This July, The Fool Theatre returns with a brand new Mandarin musical. Aimed at reimagining the origins of the islands of Singapore, this time around, they will be tackling the history and heritage of Kusu Island. Director Xavier Kang leads the production that boasts an eclectic team, of which half are making their professional debuts in their respective roles onstage and off.

Kusu Island follows the legend of the island, where 60 years ago, a sea turtle Rose laid 100 eggs on the shore of Temasek. 99 hatchlings had made their way to the sea, except one which remained unmoving. Rose and the unhatched egg became the target of a predatory seagull but were saved by two fishermen in the nick of time. The humans took the unhatched egg and set out to sea. Overwhelmed with motherly love, Rose tailed along to rescue her child. A series of disasters followed. Despite being hurt in the process, Rose ultimately chose to sacrifice herself to save the lives of the human perpetrators.

The musical production features original music by Cho Jung Woo (JUNG), a graduate of LASALLE College of the Arts with a BA (Hons) in Music. Restrained by the circumstances of the pandemic and military service in South Korea, the entire process of writing — from the initial discussions to arrangements and edits — was accomplished through online conferencing and correspondence. Kusu Island marks Jung’s first collaboration with the company and his debut in the theatre scene.

Inspired by the titular subject, the script has been reworked and developed multiple times to expand its focus on the environment. The staged version retains its emotional core on the endurance and unconditionality of a mother’s love but has now taken steps towards reflecting the detrimental impacts humans have on nature and wildlife. The show hopes to call on audiences to reconsider their relationships with the ecosystem as well as explore the relationship of nature and humans, and centres on the theme of love and sacrifice.

The theme of environmentalism also informs and anchors the production design. Audience members will be able to observe featured elements of the set and props that are constructed by hand using recyclables. Determined to keep the conversation going after the performances, The Fool Theatre has also engaged the involvement of various organisations like WWF Singapore to be on-site at selected performances. Audiences can look forward to learning from experts in this field at post-show talks, or be able to make direct contributions to relevant causes through donations or volunteer work.

Kusu Island stars Clement Yeo, Danica Elisha Chan, Kenji Ng and Misha Paule Tan with a creative team comprising of Terence Chan (Book & Lyrics), Cho Jung Woo (Music) and Alberta Wileo (Lighting Design). Join The Fool Theatre as they tell this quintessential Singapore story that dives into universal themes of love, care for the world around us, and sacrifice.

Kusu Island plays from 6th to 16th July 2023 at the Drama Centre Black Box. Tickets available from SISTIC

Production Credits:

Director: Xavier Kang

Books/Lyrics/Music Director: Terence Chan

Music Composition: Chong Jung Woo (JUNG)

Cast: Misha Paule Tan, Danica Elisha Chan, Clement Yeo, Kenji Ng

Costume/Editor/Dramaturg: Chen Guochang

Lighting Design: Alberta Wileo