Dirty Laundry, Mergers & Undercover

"This second compendium ofnew writing from the W1iters' Lab Year II is an affirmation of the progress that Singapore writing has made: one sees a maturing of writing from the various playwrights, and the issues/ themes explored are broader and removed from the self-consciousness of a search for identity. This year we have a crop of writing that is diverse in theme and style. 

"Mergers and Accusations is a piece of writing that has heart and soul. Eleanor Wong with her charming wit and humour, delves into the difficulties of a relationship that is non-conformist in an environment that is sometimes hostile and conservative. Tan Tarn How strikes a chord in all of us with his clever satire, Undercover. It is a piece of writing that is much-applauded and reflects a shift in his writing - from American realism (as seen in Home in the first compendium, Fat Virgins, Fast Cars and Asian Values) to an exploration of the farcical medium in a Brechtian manner. Robin Loon's Watching the Clouds Go By is energetic. It demonstrates Loon's interest in classical Chinese mythology and deft weaving of the myths and characters into contemporary writing. His amalgamation of the two is absorbing and flows naturally to form a lyrical whole. Theresa Tan's Dirty Laundry takes a cutting look at the media. It is a story about how a private and personal trauma becomes a national concern. Along the way, personal trust and faith are betrayed. The play is relevant as it comes in a time when life in Singapore is too fast­paced for some of us, and where there is a need to re-evaluate our values.

"This compendium also showcases works from younger playwrights who are developing their personal voices. Lee Chee Keng's Breaking Through explores the complexities in communication and misunder­standings that occur in intense relationships. Otto Fong' s Cetecea is a sad tale of human suffering and indifference written within a parable frame. It infuses a strong sense of the visual that gives the play a cinematic quality. Finally, in Others, Enrico Varella draws from his own experience making it both personal and touching. Others raises questions of racial equality and inequality. It pleads for a greaterneed for true understanding and compassion among our fellow citizens."

(Source: Dirty Laundy, Mergers & Undercover Introduction by Tay Tong, General Manager TheatreWorks)