Musical Theatre Limited (MTL) is back this month to present the brand new Unforgotten The Musical, an original Singaporean musical of survival and loss, of ageing and dignity, of memory and legacy.

Based on the novel Listening to Letter from America, by esteemed geriatric psychiatrist Prof Kua Ee Heok, the musical intertwines two resounding themes: mental illness and Singapore’s pioneering generation which society is starting to forget. Premiering just before Singapore’s 58th National Day celebrations, the musical is set in the late 1980s and follows a fresh-faced young Doctor Weng, who encounters a motley sextet of senior citizens whiling away their years when he is seconded to the Kranji Home facility for seniors.

While initially reluctant, he soon grows fascinated by this remarkable group of seniors – a captivating ensemble who carry within them the indelible imprints of World War II, their minds etched with vivid recollections and their souls haunted by the relentless spectre of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As concerns rise about a growing but problematic nation among the group of seniors, Doctor Weng ponders over the question of how can someone help the seniors overcome their fear of remembering; and in doing so, reclaim those memories for a forgetful nation.

Timothy Kua plays the lead role of Doctor Weng as he breathes life into the character that had been immortalised within the pages of the novel that is based on Prof Kua, his father’s own extraordinary experiences. Joining him on stage and playing the roles of the elderly are Rebekah Sangeetha, Audrey Luo, Sugie Phua, Amin Alifin, Rai and Leslie Tay. Other cast members include Nicholas Bloodworth, Miriam Cheong, Abby Lai and Xavier Kang.

Unforgotten features an enthralling book and poignant lyrics by Jonathan Lim (Four Horse Road, Chestnuts, A $ingapore Carol) with music by Elaine Chan (Dim Sum Dollies, Monkey Goes West and Momotaro) and directed by Jeremiah Choy (Lim Boon Keng the Musical, Cathay Hotel – the Curse of the Missing Red Shoe, Day Break).

According to Professor Kua, the key points that the narrative hopes to raise include the importance of listening to and understanding the story that these elders have gone through and the mental resilience that they had to survive through World War II. It is a story of Singaporeans from all different walks of life coming together to support one another through the difficult times and bringing hope to each other.

Tackling both the trauma of remembering and tragedy of forgetting, Unforgotten The Musical sheds light on the heart-wrenching accounts of war survivors, while confronting the trauma of growing old and losing dignity. Unforgotten The Musical invites audiences of every generation to step into the river of memory of our past and present. We learn that we must remember, as we wish to be remembered, in this musical about what Singapore remembers, but also what we forgot.

Photo Credit: Musical Theatre Limited

Unforgotten The Musical plays from 28th July to 5th August 2023 at the Drama Centre Theatre. Tickets available from SISTIC

Production Credits:

Director: Jeremiah Choy Assistant Director: Gavin Low

Playwright: Jonathan Lim

Music Director/Composer: Elaine Chan

Cast: Timothy Kua, Rebekah Sangeetha, Audrey Luo, Sugie Phua, Amin Alifin, Rai, Leslie Tay, Nicholas Bloodworth, Miriam Cheong, Abby Lai and Xavier Kang

Costume Design: Moe Kasim

Lighting Design: Shawn Chong

Set Design: Wong Chee Wai

Sound Design: Varian

Stage Manager: Elnie

Producer: Florence Teo