Synopsis:

Script & Stage explores the fascinating roots of local playwriting and theatre production, highlighting significant performances, playwrights and prominent theatre companies that have shaped the foundation of contemporary theatre in Singapore.

As we trace the development of Singapore's vernacular theatre communities from the 1950s to the 1980s, treat yourself to publications such as Keris Sempena Riau, the first sandiwara (Malay historical theatre) published and staged locally, as well as the manuscripts and drafts of acclaimed local playwrights like Kuo Pao Kun and Robert Yeo.

Not to be missed are showcases of notable local musicals, such as Beauty World (TheatreWorks) and Chang and Eng (Action! Theatre), at the lobby of the National Library Building.

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Roving Exhibition

Theatre Tales!

Delve into stories from traditional theatre found in Southeast Asia! Get up-close and personal with characters from the epic tales of the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Chinese legends. Learn about the theatre traditions of wayang kulit (shadow puppetry), Chinese street opera and therukoothu (Tamil street theatre) through interactive displays at selected libraries around Singapore.

Central Public Library: 31 October –19 December 2016
Woodlands Regional Library: 20 December 2016 –13 February 2017
Jurong Regional Library: 14 February –17 April 2017
This exhibition is a roving component of Script & Stage: Theatre in Singapore from the 50s to 80s.

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Programmes

Admission to programmes is free and open to all unless otherwise stated. Seats are limited, on a first-come first-served basis. Please register at library eKiosks or www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary. All programmes will be held at the National Library Building (100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064).

[NL Arts Conversation] The Anatomy of a Great SG Musical
Friday, 18 November 2016
7.00pm – 8.30pm
Level 16, The Pod
National Library Building
Language: English

Learn firsthand from the experts what goes into a great musical and what makes Singapore musicals so distinctive. Join us for an express tour of the exhibition before the programme at 6.30pm. The meeting point is at the National Library Building, Level 1 (next to the information counter). This programme and tour will be conducted in English.

Speakers:
Stella Kon, playwright and writer
Kenneth Lyen, music composer and writer

Moderator: Jonathan Lum, NAFA Theatre lecturer and actor

Singapore English Language Theatre: A Glance
Thursday, 1 December 2016
7.00pm – 8.00pm
Level 5, Possibility Room
National Library Building
Language: English

Join Dr Robin Loon as he provides a snapshot of the history of Singapore English-language theatre, from its modest origins as expatriate theatre to today's flourishing contemporary scene. This talk will examine some of the milestones and events that have shaped local English-language theatre and how it has always held a mirror up to Singapore society, encouraging introspection.

Speaker:
Robin Loon, Senior Lecturer of Theatre Studies, National University of Singapore (NUS). Playwright, dramaturg and co-founder of Centre 42 (a non-profit arts centre dedicated to the creation, documentation and promotion of texts for the Singapore stage).

Admission is free. For more information and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/2gFbxpX,

[NL Arts Conversation] Malay Theatre Developments: From the 1950s to Present
Saturday, 14 January 2017
10.00am -11.30am
Level 5, Possibility Room
National Library Building
Language: Malay

Find out how the culturally-rich local Malay contemporary theatre evolved into what it is today through the eyes of its theatre practitioners, before joining us for a tour of the exhibition. This programme and tour will be conducted in Malay.

Speakers:
Nadiputra, Cultural Medallion recipient and director
Aidli Mosbit, director, playwright and actor

Moderator: Hazriq Idrus, author and actor

Admission is free. For more information and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/2fMTlsC.

[NL Arts Conversation] Social Plays in Singapore Tamil Theatre
Saturday, 4 February 2017
2.00pm – 3.30pm
Level 5, Possibility Room
National Library Building
Language: Tamil

Learn about the various kinds of Tamil social plays staged locally and the impact they had on audiences, before joining us for an express tour of the exhibition. This programme and tour will be conducted in Tamil.

Speakers:
Ram Narayanasamy, playwright and actor
Anantha Kannan, Director of AK Theatre

Moderator: Vadivalagan PVSS, actor and media personality

Admission is free. For more information and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/2gwVTvZ.

[NL Arts Conversation] Kuo Pao Kun: The Educator
Saturday, 18 March 2017
2.00pm – 3.30pm
Level 5, Possibility Room
National Library Building
Language: Mandarin

Kuo Pao Kun is perhaps Singapore's greatest dramatist and arts activist. He was also an educator who established The Theatre Practice, The Substation and the Theatre Training & Research Programme. Find out more about Kuo's role as an educator and how his far-sightedness has nurtured generations of theatre practitioners, before joining us for a tour of the exhibition. This programme and tour will be conducted in Mandarin.

Speakers:
Liu Xiaoyi, Lab Director of The Theatre Practice
Tan Beng Tian, Artistic Director of Finger Players

Moderator: Lee Chee Keng, actor and lecturer at Yale-NUS

Admission is free. For more information and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/2gbuThq.