The latest iteration of My Grandfather’s Road includes new stories that were unearthed, new speculations and reflections, and forgotten histories.
Karen Tan will be joined on stage by Loong Seng Onn in the English version. In the Cantonese version, Tan Cher Kian and Gary Tang come together, this time questioning who is telling the real story.
Credit source: Esplanade Presents: The Studios 2019
My Grandfather’s Road was first presented in 2015 as an English-language monologue, a photo exhibition and a book as one of nine performances at Cake Theatrical Productions’ 10th anniversary celebrations, Running with Strippers. It was conceived and written by Neo Kim Seng as a way of reconnecting with childhood memories of living on Neo Pee Teck Lane, which was named after his paternal grandfather.
In 2017, Kim Seng revisited the text of My Grandfather’s Road, refreshing it in the spoken language of his childhood – Cantonese. He also explored Cantonese as it is spoken on both sides of the Causeway. There were two versions of The Vault: My Grandfather’s Road – one in Singaporean Cantonese performed by Gary Tang, and one in Malaysian Cantonese performed by Tan Cher Kian. Read more about The Vault: My Grandfather’s Road here.
In 2018, an updated iteration of My Grandfather’s Road was independently produced and staged by Kim Seng. This iteration comprised two performances: the Cantonese versions updated by Gary Tang and Tan Cher Kian, and a new English monologue performed by Karen Tan.
Playwrights
Neo Kim Seng (English)
Tan Cher Kian & Gary Tang (Cantonese)
Director
Neo Kim Seng
Performers
Karen Tan & Loong Seng Onn (English)
Tan Cher Kian & Gary Tang (Cantonese)
My Grandfather’s Road (RHDS) was developed in residence at Centre 42’s Basement Workshop from January 2019 to April 2019.
8 – 17 March 2019
Exhibition and Readings at The Arts House as part of Textures 2019
18 – 21 April 2019:
Performance at Esplanade Theatre Studio as part of Esplanade Presents: The Studios 2018