曲线求存的本土文化 : 探析新加坡歌台的发展策略 = The living curve of local culture : an analysis of development strategies of Getai in Singapore

Abstract

In Singapore, getai has long been regarded as a form of entertainment show, or a performance connoted to Hungry Ghost Festival. However, in the year of 2012, getai was distinguished as Singapore’s arts and culture by “The Report of the Arts and Culture Strategic Review”, and this marks a significant milestone to it. This paper finds out that the development of getai is facing dangers and challenges, especially in the 21st century. It struggles with inner and outer problems. The inner problems include the production of getai as well as the Musuemification of getai, while the outer ones comprise the diminishing available lands in Singapore, and waving dialects. Getai has also adopted three strategies to tackle on these problems. They are localization of getai groups, the child apprenticeship as well as globalized networks. Although these three strategies may not solve the problems entirely, they have essentially highlighted the essence of getai, whereby winning the support of its audience and the acknowledgment by the nation.