Preview: Electrify My World by Nine Years Theatre

Marking the end of Nine Years Theatre’s (NYT) 9th anniversary, the local theatre company will be presenting a brand new play this October. Written and directed by NYT’s Artistic Director Nelson Chia, Electrify My World takes inspiration from the controversial feud between two scientists, Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla.

Set in a period where scientists were rapidly developing new inventions constantly, what does it take for a genius to realise his ambition? Is pure genius all it takes to achieve one’s aspiration, or does it take more? Through the conflict between the two scientists, famous for their debate on using different current electrical systems to light up New York City, get ready for an emotional and intellectual journey into the unspoken fears behind all their brilliance. As Edison and Tesla battle against each other in a race to light up New York, and possibly the world in this power-charged play, audiences will be jolted into seeing science and humanity in a new light.

Electrify My World marks the second co-presentation by Nine Years Theatre and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre following the success of their earlier collaboration, First Fleet. The cast will feature Timothy Wan as Edison, and Neo Hai Bin as Tesla, and will be joined by Jodi Chan, Mia Chee, Shu Yi Ching, and Hang Qian Chou, who will play characters such as Frankenstein author Mary Shelley, and manifestations of the scientists’ state of mind.

Taking place at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) SCCCI Multi Purpose Hall, the production features a unique theatre-in-the-round set where audience members will be seated around a circular platform designed by Petrina Dawn Tan. The column-free hall also offers more flexibility for an unconventional set design. Commenting on the set design, Chia shared: “The concept behind the design and staging is inspired by the vaudeville format popular in the 1870s, and having the actors perform on a 360 degrees stage set-up is perfect to highlight themes of showmanship that the play’s characters put on for the world.”

The play also features designs by Nine Years Theatre’s familiar collaborators Liu Yong Huay Faith (Lighting Design) and Ng Jing (Sound Design). Following the success of their last production Three Sisters, Electrify My World will mark the second time Nine Years Theatre is collaborating with the costume design-duo, Yuan Zhiying, and Jacqueline Teo. Borrowing from both period elements as well as contemporary fashion, the duo will be designing costumes from scratch to set the actors in the fantastical world which spans across different eras.

On collaborating with NYT once again, SCCC’s CEO Low Sze Wee said, “This is our second collaboration with NYT. They have produced high quality plays that explore diverse themes and thought provoking content. Electrify My World will feature a unique stage design and we look forward to seeing our Multi-Purpose Hall transformed into a stunning theatre space!”

Electrify My World plays from 8th to 17th October 2021 at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Multi-Purpose Hall, Level 7. Tickets available from SISTIC

Nine Years Theatre’s popular 9-Fan and Gen-9 membership schemes have also been brought back by popular demand for this show. New 9-Fan members can enjoy a special price of $28 when purchasing a single ticket, and 15% discount for subsequent tickets. The benefits for Gen-9 Membership Club continue for members aged 16 – 25 years old, who will get to purchase a single ticket at $18.