Salty

Salty is rooted in Singapore-Malay mythology, with the title based on the Singaporean belief that salt is the currency of the afterlife.

Written and performed mostly by Shannan Lim (Jayde Harding and Tye Norman are co-writers), Salty is a play cycle based on folk tales – given a modern context and personal twist.

In “Toyal”, a lonely widower keeps a stillborn baby – but Toyal can move and think and just wants to be loved. Shannan Lim plays the baby with energy and verve.

“Orang Minyak” is literally an ‘oily man’. This story has Lim travelling the Singaporean train line with an ‘oily’ colleague and attempting his own oily schemes to pick up ladies.

The third story “Pontianak” tells that virile men must watch for a vampiric succubus who seduces men in order to be impregnated. Working very nicely with Jayde Harding, Lim’s character is convinced that he has met a Pontianak – a woman who wants to have babies with him right now, feeds him bananas and smells of frangipani. Phone conversations with his mother, seeking advice are a highlight.

The show also features Ezel Doruk and Tye Norman, who dance and facilitate scene changes. Choreography is by Arnold Muza and Carolyn Williams, with costumes by Sara Lim.

While Salty is an excellent concept with a dynamic and loveable central performer, future incarnations of the show would benefit from an external director and some judicious tightening. Pace fluctuates from outstanding to plodding and some elements just don’t quite work. The audience forgive these things, but ultimately there is room for growth.

Normal Children’s Salty was presented for FringeWorld as part of Blue Room Theatre’s Summer Nights. Keep an eye out for future work from Shannan Lim – a strong and unique performer.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Theresa Hamilton.