The Studios 2017 season opens with a new Mandarin production of Fundamentally Happy, written by Singapore playwright and Cultural Medallion recipient Haresh Sharma.
It is translated and directed by Nelson Chia, Artistic Director of Nine Years Theatre.
Winner of Best Production and Best Original Script at the 2007 Life! Theatre Awards, Fundamentally Happy is a gut-wrenching discourse on the heartbreaking nature of happiness. It explores the personal and emotional issues surrounding paedophilia.
This Esplanade co-production with Nine Years Theatre features a cast and creative team including respected performer Lok Meng Chue paired with Timothy Wan, with set, lighting and sound designs by Wong Chee Wai, Liu Yong Huay and Ng Jing.
Here's a video interview with Lok Meng Chue and Timothy Wan on their characters:
"It's actually a very simple proposition – your goal is happiness. But it's that journey towards happiness where complexities happen."
Here is one with director Nelson Chia on the play:
"What is exciting about Haresh's text is that it is so challenging… He says a lot by not saying a lot in there."
The performance runs from March 16 to 19, 2017. It's one and a half hours, without intermission. Tickets are available here.