Theatre meets Nanyin to deliver a woefully beautiful tale of history and the distances we cross to forge better lives.

Siong Leng Musical Association has always been innovative in their approach towards bringing traditional Nanyin music into contemporary times, and as a key part of Chinese culture, finds a perfect opportunity to take their artistry even further with the support of the Esplanade during the 2025 Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts. A collaboration between Taiwan and Singapore, director Lee Yi Hsiu and composer/music director Ng Kang Kee lead Siong Leng towards a theatrical, musical journey into Singapore’s history, with The Heart of Jun: Memoirs of Zhaojun. 

Written by playwright Katherine Hui-ling Chou, The Heart of Jun follows three women as they leave China and set sail for Southeast Asia in the early 20th century, their voyage echoing the journey of Wang Zhaojun, one of the legendary Four Beauties of ancient China. But on their journey, they find themselves in a struggle for power against a mysterious man holding far too many secrets for comfort, as the truth unravels as the waves rock on. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Waterfront Theatre, The Heart of Jun presents a poetic and immersive experience. From the moment the performers step onto the stage, the audience is drawn into a world where traditional Nanyin music intertwines seamlessly with contemporary theatre.

The placement of the instruments is deliberate, shaping the narrative as much as the actors do. Each instrument playing a vital role in crafting the sonic landscape of the show, their melodies underscoring the soulful singing that carries an almost anguished depth. The elevated staging adds layers of visual depth, while the calculated, slowed-down movements allow the audience to absorb each carefully choreographed gesture.

There is an undeniable elegance to the pacing of the show. The movements, though deliberate, evoke a dreamlike quality—each stroke and step meticulously rendered. The actors, particularly Jodi Chan and Gloria Ang, elevate the performance with their presence, adding grace and emotional weight to the unfolding story. Their interactions with the musicians and singers reinforce the production’s collaborative spirit, where every performer plays an integral role in creating a cohesive piece.

As the performance unfolds, Siong Leng enters more experimental fare and direction, as the boundaries between actor, musician, and audience begin to blur. The actors break the fourth wall, as do the singers and musicians, creating an intimate and immersive experience. This interplay draws the audience deeper into the mysterious world aboard the ghostly ship, where past and present collide. Much like how waves uncover buried treasure, so does the truth as the journey continues, and it almost feels like there is an occasional supernatural aura surrounding the musicians—at times, they appear like figures with otherworldly powers, guiding the story’s ebb and flow, as the characters navigate both literal and metaphorical turbulence.

A poignant moment emerges when one of the sisters sings, her voice shifting from sorrowful to haunting. As the audience pays closer attention, details in the costumes become clearer, with subtle hints like seaweed-like textures suggesting that these women have already succumbed to the ocean, existing in a liminal space between life and death. This revelation adds a chilling layer to the performance, deepening its emotional resonance. With Hang Qian Chou taking on the role of the spectral presence warning the voyagers of impending doom, the tension builds. A fight erupts at sea, rocking the characters into a heightened state of fear, their expressions mirroring the chaos around them. When the turmoil subsides, they turn their gaze skyward—toward the heavens and an uncertain fate. Time feels suspended, before the realisation hits them: they’ve arrived at their destination, but in what state? Are they truly alive, or have they already crossed into the afterlife?

The existential weight of this question lingers as they ponder their fate: if they are all dead, then who is their audience? This final epiphany is chilling, where the moment of understanding and acceptance of their reality culminates in a hauntingly beautiful closing. Skilfully blending storytelling with the rich musical heritage of Nanyin. The performance is more than just a showcase of exquisite music and singing prowess; it is a deeply engaging theatrical journey that surprises at every turn. The production keeps its audience captivated, ensuring that there is always something new to discover, always a reason to lean in and listen closely.

Photo credit: Siong Leng Musical Association, courtesy of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.

The Heart of Jun: Memoirs of Zhaojun played from 14th to 15th February 2025 at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre. More information available here

Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2025 ran from 7th to 16th February 2025 at the Esplanade. Full programme available here

Production Credits:

Producer Wang Pheck Geok Artistic Director Lin Shao Ling Music Director, Composer & Arranger Ng Kang Kee Director Lee Yi Hsiu Playwright Katherine Hui-ling Chou Cast Ang Xiao Ting, Jodi Chan, Hang Qian Chou Musicians/Principal Artists Lim Ming Yi, Seow Ming Fong, Seow Ming Xian, Joel Chia Musicians/Artists of Siong Leng Anita Yeong, Lin Siyao Guest Musicians Eugene Toh, Bian Tong, Huan Po Ann, Cheryl Choi, Eugene Chong, Zhang Yin Assistant Producer Seow Ming Xian Assistant Music Director Seow Ming Fong Administration Manager Joel Chia Education and Outreach Manager Lim Ming Yi Production Manager Clarisse Ng Stage Manager Vivi Agustina Sound Engineer Yong Rong Zhao Lighting Designer Gabriel Chan Set Designer Dorothy Png Costume Designer Jeffy Cheah Costume Designer (Guest Musicians) Goh Lai Chan Assistant Sound Engineer Aw Wei Zheng Video Director William Loh Assistant Stage Manager Nichola Lim, Heng Yi Hwee Make-up/Hair Stylist BeautyGodMama Assistant Education and Outreach Manager Wong Hai Rong Project Assistant Vera Tan Backing Vocalists Wang Pheck Geok, Lin Shao Ling, Lynette Sim, Chen Yifan Surtitle Operator Lau Viee Front-of House Chen Yifan, Khor Yee Sing