If you’re into theatre and ready to see some good plays in Singapore again, we’ve got news for you. Wild Rice Singapore will perform their take on Tartuffe, one of French playwright Molière’s great masterpieces. This black comedy is one of the most performed plays in all of French classical theatre!
A classic play reimagined for Singapore
If you’re familiar with Wild Rice’s previous productions, like Boeing Boeing and The Importance of Being Earnest, you’ll know the theatre group has a knack for reimagining classic plays for local audiences in Singapore. Tartuffe: The Imposter is their brand-new, darkly comic retelling of the classic, written by acclaimed playwright Joel Tan and directed by Wild Rice’s Co-Artistic Director Glen Goei.
Joel’s most recent work in Singapore includes writing Tango, Mosaic and Café. He first worked with Wild Rice in 2011 to bring to life Family Outing. As Wild Rice’s Co-Artistic Director, meanwhile, Glen has directed popular plays like Momotaro and the Magnificent Peach and The Amazing Celestial Race.
What to expect in Wild Rice’s black comedy, Tartuffe: The Imposter
The story begins when Orgon, a well-heeled patrician, crosses paths with the eponymous Tartuffe. The latter is a roguish con artist masquerading as a man of faith. While the rest of Orgon’s family sees right through the ruse, Tartuffe manages to insinuate his way into Orgon’s life – and his bank account!
Wild Rice’s production is being performed in celebration of the 400th anniversary of Molière’s birth. Despite the play’s age, it remains relevant today in a world rife with scams and false prophets. It also serves as a warning against turning a blind eye to the dark deeds of the supposedly pious.
A Wild Rice play with a star-studded cast
Of course, this exciting play in Singapore features a cast of talented, colourful actors. Director and actor Ivan Heng plays Orgon, bringing over 30 years of stage experience to the production. He’s also the founder of Wild Rice and a pioneering member of Singapore’s theatre scene. In 2013, Ivan was awarded the Cultural Medallion, Singapore’s highest cultural honour.
Starring opposite him is Benjamin Chow as Tartuffe himself. Benjamin’s acting credits include Kin Jek in Press Gang, Mark in RENT, and Smee/Mermaid in Peter Pan in Serangoon Gardens. He has also twice won the Straits Times Life! Best Supporting Actor Award.
Pam Oei – best known as one third of Singapore’s cabaret trio The Dim Sum Dollies – is another experienced actress joining the cast; she plays Dorine (the maid). In addition to acting in over 100 theatre, television and film productions, she’s directed Wild Rice plays including Mama White Snake, Boeing Boeing and The Emperor’s New Clothes. Pam will also reprise her role(s) in the upcoming Faghag, another Wild Rice production, which returns to the stage in May.
Oon Shu An, who plays Mariane, is another who’s no stranger to screen and stage. She appeared in Mediacorp’s Code of Law and Boeing Boeing, and portrayed Jing Fei in Netflix’s Marco Polo.
Jo Tan, Shane Mardjuki, Brendon Fernandez and Dennis Sofian complete the cast of this bold play.
Where to buy tickets
Tartuffe: The Imposter plays at The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre from 7 April. Tickets are available now and can be purchased here.
Wild Rice Angels will enjoy 20% off category 1 and 2 tickets. Students, full-time NSFs and senior citizens can enjoy 10% off category 1 tickets. The show is rated M18 for mature themes.
Written in collaboration with Wild Rice.
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