LAGENDA / Souvenir Booklet
Every year, Peranakan cultural group Gunong Sayang Association (GSA) puts up a theatre production (wayang peranakan) to increase awareness of the dwindling Peranakan culture in Singapore. [kloo] was approached to design this souvenir booklet and other goodies as a gift for the audience to take home. In addition to the plot synopsis of the play, the booklet also features interviews with the cast, and articles about various aspects of Peranakan culture.
The title of this booklet was Lagenda (Baba Malay for "Legend"), as this year's production features GT Lye, a respected member of the Wayang Peranakan community. I chose to design the cover in the style of the signboards commonly found outside Peranakan households, usually bearing the family name. Adhering to the theme of being legendary, I kept a simple colour scheme of black and gold for a regal yet traditional aesthetic.
Wayang Peranakan veteran, GT Lye, plays the main character. The twist: He plays a woman. Female impersonation on the Peranakan stage first emerged in the 1930s, as acting was not considered a respectable profession for women at the time. Because GSA wanted to shine a spotlight on the history of female impersonation, this booklet features several discussions about gender and theatre.
Limited edition Lagenda mugs and tote bags were sold at the performance venue to raise funds for future GSA activities.
Client / Gunong Sayang Association (GSA)
Agency / [kloo]
Creative Director / Hironori Kawaguchi
Editor / Nadia Jamal
Designers / Wai Yi Lau, Eudora Koh, Maggie Lek
