Alvin Tan’s debut play weaves a compelling tale of love, acceptance, and family dynamics against the backdrop of ancestral worship. As the characters navigate their individual struggles, ANAK highlights the importance of ancestors in shaping their paths.
For SIFA 2024, The Necessary Stage has opted for an innovative presentation of ANAK. During the performance, the actors will be improvising the scenes of the play based on a narrative structure. In this way, the actors will fully own their characters, instead of just presenting a staged reading. Such an approach reflects The Necessary Stage’s devising methodology and spirit of theatrical exploration.
Adrian, a young teacher, faces a life-altering revelation when his homosexuality and relationship with Ben, an Asian-American documentary filmmaker, come to light. This disclosure sends ripples through the family, testing their attachments to societal norms and roles. The presence of the cheeky Peranakan matriarch adds depth and humour to this captivating two-act play set in Singapore and New York.
Written by Alvin Tan
Co-Directed by Alvin Tan & Haresh Sharma
Starring Benjamin Lye, Dwayne Lau, Karen Tan, Remesh Panicker, and Timothy Wan
Featuring Darius Tan as the Matriarch