Little Nyonya

The Little Nyonya is a Singapore soap opera/ drama series. This thematic olden days soap opera has 34 series. It premiered on Channel 8 in Singapore and was apparently the biggest hit for Singapore in 15 years.

The series is partially shot in Malacca and set in the 1930s til modern day. In between the story, the show showcases the Peranakan culture like the Nyonya fashion & Nyonya food. The only difference is that this show’s cast all speaks in Mandarin, which is actually very uncommon for a typical Peranakan family. Also, the Peranakans were depicted as very ruthless in the show, something which may affect the image of the Peranakans/ Baba Nyonya if the viewers don’t know how to seperate fact from fiction.

Jeanatte Aw (as Huang Juxiang ) played the lead role together with Joanne Peh (as Huang Yuzhu). Controversy arose when Joanne Peh won the Best Actress in the Singapore awards show, beating hot favourite Jeanette. Many argue the fact why there were 2 nominees for Best Actress in the first place.

Another controversy is the last episode of the show which showed a very sad and unhappy ending. In response to the criticisms, MediaCorp decided to make an addition to the ending, after the episode ended. But to the dismay of many, the newer ending didn’t change the original sad ending of the couple, hence some feeling it as a double let-down on such a big potential show.

Beyond The Little Nyonya

Amidst its many controversies, The Little Nyonya has definitely made the minority & secluded Peranakan community back in the limelight, where they once belong… especially in the more Chinese speaking/ Chinese influenced Singapore.

The youth are now finding their Peranakan roots (you’ll hear some exclaim in awe & admiration “Yeah, my grandmother is Peranakan you know”). All of a sudden, all things Peranakan seem cool, something unheard of just a year ago.

The ladies including young girls are now keen on wearing the kebaya for New Year (for once cheongsam was given a run for its money in the New Year 2009). Prices of Peranakan things like the kerongsang and kasut manik has increased tremendously. And there are lots more turnout for the Peranakan events now.

Some even say Malacca has seen its highest turnout with the big response from the show, with people from all walks wanting to feel the Peranakan experience in the ‘more authentic Nyonya town’.

Peranakan businesses are also seeing healthy growth, far beyond expectations – something these niche small businesses could never imagine. Their customers now go beyond the usual Peranakan community.

It looks like the Nyonya fever will not end. The show apparently made a break for Singapore shows/ programs overseas, and is now also available in DVD. A second season is in the works. And all these spells good news to all things Baba Nyonya! Amboi!

The Little Nyonya Synopsis

Juxiang, a Peranakan is forced to be the mistress of a rich Peranakan. She resists and run away from home, and married a young Japanese photographer instead. They both die young in the World War, leaving their 8 year old daugther Yue Niang.

Yue Niang life’s is similar to that of her mother – always discriminated, beaten up and tortured. However, she puts up with all these in order to protect her grandmother.

Despite her pretty looks and lots of attention from rich Peranakans, however Yue Niang loves Chen Xi. But their love was unfounded when Chen Xi was forced to marry Yue Niang’s cousin instead, while Yue Niang was sold to a butcher.

It is then that she decides to take things in her own hands, running a business. But more troubles were to occur for her.

Other Nyonya Shows

Apart from The Little Nyonya, other popular Nyonya program is:
Sayang Sayang – a humourous English sitcom about a rich Peranakan family (they are always depicted rich huh?) who runs a kuih chang business. Along the way, the culture is shown – though not so much on the food, but instead the do’s & don’ts (pantang larang) of the Peranakans. This is also a Singapore production, though its reach is not as wide as The Little Nyonya.

Malaysia too have its own Nyonya programs dating back to 1990s with popular chef-actor, Kenny Chan, acting as the Bibik (the matriach).

Kenny reprised his role as the Bibik in The BIG Bibik & The Little Nyonyas show in 2009.