Why was Emily chosen to be married into the Gan family?
What’s Up: The story behind Emily. Once upon a time, there was a Peranakan woman named Emily Gan. Her parents died when she was young, so her relatives married her off to a rich man when she was just 14 years old. Slowly, she learned to control the other members of her new family, so that she was the one in charge.
Is Emily of Emerald Hill a true story?
Kon has borrowed much from her grandmother’s home, Oberon on Emerald Hill while the character of Emily is very loosely based on her grandmother, Polly Tan, who married Mr. Seow Poh Leng.
Who is the patriarch of Emily of Emerald Hill?
In “Emily of Emerald Hill,” Tan Boo Liat’s expansive life-style is memorialized in the character of family patriarch, Mr Gan Eng Swee.
Why is Emerald Hill historically significant?
Emerald Hill was the site of a former nutmeg orchard which started to take shape as a residential neighbourhood in the early 1900s. The area was acquired in 1900 by businessmen Seah Eng Kiat and Seah Boon Kang, who then sold smaller parcels of land to new owners to build terrace houses and shophouses.
Is Emily of Emerald Hill a good mother?
Emily is determined to be a protective mother to her children, so much so that they will forever be dependent on her as she sees this as her only way to exert power and control over them.
What year was Emily of Emerald Hill set?
1929
Premise. In 1929, fourteen year old Emily arrives at Oberon Mansion, the Gan family home located in the Peranakan enclave of Emerald Hill in Singapore. She is to be married to her cousin.
What is Peranakan culture?
Peranakan culture is usually described as a hybrid of Chinese, Malay and Western cultures. While specific cultural practices and customs may differ from generation to generation and family to family, there are a few elements common to Peranakan culture. One such element is the language.
How did Emerald Hill get its name?
The name described the elevated area which rose above land that was mostly swampy, on alluvial soil and sand. The hill is a protruding area of volcanic origin, giving rise to green vegetation which contrasted with the dun-coloured, swampy vegetation.
What was Orchard Road in the past?
The early days of Orchard Road [1830-1900] But during the 1830s, the location was a tree-flanked dirt road, lined with pepper farms, nutmeg plantations and fruit orchards, with the latter giving the stretch its contemporary name. Instead of malls, the area was filled with houses and bungalows.
What is South Melbourne famous for?
The main commercial district is centred on Clarendon Street and side streets, including an area around the South Melbourne Market, with many retailers, cafes, eateries, art galleries and more. Like the Melbourne CBD, there are many small laneways in South Melbourne, most of them cobbled in bluestone.
Why is Orchard called Orchard?
Orchard Road got its name from the nutmeg, pepper and fruit orchards or the plantations that the road once led to. Such plantations were common in the area in the 19th century.
Why is Orchard Road so popular?
Every shopper’s paradise Feel the pulse of the city at Orchard Road, home to endless shopping and entertainment options. Tang Plaza, Ion Orchard,and more at Orchard Road. You’ll be spoilt for choice at Orchard Road, where luxury hotels, world-class malls and fine dining await you at every turn.
What race is Peranakan?
In Singapore today, the term “Peranakan” generally refers to a person of mixed Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage. Many Singapore Peranakans trace their origins to 15th-century Malacca, where their ancestors were thought to be Chinese traders who married local women.
How can you tell if someone is Peranakan?
A quick search online suggests that a person is Peranakan if either the father or mother is Peranakan, and should be considered Peranakan as long as one has some Peranakan ancestry.
Why was Melbourne called Emerald Hill?
Emerald Hill was the name given to the municipality of South Melbourne during the period 1855-83. The name described the elevated area which rose above land that was mostly swampy, on alluvial soil and sand.
What is Emily of Emerald Hill about?
Emily of Emerald Hill is a monodrama. Emily is the matriarch of a wealthy Peranakan family in Singapore, and Emerald Hill is the family home, a lavish mansion surrounded by expansive lawns. But tonight, that opulence does not translate to the stage: a coat stand, two chairs, two tables, a telephone. Chua is the sole performer.
Is Emily of Emerald Hill a monodrama?
When actress Pearlly Chua, who plays Emily, walked onto the stage and addressed an invisible son, Richard, I had my doubts. Emily of Emerald Hill is a monodrama. Emily is the matriarch of a wealthy Peranakan family in Singapore, and Emerald Hill is the family home, a lavish mansion surrounded by expansive lawns.
Is emilyemily of Emerald Hill worth a read?
Emily of Emerald Hill is a play I recommend to all, especially to Malaysians and Singaporeans. It is not often that we see our story so well described and performed in Adelaide. The second and final performance is next Monday, 4 June, 2018.
Who wrote Emily of Emerald Hill?
Stella Kon wrote Emily of Emerald Hill, drawing upon her Peranakan family background and experiences growing up in Singapore in the mid-20 th century. The play won the Singapore National Playwriting Competition in 1983.