Newcomers to the scene keep this short but sweet production buoyed.

It’s been four long years since their last production, but Singapore theatre company The Fool Theatre is finally back with a brand new show: Kusu Island. Continuing their series of productions reimagining the origins of Singapore’s islands, this time around, they’re adapting the legend of Kusu Island into an Mandarin musical, perfect for audiences of all ages.

Written by Terence Chan and directed by Xavier Kang, with music by South Korean composer Chong Jung Woo (JUNG), Kusu Island takes place in historical Singapore, following Rose, a sea turtle (Misha Paule Tan) who is left with a single unhatched egg amidst 99 other hatchlings. When two fishermen (Clement Yeo and Kenji Ng) make off with the egg, Rose and her crab friend (Danica Elisha Chan, snapping castanets to represent her claws) go on a mission to retrieve it, only to be forced to make a decision whether to save these men when they’re caught in a vicious storm.

Even with a lean team, Kusu Island manages to emerge as an endearing little show, with the simple storyline moving quickly and getting to the point. Songs may not be particularly memorable, but are interwoven smoothly into the flow of the narrative, giving each cast member an opportunity to emote and use music to expand on their characterisation.

The cast of young actors, most of whom are still in their early career phase, take to the show with much energy and enthusiasm, with plenty of potential in future given the right mentorship and guidance. This is a production that shows off their confidence onstage, clearly felt in each scene. As short as the show is, there are genuine moments of tension, whether it’s to do with Rose wrestling with a hungry seagull, or the struggle to choose between saving her child and these men she empathises with, knowing that they too have families back home.

In terms of design, Kusu Island sticks to its environmental theme well, with recycled materials used to create the water-like backdrop and cardboard platform, alongside a string of plastic bottles hanging from the ceiling. Alberta Wileo’s lighting helps differentiate between beach scenes and when the characters are adrift at sea, while Chen Guochang’s choice of green kebaya for Rose reflects both the musical’s Singaporean roots and suits her character.

Overall, Kusu Island is a brief musical that leaves audience members with an ever-important message of co-existing peacefully with nature, where care begets care in our delicate ecosystem. This is a show that has strong touring potential, ideal for students and educational institutions to spread the love for our oceans and wildlife, and a reminder that every action, no matter how small, should be performed with kindness and love.

Photo Credit: The Fool Theatre

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