Born in 1940s Singapore, Emily is an abandoned child left to survive in a man's world. However, by dint of her sharp wit and cunning mind, she becomes the matriarch of a distinguished household, respected and admired by society. Leaping through time and space, the play charts the life of Emily from girlhood to her twilight years.
Directed by Aidli Alin Mosbit and starring Karen Tan, Stella Kon’s powerful monodrama, Emily of Emerald Hill was a groundbreaking play of its time, steered by one woman’s recollection of her life’s triumphs and regrets.
One of the most popular productions in Singapore theatre history, it was first performed in Malaysia in 1984 by Leow Puay Tin, then in Singapore the following year by Margaret Chan. This iconic play has since been staged more than 200 times. In 1986, Emily travelled by invitation to the UK's Commonwealth Arts Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, laying rest to doubt of Singapore theatre’s ability to stand on its own.