Lao Jiu (1997)

Lao Jiu, the ninth child and only son of the family, is of outstanding intelligence and carries the hopes of his parents and siblings. Sacrifices are made by his family in the fond hopes that he will achieve the honour of academic success. Alas, to his family’s disappointment, he abandons his scholastic pursuits for his love of the traditional art form of hand puppetry. 

First staged in English by TheatreWorks in 1993, Lao Jiu has performed to sell-out audiences in Singapore, as well as the Festival of Perth in 1994. This powerful and emotive work explores the issues of power play, psychological pressure, guilt, and the choice between family and one’s destiny.

Directors: Casey Lim, Ong Keng Sen
Writer/Translator: Kuo Pao Kun
Composer: Mark Chan
Traditional Glove Puppeteer: Lee Geok Eng
Choreographer: Choy Yien Chow 

Set Design: Jimmy Ong
Light Design: Lim Yu Beng
Sound Design: Tan Choon Ping
Martial Arts Coach: Choy Peck Har 
Tai Chi Coach: Reenie Cheong 
Dialect Coach: Choo Ping Chyuen 

Lead Performers: Lim Poey Huang, Lim Kay Siu, Lim Kay Tong, Nelson Chia
Featured Performers:
Audrey Koh
Julia Lim
K Rajagopal
Ling Poh Foong
Loong Seng Onn
Nora Samosir
Ooi Theng Siang 
Featured Performer (Voice): Tay Bin Wee

Musicians: Fredrick Lim, Jeffery Chang, Liu Yan, Pek Ying Chee, Vincent Tan

Producer: Tay Tong
Production Management: Lee Cheng Heng, Tay Huey Meng, Elvan Ong
Technical Management: Tay Huey Meng 
Stage Management: Jodie Koh, Lynn Wong, Sameer Advani, Valerie Oliveiro

Sound: Elvan Ong
Wardrobe: Annie Lim
Crew: Tan Tzao Sheng, James Tan
Collaterals: Alfie Lee, Henrick Lau, The Communications Post Pte Ltd, Leslie Lee

(Source: T:>Archive)