881 took me on an adventure, exploring the glitter and glamour of the getai scene which is

relatively unpopular and unknown among the younger generation in Singapore, given its
frequent association to being old-fashioned, exaggerated and catered only to the older group of
Singaporeans. 881, I would say, manage to cast getai in a different light. While preserving the
flamboyant nature of getai stages and classic renditions of Hokkien dialect music, it provides a
further glimpse to the getai industry. Scenes that show the Papaya Sisters and Sister Ling praying
to the gods before performances, along with practices of ‘da xiao ren (打小人)’ as a method of
defense against the Durian sisters as well as the avoidance of singing songs with negative
connotations in terms of lyrics or song titles hence displayed the getai’s association with the
supernatural and religion. The association of getai with religion is to no surprise given that the
getai shows functioned as entertainment for the spirits in the seventh month. The incorporation of
several Hokkien renditions with lyrics that express the character’s emotions and thoughts hence
emphasized on the ability of getai singers to connect with the audiences, who find the songs
relatable and which provides comfort and solace from their daily lives and problems. The movie
also included several elements of the getai, such as the unwritten laws of getai shows. To provide
an accurate portrayal of the getai scene, the movie included a character, Mr. Chen Jin Liang, an
actual getai king in Singapore who unfortunately passed away and highlighted his standing
among getai singers and irreplaceable representation of all getai singers. The movie also
presented a contrast between reality and fantasy. The getai stage exists as an escape from reality
for the Papaya sisters- they could forget about all their problems and chase after their passions
and dreams. Dressed in different costumes of different nationalities, they were given the
opportunity to escape Singapore in their fantasy and immense in the happiness brought along by
the stage. They are willing to give up their bright future, like how the Older Papaya was ready to
give up her academics to chase after the stage that she imagined in her fantasy. At the same time,
the getai stage also provided the basis for the fantasy world for the younger papaya, even after
her death to join the older papaya on stage in spirit.Lastly, the movie successfully highlighted
how the getai is slowly disappearing from the traditional Singaporean Chinese culture scene and
losing its appeal. The Durian sisters in the movie, who always performed techno music on stage,
spoke English and was often addressed by as ‘Ang Moh Liu Lian,' ‘defeated’ the Papaya Sisters
in their last battle. The fight between the Durian and Papaya sisters hence symbolized how
hybrid, Westernised pop culture is increasingly displacing traditional Chinese culture. Moreover,
the Durian sisters often spoke Hokkien and mandarin with a heavy English accent, which
represented how the introduction of an ‘English as a predominant language’ policy has caused
the loss of traditional Chinese language and dialects, the roots of the Chinese culture. This idea is
hence actually similar to Professor Dean’s essay on Parallel Universe, which shows how
modernization and urbanism policy undertook by the government have increasingly led to the
decline of traditional cultural practices and an observed collective amnesia of local culture. This
movie hence serves as a reminder for me and all Singaporeans, especially the younger generation
to increasingly appreciate and engage themselves in the declining cultural activities of Singapore
like getai, and to do their part to preserve such practices that are integral to their culture and
identity. If not, the getai will be eventually eradicated and wiped out, just like the demise of the
Small Papaya. Overall, this movie, which tells the story of getai from the singer’s point of view
has empowered people like me who is unfamiliar with getai, with more considerable knowledge
of the getai industry. It has also inspired me to appreciate the getai singers, for their efforts and
time spent on designing flamboyant and visually-appealing costumes and elaborate stage.