HAPPY ENDINGS: ASIAN BOYS VOL. 3
Opens 11 - 29 July 2007
Drama Centre Theatre @ National Library, Level 3

In this much anticipated final instalment of the Asian Boys Trilogy, Alfian Sa’at adapts Johann S Lee’s Peculiar Chris, Singapore’s first gay novel, for the stage.

1992. In their final year at Junior College, Christopher Han and his best friends – Sylvia, Kenneth and Nicholas, discover the ecstasy and pain of falling in love. Later, while serving his National Service, Chris has a relationship with his army officer, Samuel, before leaving for London for further studies.

2007. After 15 years abroad, Chris returns to a Singapore that he barely recognises. The city has become a veritable gay wonderland, while repressive attitudes remain as entrenched as ever. Sylvia has become part of the leading vanguard for change. Kenneth has renounced his past, refashioning himself as a voice for conservatism. And Nicholas is partying like there’s no tomorrow.

Haunted by the ghosts of the past, and yet enchanted by the spectres of the present, Chris is torn between nostalgia for a more innocent decade, and hope for a wiser future. Timely, urgent and moving, Happy Endings asks what it means for a society to come of age.

Reviews for Asian Boys Vol. 1 and Vol. 2

“Bold, insightful look into S’pore gay culture… Landmarks is a showcase of Alfian Sa’at’s masterful play with words.” - SPH The Business Times (review of Landmarks: Asian Boys Vol.2)

"Go, not because it's gay theatre, it's great theatre."  - Kakiseni.com

"A skilful marriage of political and personal concerns... Landmarks hits perfect pitch." - SPH The Straits Times Life!

ASIAN BOYS VOL. 1 marks an important step and direction for gay theatre in Singapore, at the very opportune moment where a more visible and burgeoning gay existence in Singapore is trying to find its precarious position in society. - James Koh, The Flying Inkpot, 2001

LANDMARKS: ASIAN BOYS VOL. 2 is important: it is the first local play I can remember that attempts to address the whole experience of being gay rather than just some subsection or other of homosexuality…it does not sell out to meaningless camp as do many…to give way to the inevitable, a landmark production. - Matthew Lyon, The Flying Inkpot, 2004

"Alfian Sa’at’s is the voice that will not let you forget. A skilful marriage of political and personal concerns, Landmarks hits perfect pitch." - Clarissa Oon, SPH The Straits Times Life!

“Scintillatingly funny and thought provoking.” - Cheah Ui Hoon, SPH The Business Times

"Go. Not because it's gay theatre, it's great theatre." - Pang Khee Teik, Kakiseni.com

“ASIAN BOYS VOL. 1 embraced what is seen as alien, clinical or criminal in Singapore and loved it into poignant life.” - James Koh, The Flying Inkpot

***ST Life! Theatre Awards 2004, Winner, Best Original Script***

About Alfian Sa’at
Alfian is an acclaimed multiple award-winning author, poet and playwright. He was recognised for his achievements in 2001 by receiving the Young Artist Award.

As W!LD RICE’s Resident Playwright, Alfian’s wrote Landmarks: Asian Boys Vol. 2, a critically acclaimed play that was sold out before its first night! Alfian’s most recent play, Homesick, premièred to critical acclaim and full houses as the opening production of the 2006 Singapore Theatre Festival.

THE ART AND LIFE SESSIONS
How does Life inspire Art, and what does the Art on stage have to do Life as it is lived? Engage with the most interesting, forward thinking minds of our “concerned citizenry” to reflect and debate the issues raised and challenged by Happy Endings."
Venue: Function Room 3, Drama Centre @ National Library, Level 3

Sunday 15 July 5.30pm
PECULIAR LEGISLATION: 377(a)--SYMBOL OR STATUTE?
When the penal code revisions were first planned in late 2006, it was suggested that 'unnatural sex' would be decriminalised for heterosexuals, but that homosexuals acts would remain a crime under Section 377A. The ensuing months saw furious debate in the press about morality and the law, equal rights and the public good.

We assemble various expert commentators--from lawyers, civil society activists, and pro-family organisations--for a lively, spirited discussion on the various issues that surround 377A.

Sunday 22 July 5.30pm
PECULIAR ADAPTATIONS: CROSSING MEDIUMS--FRESH AFTERLIFE OR THE LIVING DEAD?
From page to stage, and print to screen; from the film-musical to the novelized blockbuster. Art forms have coninually influenced one another, and at times have lent themselves to incarnations in other forms. How do we engage with questions of creative bankruptcy and validate the new work as an original in itself? Is the source material enriched or diminished in such a process?

We question a panel of artists--from novelists, playwrights and film directors--on the process of translating a work from its native medium to uncharted territory.

Sunday 29 July 5.30pm
PECULIAR INSPIRATIONS: The Muse - Of Sirens And Tyrants
Many of our artists have been greatly influenced by other Singaporean artists. From actual mentors to literary forebears, the creative process often involves a dialogue with the past. But how do we engage with traditions without inheriting its baggage? Do we climb on the shoulders of giants, or find our dwarfed selves obscured by their long shadows?

We round up a group of artists--poets, playwrights and filmmakers, to discuss the book, the play, or the film, that first made then want to embark on their artistic careers.

FEEDBACK FRIDAY
Enrich your theatre going experience. Meet the Artists and discuss what you’ve seen at a post-show discussion immediately following each Friday evening performance.