11: Kuo Pao Kun Devised
Opening the Kuo Pao Kun Festival 2012 is 11 • Kuo Pao Kun Devised, a deconstructed-then-reassembled performance pieced together from 17 of Kuo’s most poignant works. These works include: Silly Little Girl And The Funny Old Tree, Descendants of the Admiral Eunuch, Mama Looking For Her Cat, The Spirits Play and more.
Liu Xiaoyi will lead 10 young performers over a rigorous four-month rehearsal and training exercise. Utilizing Kuo’s works as the primary stimulant, these short performance vignettes are conceptualised as a dialogue between Kuo’s plays and the youths today.
This site-specific performance will take place within Stamford Arts Centre, the place that was once Kuo’s office and rehearsal space.
Date: 22 February – 4 March 2012
Venue: Stamford Arts Centre
Festival: Kuo Pao Kun Festival 2012
Directed by: Liu Xiaoyi
Original Scripts by: Kuo Pao Kun
Devised by: Liu Xiaoyi and Cast
Sound Designer: Jing Ng
Multimedia Design: Ric Liu
Production Manager: Fu Kailing
Stage Manager: Lv Linxuan
Cast: Alvin Chiam, Catherine Wong, Goh Guat Kian, Jean Ng, Jonathan Lim, Li Xie, Ng Johnny, Peter Sau, Su Jun Ying, Tay Kong Hui
The dedication, affection and reverence with which the creative team has approached the re-imagining process are evident. So much so that they even dare to cheekily make fun of Kuo in one short but particularly memorable segment.
11 is an example of what theatre can and should be.
– 4.5 out of 5, Kenneth Kwok, 22 Feb 2012