Without Reason by Sim Yan Ying

Without Reason explores the challenges of an interracial relationship in modern day Singapore. A Chinese girl and a Malay boy struggle to navigate cultural differences, reconcile different religious beliefs, and manage their family and friends’ expectations. Their story also highlights broader themes pertaining to social class, and the transition from teenage life into adulthood.

Through this play, Yan Ying hopes to contribute to the conversation between the different races in Singapore, and dissect the stereotypes that we have of each other. The intention is to bring to light the underlying racial tensions in our society, the issue of ‘Chinese privilege’, and the ethnic segregation that Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools inevitably perpetuate. Hopefully, the play will open a discussion on how we can navigate the increasingly diverse cultural landscape of Singapore, and allow us to develop greater understanding and compassion for each other.

Without Reason was first written under the mentorship of Buds Youth Theatre (BYT) in 2014, and subsequently, a play reading of it was staged in March 2015 as part of BYT’s ‘From Scratch’ production. ArtsWok Collaborative will be presenting it as a commissioned play for the M1 Peer Pleasure Youth Theatre Festival, in collaboration with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay in 2017.

Without Reason was developed under Centre 42's Guest Room (now known as the New Scripts Residency). Read about Guest Room here.

Without Reason was presented at Esplanade Theatre Studio as part of M1 Peer Pleasure Youth Theatre Festival 2017.

• Tickets to the performance
• Other performances at M1 Peer Pleasure Youth Theatre Festival 2017
• Without Reason by Citizen Reviewer Casidhe Ng