It is 2030 in Singapore. First the floods came, followed by a prolonged period of drought and contamination to our water supply. There is a shortage of clean water and an energy crunch. Water has become a controlled good, persistent power outages are disrupting the lives of Singaporeans, and there are strains in the social order.

How will water be distributed? In times of crisis, how do we organise resources, and learn to trust one another? How do we communicate with, understand and accommodate each other? 

This forum theatre play challenges students to rethink their values and priorities, and to consider perspectives coming from different concerns and needs. There is no model answer and no prescribed ways to deal with the problem. Instead, through dialogue, discussion and exchange, students get to devise new strategies and try out various solutions, preparing them to participate and take action in life. 

Wouldn’t It Be Nice? was first produced in 2012 by Drama Box for IPS Prism: An Immersive Arts Experience, presented by Institute of Policy Studies of the National University of Singapore. 

Director: Han Xuemei
Playwright: Kok Heng Leun

Learning Objectives

Categories: Character Development & Citizenship

• Explore issues related to civic responsibility.

• Develop a greater appreciation for competing priorities and challenges faced in decision-making and policy formation.

• Consider multiple perspectives and communicate effectively.

• Encourage critical thinking and analytical skills.

What to Expect

In forum theatre, the play ends on a cliffhanger, with issues unresolved. Instead of just watching in the audience seat, audience members gets to take on the role of “spect-actors”, replacing characters onstage to try out strategies and influence the outcome of the play.