glass Atrium at the National Museum of Singapore
Admission fees: Street performances and trade demonstrations are open to visitors of all ages and no prior registration is required.
Info (website, email address or telephone): For enquiries, please email [email protected].

In this performance, let the Dalang, or “Puppetmaster” tell you the story of how Singapore got its name through the enchanting world of wayang kulit (shadow puppetry). The first story, Singapura, is the tale of how Sang Nila Utama, the Prince of Sumatra, came to an island that was then known as Temasek. It was there that he saw a lion, or “Singa” in his native tongue, and decided to name the island “Singapura” (Lion City).
The second story comes from the Indian epic Ramayana. Join us and learn how Prince Rama, who was the incarnation of the God Vishnu, struggled to free his beautiful wife Sita, who had been abducted by the horrible ogre, King Ravana.
Both performances will be brought to you by Sri Warisan, a performing arts company founded by renowned cultural Medallion recipient Madam Som Said.

• Traditional Rattan Basket Weaving demonstration
Date: 26 May 2013, Sunday
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Venue: The Glass Atrium at the National Museum of Singapore
Admission fees: Street performances and trade demonstrations are open to visitors of all ages and no prior registration is required.
Info (website, email address or telephone): For enquiries, please email [email protected].

Witness the skills of the traditional rattan basket weaver and try your hand at weaving one yourself.