Quest – The White Hare

In the classic Hokkien opera The White Hare, a mysterious rabbit reunites a mother and son after 16 years of separation—can this same fabled being reconnect us back to our cultural roots? See how this new comedic production unfolds, enriched by Hokkien opera excerpts performed by veteran opera artist Mdm Wei Li Fen.

Upon the completion of a major renovation at Feng Ling Community Centre, a large-scale Hokkien opera was proposed to justify its funding. The centre summoned Wu, a Singaporean theatre director to recreate The White Hare, and instructed staff member Micky Lim to coordinate this project.

A member of parliament, a kindergarten teacher, a coffee shop cleaner, a junior college student, and an opera veteran are gathered together, finding themselves at odds with one another. Many laughs ensue due to this clash of personalities, with the hapless Micky Lim caught in the middle. Can the group master the Hokkien language and this traditional art form in just a few weeks of rehearsals? More importantly, can they come together as a unit to stage the performance?

Following a successful run of The Crab Flower Club in 2022, director Goh Boon Teck join hands with the same creative team to bring his new, original script to life. This production fuses traditional Hokkien opera with modern theatrical elements, peppered with colourful and familiar Singaporean and Hokkien expressions throughout the show. Audiences will also have the rare opportunity to savour Hokkien opera excerpts by veteran performer Mdm Wei Li Fen, who used to perform with the famed Sin Sai Hong, Singapore’s oldest Hokkien opera troupe that last performed together in 2014. A tender celebration of the art of Hokkien opera, Quest – The White Hare bridges the traditional and contemporary with heart and much humour, leading audiences down a path of joyful discovery.

Cast

Wei Li Fen
Doreen Toh
Wendy Toh
Timothy Wan
Tiara Yap
Wayne Lim
Clement Yeo
Asher Kang Zhan Feng

Creative Team

Playwright and Director: Goh Boon Teck
Music Arranger: August Lum
Set Designer: Abigail Goh
Lighting Designer: Gabriel Chan
Sound Designer and Sound Engineer: Sandra Tay
Costume and Headgear Designer: Max Tan
Make up Designer: Hong Ruwang
Opera Movement Coach: Zhang Manxi