“History according to the Dollies“
Reviewer: Gloria Ho
Performance: 12 June 2015
A cup full of sequins, a dash of quick-witted puns and a pinch of sociopolitical commentary are just some of the main ingredients found in this steaming Dim Sum Dollies production. Throw in the myriad of flashy costumes, extensive (2D) set pieces, disco lighting, a live band. Of course there is the highly-energetic dance routines faultlessly executed by the sextet – Loh Mai Guys.
Dim Sum Dollies : The History of Singapore Part 1 returns for a re-run after its successful debut back in 2007. We retrace major periods from Sang Nila Utama’s discovery of this little island to the “Nanyang” period when opium dens and brothels were common to the early independent days of Singapore.
In Dim Sum Dollies’ version of history, the shtick is the juxtaposing of elements from different eras forming little vignettes – often to hilarious effect. Sang Nila Utama meets a modern sales person; Rickshaw pullers encounter a parking attendant – the juxtapositions do present interesting viewpoints. While most work, some feel strangely misplaced (like the Irish missionaries disciplining a Singlish-speaking, pinafore-wearing school girl).
The joyous chemistry that Selena Tan, Pam Oei, Denise Tan and Hossan Leong exhibit manages to excite and keep the audience in suspense. Individually, each Dollie (I think Leong qualifies as an honourary Dollie) demonstrate versatility and command a strong stage presence. Collectively, they complement each other without stealing anyone’s limelight.
The main draw of a Dim Sum Dollies show is surely the easily recognized local jibs and references. The mischievous plays on acronyms, nudge-in-ribs references to local sentiments, to issues such as MRT breakdowns and witty comments made in dialects may have disoriented, excluded the foreigners but these delight the locals.
The lightning quick costume and set changes are impressive and help maintain the brisk pace of the production. The production ran like clockwork – with Selena Tan incorporating the cleaning up of the streamers into her own segment – a brilliant move.
The sociopolitical commentaries are, however, weak. They are amusing but do no more than to remind us and reinforce what we know. Perhaps it is time for the Dim Sum Dollies to relook at their formula and whip up something with more bite.
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ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
DIM SUM DOLLIES: THE HISTORY OF SINGAPORE PART 1 by Dream Academy
5- 21 June 2015,
Esplanade Theatre
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Gloria Ho is a fresh graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the National University of Singapore. She is an avid theatre-goer ever since she was introduced to the local theatre scene through her minor in Theatre Studies.
