Play review: 'Purple' has heart, but needs more practice
By Jeanette Tan – 4 hours ago
http://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/blogs/going-out-by-night/play-review-purple-heart-needs-more-practice-080454751.html (http://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/blogs/going-out-by-night/play-review-purple-heart-needs-more-practice-080454751.html)
The newest kid to hit Singapore's theatre block admittedly isn't (completely) a new one.
Purple is a small-scale play centring on the true story of Singaporean transsexual Maggie Lai, who recounts in several monologues her experiences in transforming from male to female.
First created and staged by Toy Factory Productions in 1995 and then in 1998 to small audiences at The Substation, its return this year, premièring on Thursday night at the Joyden Hall in Bugis+ was a highly-anticipated one.
Initially written and directed by Toy Factory's chief artistic director Goh Boon Teck, the play was handed over to Canadian-born director Rayann Condy, who took it on with a new look and angle, incorporating circus elements and a more colourful stage setting to the show.
Regrettably, though, I must admit that I failed to buy into lead actor Shane Mardjuki's performance as Maggie.