A group of young people are planning to stage a play for their campus festival. They decide to devise a work that examines our country’s colonial legacy. During their gatherings, they pore over forgotten texts and artefacts, re-enacting scenes from the past to better understand the nightmare of subjugation… and the dream of self-determination.
Drawing upon a wealth of historical documentation, including speeches, newspaper articles, petitions and songs, Merdeka / 獨立 /சுதந்திரம் confronts us with questions about our colonial past and how it still echoes through our present and into our future.
Why celebrate the beginning of colonialism rather than its end? Has Singapore gained independence without truly undergoing a process of decolonisation? And if Raffles must fall, what will he take down with him?
Young & Wild take centre stage in this thrilling new production of Alfian Sa’at and Neo Hai Bin’s provocative and moving hit play. Under the direction and mentorship of acclaimed theatre-maker Edith Podesta, this talented company of young performers examines how our history and humanity have been shaped – and shattered – by the forces of colonialism.
Duration: approximately 2 hours (with no intermission)
Rating: Advisory 16 (Some Mature Content)
Recommended for patrons aged 16 and above
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