Co-Founder : Kuo Pao Kun (1939 - 2002)
Kuo Pao Kun was a playwright, theatre director, dramatist, arts leader and a recipient of the Cultural Medallion.
Arguably one of the most prominent pioneers of Singapore Theatre, Kuo’s dedication and kindling of local theatre has influenced generations of artists and practitioners. Many of his works have entered the canon of Southeast Asian literature and have been performed by international theatre companies from all across the world. His best-known works include The Coffin is Too Big for the Hole, Mama Looking For Her Cat, The Silly Little Girl and the Funny Old Tree, Lao Jiu, and Descendants of the Eunuch Admiral.
Our theatre should aspire to objectively critique life, respectfully entertain audiences, and forever explore new uncharted territories.
– Kuo Pao Kun
Co-Founder / Artistic Advisor : Goh Lay Kuan
Mdm Goh Lay Kuan is a distinguished choreographer, arts educator and a recipient of the Cultural Medallion.
Goh was the principal dancer at Victoria Ballet Company and has trained at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. Her works include Singapore’s first full length modern dance production Nu Wa – Mender of the Heavens, Om and The Homing Fish. Many of Singapore’s veteran dancers and choreographers have been mentored and taught by Goh herself. As an arts educator, Goh has nurtured generations of children and developed programmes that use play to combine different art forms into creative learning experiences for abled and disabled children alike.
The most important aspect of an arts education for a child is its integration within a culture itself. Culture sets forth the foundation on which a country is built upon: its direction, pathways and values. The education of arts and culture very much emphasises the development of character.
– Goh Lay Kuan