Malaysian board game showcases rich tapestry of community life in wet markets

The Star- 4 July 2023

“When was the last time you went to the market?”

Far from a passing enquiry, the answer to this may just put you one step ahead in Bansan, the latest board game from arts and culture groups Arts-ED and LUMA.

Whichever player who has most recently set foot in a wet market or “bansan” in the local northern Hokkien dialect, is designated the starting player or market vendor in this fresh, new game that is based on Penang’s famed Chowrasta Market.

The goal of the game is simple – make the most money – but the how is where things get interesting.

From dealing with wholesalers to bargaining with fellow players for better produce prices, to racing to gather ingredients for dishes like char koay teow, cucur udang and inche kabin as well as managing recycling and waste, Bansan gives players a peek inside the everyday dealings of a large–scale, local wet market.

Every day is different, as ingredient prices rise and fall and woe to the player who isn’t prepared for infrequent though not uncommon occurrences like the freezers breaking down, Covid–19 outbreaks or a gang fight movie scene being filmed in the market.

But aside from all the chaos, bargaining and selling, the heart of the Bansan board game is navigating the rich culture of interactions that live on today in Penang’s oldest market.

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