17 – 24 Oct 2025

Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade

2hrs (No Intermission)

Tickets from $50

This event is over.

A new show has been added on 23 Oct 2025, Thu, 8pm at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade. Tickets for this new show will go on sale on 15 Sep 2025, Mon, 10am.

Overview

In 1961, Singapore’s first president, Yusof Ishak delivered a watershed speech at the National Day Mass Rally. A man of ideals who dared to dream of a peaceful and successful nation despite 200 years of colonial rule, he spoke of how democracy could transform Singapore into a country of great national unity and solidarity.

Set against the backdrop of a young nation on the cusp of change, Yusof brings to life the defining moments that shaped both the man and the country. From his early days at Utusan Melayu, where he championed the power of a free press and the voice of the Malay community, to the complex political transitions of merger, separation, and independence, the play follows Yusof as he navigates questions of race, identity, and national unity.

Yusof traces his humble beginnings as a journalist to becoming Singapore’s first head of state and offers a glimpse into the life and times of this extraordinary leader who dedicated his life in service to Singapore. Uncover the internal dilemmas he faced, his personal sacrifices, and the enduring belief that leadership was about service. It is a portrait not only of a president but of a man who embodied the ideals of dignity, justice, and unity during Singapore’s most formative years.

First commissioned for Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts 2015, this work by acclaimed playwright Zizi Azah is brought to life once again by one of Singapore’s leading theatre companies, Teater Ekamatra. This iteration of the play sees veteran actor Sani Hussin in the role of Yusof, alongside an outstanding ensemble cast comprising Siti Khalijah Zainal, Ghafir Akbar, Dalifah Shahril, Farah Ong and Fauzie Laily. They are backed by a powerhouse creative team, namely director and set designer Mohd Fared Jainal, dramaturg Alfian Sa’at, costume designer Sufiyanto of Kebaya Societé, lighting designer Adrian Tan and sound designer Syed Ahmad.

A programme of 60 Connections – At Home and Afar, a year-long season of Singapore stories and international collaborations in celebration of SG60.

Production Credits
Playwright: Zizi Azah Abdul Majid
Director & Set Designer: Mohd Fared Jainal
Lighting Designer: Adrian Tan
Sound Designer: Syed Ahmad
Costume Designer: Sufiyanto (Kebaya Societé)
Dramaturg: Alfian Sa'at
Cast: Sani Hussin, Siti Khalijah Zainal, Ghafir Akbar, Dalifah Shahril, Farah Ong, Fauzie Laily

Loading component...

Admission Age

Recommended Age

13+

Language

Malay

Surtitle Language

English

Access Needs

Assistive Listening

Eligible for SG Culture Pass.

The Crew

Artists

Production Credits

Cast

Date & Time

Time

Venue

Info

Access Needs

Time8:00 PM

VenueSingtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade

Info—

Access Needs

Tickets & Prices

Cat 1

$65

Cat 2

$50

Promotions & Packages

Standard Ticket
Concession Ticket
Restricted View: $40

Patrons seated in the Restricted View section (Rows AA, AB & AC) will not be able to see parts of the stage and the screens with English surtitles.

Buy tickets

Esplanade&Me Specials

Early Bird (7 May – 6 Jun 2025, limited tickets)
Black: 20% savings
White: 15% savings
Discover: 15% savings (Min. 2 tickets)

From 7 Jun 2025, 10am (Limited tickets)
Black: 15% savings
White: 10% savings
Discover: 10% savings (Min. 2 tickets)

Applicable to Standard tickets only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Not a member? Sign up for free!

Buy tickets

Theatre Bundle

(Available from 17 Jul – 9 Nov 2025)

Enjoy 15% savings when you purchase min. 4 tickets across two or more of the theatre productions listed below! Limited availability.

Yusof: Portrait of a President (17–19, 23 & 24 Oct 2025, Cat 1 only)
Final Bow (31 Oct & 1 Nov 2025, Cat 1 & 2)
Twelve Angry Men (7–9 Nov 2025, Cat 1 only)
The Cherry Orchard 벚꽃동산 (7–9 Nov 2025, Cat 1 & 2)

Buy package

Tote Board Arts Grant

All Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges/ Centralised Institute & ITEs may use the Tote Board Arts Grant to subsidise up to 50% of the programme cost. 

For more details, please contact Esplanade Box Office at 6828 8389 or email boxoffice@esplanade.com.

SG Culture Pass

This event is eligible for SG Culture Pass credits, starting from 1 September 2025.

Select ‘SG Culture Pass’ as your payment option on the ‘Shopping Cart’ page. Visit SG Culture Pass for more information.

Our Sponsors

Admission Age

Recommended Age

13+

Language

Malay

Surtitle Language

English

Access Needs

Assistive Listening

Eligible for SG Culture Pass.