Special Feature: The Finger Players; > Their Plays
Twisted
Twisted, performed in October 2005, was Singapore’s first puppet performance
for adults.
“Twisted tells the story of a man who keeps falling into the same hole in his entire lifetime. Layered shadows and dazzling puppetry conjure scenes of mystery, enchantment and macabre fun. Images emerge, floating by as in a daydream, silhouettes in the dim light move to a soundscape like a visual orchestra… The purity, and simplicity and poetry of the tale would invoke a scenic mosaic between sound, lights and puppet theatre.”
BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA
The promotional brochure is creative in the sense that it models the traditional
Chinese calendar paper, not just in design, but also in texture.
A play about residents being divided when it is time for upgrading of the Housing Development Board flats they live in.
“WORKING CLASS, THREE-ROOM FLATS, SQUAT TOILETS and FALLING WINDOWS, WHO WOULDN’T WANT TO UPGRADE?”
An interesting pun on the word “upgrading” in Chinese: “fan xing” sounds close to “fan xin”, which means to be annoyed about (something).
Let Dreams Fly
“The story of a pig who longs to fly is juxtaposed with the story of the Wright Brothers (builders of the world’s first plane). Despite being ostracised by his friends for dreaming the impossible, the pig braves the odds and succeeds flying. An inspiring tale, the pig and the Wright Borthers teach us that nothing is impossible if we put our heart and mind to everything we do. Even pigs can fly if we give our dreams a pair of wings!”
This play is an example of an assembly play in outreach sessions that The Finger Players conduct for schools. It has been commended for the education values of creative thinking and perseverance by the audience.
Puppets Alive 2!
Everyone's beloved belly dancer knows how to strut her stuff; Karaoke Girl
sings really well. Intricately-designed puppets showcase their talents, be
it dance or song.
Puppets Alive 2! is a play meant for special school functions, such as a concert or a school celebration. It is a highly-demanded sequel to Puppets Alive!, and has toured to Turkey, Taiwan, Japan and Thailand, earning itself worldwide renown.
“In this sequel to the popular series Puppets Alive!, watch puppeteers turn lifeless objects into living and colour creatures and humans! … Puppets Alive! is a collection of five skits. It showcases different kinds of puppets – traditional hand puppets, contemporary object puppets and rod puppets. This show will add the zest to all your festive events!
Watch how a ninja master fends off his attackers to comic effect and follow an angel’s journey as he consoles a lost soul. These and more fun-loving puppets in Puppets Alive 2! will warm everyone’s heart and soul!”
FURTHEST NORTH, DEEPEST SOUTH
FURTHEST NORTH, DEEPEST SOUTH will be showing at the Esplanade this April.
A production which was declared the winner of the 5th Life! Theatre Awards in 2005, bagged the Best Production of the Year as well as the Best Ensemble Acting. It was inspired by Gavin Menzies’ 1421 – the year China discovered America. The play dramatises legendary sea-navigator Eunuch Cheng Ho’s emotional discovery of the new world and his fate.
Interesting tidbits about this production:
1. Eunuch Cheng Ho is played by a woman.
2. A Chinese Emperor is portrayed by an Indian.
3. The production incorporates various elements of theatre including mime,
music and puppetry,
4. The cast of 10 is a multicultural one consisting of actors, puppeteers
and musicians.
Accolades have expressed fascination regarding the clever integration of puppets and live actors, which “achieved both dramatic and comical effects”.