THE CAMPAIGN TO CONFER THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR ON JBJ
19 September - 7 October 2007
Drama Centre Theatre @ National Library, Level 3

The SMASH HIT of the Singapore Theatre Festival!

David Lee, NUS student and President of the Association of Students for Self Expression (ASS), takes it upon himself to launch The Campaign to Confer the Public Service Star on JBJ. His plucky project takes him on an amazing adventure with both expected and surprising twists and turns.

Clara Tang, rising star of the Civil Service, is tasked to exercise damage control. In the most challenging mission of her career, she finds herself navigating the maze of New Singapore and Old Constraints.

So, would such a campaign be possible today?

Join us for a hilarious look at the boundaries of fearless expression in Singapore! This fantastical account of an unlikely petition to publicly recognise an unsung hero. unfolds into a wildly imaginative expose of possible official reactions!

Written by Eleanor Wong and directed by Ivan Heng, The Campaign to Confer the Public Service Star on JBJ was nominated for both “Best Original Script” and “Best Production of 2006” at the Straits Times Life! Theatre Awards 2007.

With Pam Oei (Dim Sum Dollies, Titoudao) and Rodney Oliveiro (Chestnuts: Curse of the Brokeback Geisha, Machine) playing a carnival of characters, and a rousing soundtrack by Freddy Mercury and Queen, this promises a side-splitting, naughty and politically incorrect evening of laughter and fears. Don’t miss it on any account!

Reviews for JBJ
“Eleanor Wong’s play is one of the best in recent times… The production was the sort of offering I had come to expect from W!LD RICE – theatre that was accessible and intelligent, which combined serious intent with serious entertainment” - SPH The Straits Times Life!

“It was all darn funny… A treasure trove of satirical references to present-day Singapore, an entertaining night out at the theatre." - SPH The Business Times

"You must not miss this no-holds-barred play" - IS-Magazine

"One of the best satires of Singapore governance" - The Flying Inkpot

"A must do - laugh at ourselves" - Cleo Magazine, August 2006

Award Nominations
Best Production 2006
Best Original Script 2006
ST Life! Theatre Awards 2007 - Nomination

Audience Advisory
"Contains whimsy, satire, parody and copious amounts of exaggerated comedy. If you are on a strict diet of literal fare or are easily offended by irreverence, please consult your MP before attending."

About Eleanor Wong
Eleanor Wong hates labels and titles, but admits that the ones most often applied to her are lawyer and playwright. She currently has a day job at the National University of Singapore, helping law students discover, develop and hone their reasoning, research and writing skills.

She has written for Singapore theatre for over two decades. She had such fun last year when W!LD RICE first staged The Campaign to Confer the Public Service Star on JBJ as part of the inaugural Singapore Theatre Festival that she agreed to a repeat performance. Other plays include Invitation to Treat and Second Link (also with W!LD RICE) and Exit and Joust (with Action! Theatre).

Those who would like to read some of Eleanor’s plays can pick up the Eleanor Wong trilogy – “Invitation to Treat” and her anthology of plays "Earlier", both published by firstfruits.