For this edition of Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts, local theatre company The Finger Players is joining forces with Vedic metal band RUDRA to present new show Transplant.

Inspired by classic Chinese anthology Liaozhai (Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio), Transplant follows a dysfunctional family of four, comprising a father vehemently denying his own infidelity; an erudite yet loquacious old mother confined to her bed; a son grappling with the complexities of love amid academic struggles; and a wife plagued by the three afflictions of greed, hatred and ignorance.

Their lives take a dark turn when a mysterious yet alluring homeless damsel becomes their maid, personifying the malevolent forces that torment the wife’s restless soul.  Directed, written and with set designed by Oliver Chong, Transplant promises to feature The Finger Players’ signature puppetry to add a unique spin to these classic tales, while RUDRA’s Vedic metal is set to meld with the play’s themes of inner and literal demons abound, something popular in Vedic mythology, and the demise and destruction faced by the family.

Starring Alvin Chiam, Ellison Tan, Jo Kwek, Neo Hai Bin, Myra Loke, Angelina Chandra and Rachel Nip, with creatives including sound engineer Lee Yew Jin, lighting designer Gabriel Chan, costume designer Loo An Ni and puppet designer Daniel Sim, watch as Transplant delves into the depths of human nature, where inner darkness can yield dire consequences.   

Transplant plays from 23rd to 24th February 2024 at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre. Tickets available here

Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts runs from 16th to 25th February 2024 at the Esplanade. Tickets and full programme available here