[Theatre Review] Titoudao's 30th Anniversary Staging Shines, Continues to Resonate with Today's Audience

Toy Factory Productions’ Titoudao, written and directed by Goh Boon Teck, marks its 30th anniversary with a stellar opening night at Victoria Theatre last Friday. Originally staged in 1994, this iconic play, inspired by Goh’s wayang (street opera) actress mother, Madam Oon Ah Chiam, has seen multiple restagings and a television adaptation in 2020.

The play, which first premiered at Jubilee Hall at the Raffles Hotel, swept five awards at the inaugural Life Theatre Awards in 2001, including Best Actress for Pam Oei and Play of the Year. This latest production, running until July 28, 2024, has been updated with contemporary references and will continue to shine and resonate with today’s audience.

I watched it with my 13-year-old son, Asher, who is a drama enthusiast, as well as also a member of both his school’s Chinese and English drama clubs. He was enthralled by the stellar performance of the cast and the clever narration that tells a story within a story.

[Theatre Review] Titoudao's 30th Anniversary Staging Shines, Continues to Resonate with Today's Audience - Alvinology

Titoudao follows the life story of Ah Chiam (played by Tan Rui Shan), from her childhood as the fifth of 13 children to her rise as a wayang actress, despite her petite frame. The narrative is interwoven with scenes from the titular wayang, featuring Titoudao, the loyal servant to his master Ti Boon Long (Clement Yeo).

The play is delivered in a mix of English, Mandarin, and Hokkien, with English and Mandarin subtitles, making it accessible to a broad audience.

Tan Rui Shan’s dual portrayal of Ah Chiam and Titoudao stood out for us. She effectively captures Ah Chiam’s fiery ambition and Titoudao’s cheeky loyalty, switching effortlessly between the two extremes. The seamless transitions between the characters, aided by her comedic timing and precise choreography, keep the audience engaged. The talented ensemble, including Alvin Chiam, Sharon Sum, Yeo, Andy Yew, Isabella Chiam, and Xuan Ong, supports Tan’s performance by morphing effortlessly between multiple roles.

Goh Boon Teck’s direction brings a fresh perspective to this 30th-anniversary staging. The set design, featuring multi-coloured hanging lights and a stage-on-stage concept, evokes the warm atmosphere of a temple festival. At times, I could almost feel myself immersed in Ah Chiam’s world, watching a live wayang performance on stage.

The sound design by Vick Low, combined with live opera music by Haining, enhances the show’s ambiance, adding depth to both comedic and dramatic moments. It is contemporary meets traditional in a harmonious audio blend.

The script has been updated to include contemporary references, such as the upcoming general election and Taylor Swift’s sold-out Eras Tour in Singapore. These updates are delivered through the narrators Kway Bu (Isabella Chiam) and Or Gao (Alvin Chiam), adding a modern twist to the traditional story.

The play’s themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity continue to resonate with audiences. Titoudao remains a relevant and powerful piece of local theatre, offering both a celebration of Singapore’s cultural heritage and a reflection on personal and societal growth.