( The itinerant entertainers have upgraded their performances with backdrop, costumes, a bit of choreography and music. Y S saw this at Jaya Jusco, Butterworth while on a shopping outing with a friend. This is also a ploy by the malls these days to attract shoppers. ) When Yours sincerely ( Y S ) was very much younger, very many years ago, the itinerant roadside entertainers had their hey day. Those days were without televisions or electricity. So, the entertainment provided by these itinerant roadside stars was a rare treat which the small town folks looked forward to.
Besides the occasional propaganda cum entertainment provided by the " Jabatan Penerangan Negara " or the National Information Department. Y S always enjoyed the Red Indian and cowboy films screened by the Jabatan's Landrover at the town field. And when the Calvary started to charge into the Red Indian camp, the whole audience applauded wildly. The screening would then stop for a short intermission. The government propagandists took over and announced the latest policy etc. Then the screening resumed. A good way to communicate messages.
The arrival of the itinerant entertainers was announced by boomings of gongs , drums and clashings of cymbals. With battery operated P A system, the entertainers called out to the town folks through the horn speakers. Soon, the site would be crowded. Some older uncles and aunties went with their low stools and tit bits to munch. The performance area was demarcated by white powder and the whole place was lit up with several kerosene pressured lamps.
A variety of entertainments was offered from time to time. They ranged from magic shows, balancing act, contortionist act, simple and crude comedy sketches, animal shows ( usually with, pythons, monkeys and an occasionally bears. ) to the demonstration of strength. This used to be the most popular and the star was a body builder commonly called " Lim Tai Soon." (Wonder what becomes of him?) He was able to bend several metal rods with the softest part of his body, the part just below his Adam's Apple. Gruesome !!!
Before he commenced his show, volunteers were called out to check the metal rods. He would swear by his parents and grandparents that the rods were real metals and that no magic was used. Then, the rods were snuggedly placed in position, below his Adam's Apple, by four burly assistants cum trainees who would push the rods against Lim Tai Soon. With an energetic yell, Lim arched his body and thrusted himself against his assistants, and the rods were bent U shaped amidst loud applause from the spectators.
Another popular act was where several feet of iron chain was heated until it was red hot. Then waterwas pored over it to produce the " Chaaaiiiiirrrrr" sound and a profusion of hot smokes. Then it was reheated until the iron was glowing red again. With loud yells, Lim used it to whip his back again and again until there were visible signs of burnt. The sympathetic spectators would grant and moan with each whipping stroke. Lim stopped his act and assured his spectators that he had a remedy to his burnts.
Instantaneously he produced his aphrodisiacs, ointments, balms, herbal concoctions, plasters and talismans to introduce to the spectators. His assistants hurriedly treated his wounds and burnts with his ointments and balms. He would also swallow several of his herbal pills and tablets which he claimed would remove "internal" injury from his body.
More gongs, drums and cymbals. The assistants went round to promote the medicines. Lots queries were made. Lots of explanations given. Lots of money and goods exchanged hands.
The uncles and aunties showed signs of calling it a night but Lim enticed and promised them with a finale of the night which they must never missed. The promise managed to hold on the crowd from dispersing. More sales were made.
Then Lim would give his final performance. This time a four metre phython was released from its confinement. With one hand Lim held it up to show to the crowd. He would pretend to thrust the python to the spectators who would cringe, squeal and scream. Then he curled the creature round his body and all the time he held the creature's head tightly with his right hand. The creature tightened itself around Lim and he pretended to suffocate. The spectators gasped. Then, with all his strength he freed himself from the creature's grip and held up the creature with both his hands. The crowd clapped and clapped. He called for volunteers to repeat the act. Of course, no one dared.
The show ended. But, Lim was still available for consultation. The uncles and aunties with rheumatism, indigestion, flatulence, muscles aches, joint pains, old injuries etc etc etc queued up for free consultation. There was always a treatment for any complaint. So, they somehow ended up buying some medication.
Those were the days.
This is Lydia, Y S' student cum best friend's daughter. She loves the stage.
The whipping Act was too loud for Lydia. She had to close her ears.
The balancing act was being performed.
Take a walk around the mall. You might stumble upon some entertainments.
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