History Test

Provocations abound in Merdeka, a new play examining our colonial legacy written by Alfian Sa'at and Neo Hai Bin, and directed by Glen Goei and Jo Kukathas. The story centres on a group of young people who set out to study forgotten texts and old artefacts so that they can better understand Singapore's beginnings. Old newspaper articles, speeches, petitions and songs come to the fore, as the young people use the documentation as springboards for re-enactments of history and inquiries into the truth. The cast includes Brendon Fernandez, Umi Ismail, Zee Wong and Rebekah Sangeetha Dorai in multiple roles. They also sing, dance and play musical instruments, as history is recalled and interrogated using contemporary frameworks and methodologies.

Merdeka plays at The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ W!ld Rice in Funan from now till Oct 27. Tickets from Sistic.