An Ode to Bukit Brown
A space struggling to be defined – a sanctuary for the dead but now it is land reclaimed for Singapore’s future. Perhaps, just like the eroding granite tombstones, Bukit Brown’s presence is slowly fading away. In time to come, I fear that people will proudly relate to the Botanic Gardens as a national heritage site and forget the quaint charm of a place that unjustly deserves less attention to be preserved.
This is Drama Box’s latest production, It Won’t Be Too Long: The Cemetery, unfolding in two parts (Dawn and Dusk performances). A self-reflexive piece examining our perennial contest for space in a tiny plot of land. What better way then, but to beat my fatigue and head down to Bukit Brown at 5.30 in the morning, to share this space with the spirits around and enjoy a site-specific performance that may never happen again?
We take a slow, 15 minutes’ walk from our gathering point to the performance site. All this while, there is just enough moonlight to light our path. As we continue walking, we are greeted by a barren land with still work cranes. This sight is oddly familiar and strange at the same time. Finally, we reach our destination, and a row of candles greet us, and we take our seats, waiting for a performance for us and for the spirits.
The actors move with great dexterity and fluidity (owing to the brilliance of movement director Koh Wan Ching), and their haunting moans brought goose bumps to the audience. Director Kok Heng Leun proves to us why this performance requires no text; the ensemble drags a piano into the space, playing a nocturne, an unexpected lorry (yes, and it almost seems like it is scripted) drives past the scene, interrupting the spirits, and them moving to the tunes of classic 60s Chinese songs. This experience is thoroughly enjoyable for me, especially since everything happens as dawn breaks, and the space gradually illuminates, signifying to the spirits that it is time for them to leave.
In the end, it is also time for us to leave. What remains of the fate of Bukit Brown?
Until next time, perhaps?