THE DRAGON’S DENTIST by The Esplanade

“overcoming fears, embracing new experiences”

Reviewer: Yong Yoke Kay
Performance: 15 March 2019, 2pm (Sensory Friendly)

Fear not, as you step into the dragon’s mouth. Take a seat on the dragon’s tongue, among teeth, cushiony plague and a glowing uvula. The Dragon’s Dentist tells a tale of conquering difficulties and accepting differences. A no-nonsense dragon dentist, Master (played by Yazid Jalil), meets his young and excitable apprentice, Toothie (played by Tan Rui Shan). Things take an unexpected turn when she befriends every dentist’s enemy, Bactee (played by Cheryl Kjm). They work together with the audience, who gamely take up their new roles as Tooth Elves to embark on a quest to avoid the dragon’s wrath by keeping his teeth clean.

Contrary to what one might expect from the title, this is not a play advocating oral hygiene. Rather, beneath the fun songs and quirky characters lie a plot that explores concepts of loyalty, friendship, empathy and acceptance. While these are indeed concepts of value, they might be too complex for the target audience to fully comprehend. For example, a nuanced conflict arises due to the difference in working styles and personalities between Master and Toothie – and one wonders if the young audience can catch it. Perhaps a more direct way of explaining the conflict, or setting aside more time in the play to explore this in detail, could make for better understanding.

That said, the production on the whole is well thought out. I especially like the set design where the various colours and textures encourage exploration through touch. The relaxed seating arrangement is a wonderful idea for the restless and energetic young audience, and also facilitates movement for the interactive segments of the play. The two activities that involved the Tooth Elves are well executed and managed, and smoothly woven into the plot.

The sensory friendly version also includes a pre-show introduction by the cast of what the show entails, and a chance for the audience to meet the characters and experience the effects that will be used in the show (dim lights, smoke and loud noises). This helps to set the scene for the play, and establish the elements of a theatrical experience that may be difficult to grasp.

These little details extend beyond the experience within the room. There is even a downloadable pre-visit guide introducing the physical theatre space and the show contents, and a bring-home activity sheet.

One just wonders what message the children take home in the end: is it only fun and games, or have they understood the larger themes that the show explores?