Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress

Presented by Singapore Repetory Theatre
Esplanade Theatre                    
17 - 19 Oct 2002

Empress Dowager Tzu Hsi - adored, revered, feared and hated. The life of one of the most controversial figures in Chinese history is explored in Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress. Starring the dynamic Singapore singer/actress Kit Chan as Tzu Hsi, this musical features the creative talents of Olivier award-winning lyricist Stephen Clark, London-based director Steven Dexter and Singapore composer Dick Lee.

Just who is the real Tzu Hsi? A young concubine scheming for survival and love amidst the political intrigue of the Forbidden City rises to become Empress, only to end her days as an aging Dowager fearing for her safety.

What of her relationships with the men in her life? Three Emperors, the powerful head Eunuch and a journalist all feature in her fascinating story as seen through the eyes of an American artist, who was the first Westerner invited to China to paint her portrait.

All vividly brought to life with a stirring score and sumptuous costumes designed by London-based Singapore designer Yang Derong. Don't miss the world premiere of this new Singapore musical that promises to be a feast for the senses!

Cast: Kit Chan, Richard Chia, Hal Fowler,Robin Goh, Blossom Lam, Hossan Leong, Leigh McDonald, Adrian Pang, Oliver Pang,
Sng Tiak, Darren Seah, Darius Tan, Dwayne Tan, Isaac Tan, Michael Too and Emma Yong.

Emsemble: Amy Cheng, Paerin Choa, Daniela Edward, Rommel S Gerona, Karen Goh, Juwanda Hassim, Cynthia Lee, Jee Lee, Jasmine Liew, Jonathan Lum, Cheryl Miles, Akidah Rahman,Skye, Quek Li Huan and Nicholas Yew.

Creative Team:

Music by: Dick Lee

Book by: Stephen Clark and Dick Lee

Lyrics by: Stephen Clark

Idea development: Stephen Clark, Steven Dexter and Dick Lee

Director: Steven Dexter

Musical Director: Sydney Tan

Choreographer: George Chan

Set Designer: Francis O' Connor

Costume Designer: Yang Derong

Lighting Designer: Chris Ellis

Sound Designer: Mike Walker

Hair and Accessories Designer: Ashley Lim

Stage Manager: Anna Jordahl