Lao She’s Rickshaw Boy, Wu Nien-jen’s The Human Condition VIII for 2025 Huayi

SINGAPORE – Two blockbuster theatre productions from China and Taiwan will anchor the 2025 Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts. 

Novelist Lao She’s Rickshaw Boy has been adapted for Beijing Artists Management Corp with a contemporary staging by writer-director Fang Xu. Writer-director Wu Nien-jen’s The Human Condition VIII tells the story of a retiree who strikes the lottery and has to manage the consequences. 

The 23rd edition of the festival, organised by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, will be on from Feb 7 to 16. Early-bird tickets are on sale. 

The Esplanade’s senior producer Delvin Lee says that while Lao She’s story may sound dated – focused on the life of a young rickshaw puller during the Republic of China era – the themes are evergreen. “Just look at food delivery riders. They are all just trying to make an honest living and trying to get a better life.”

Fang has also opted for a contemporary, high-energy staging with a 15-strong all-male cast, including opera actor Ren Yubin, who trained in dan (female) roles. 

Mr Lee is excited to finally programme Wu’s work after courting the writer-director for years.

A member of the Taiwan New Wave Cinema movement, Wu has been writing The Human Condition series for Greenray Theatre Company since 2003.

Mr Lee says the plays are wildly popular with Taiwan audiences, attracting aunties and uncles who otherwise would not go to the theatre for its engagement with the lives and travails of ordinary people. 

“It’s a big win for us because it is an acclaimed theatre company. It doesn’t often tour overseas.”

While The Human Condition VIII is part of a series, Mr Lee is quick to reassure audiences that each instalment is a separate story.

While the others in the series have been family dramas, “The Human Condition VIII is his first comedy and very suitable for Chinese New Year”. 

Singapore talent will also be taking the stage for Huayi.

Cultural Medallion recipient Low Mei Yoke, artistic director of Frontier Danceland, has gathered three old friends for Dance With Me. The four women explore what dance means to ageing bodies. 

Veteran actor Alvin Chiam steps into the spotlight with Last Luncheon which he will write, direct and perform in. The monologue about solitude and ageing is inspired by Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape. 

Music lovers can look forward to unusual offerings.

Siong Leng Musical Association will be presenting The Heart Of Jun: Memoirs Of Zhaojun. The theatrical musical experience was made in collaboration with famed Taiwanese playwright Katherine Hui-ling Chou and Taiwanese director Lee Yi-hsiu, known for his innovative staging of traditional music.

The show will feature traditional nanyin music from China’s Fujian province dating back 500 years. 

For a different treatment of classical Chinese music, there is What Is Qin? by China’s Zi De Guqin Studio. The studio has gained an online following for its visually appealing staging of traditional music, which features musicians togged out in traditional Han Chinese clothing and period-specific accessorising and make-up. 

More adventurous music fans will want to check out Uni Percussion’s The Temple Of Resonance. It draws inspiration from Taiwan’s temple culture for an immersive music experience that uses everything from squeaky toys to percussion instruments to create a live soundscape. 

There are also more contemporary music offerings. Taiwanese indie singer-songwriter Anpu returns for a full-fledged concert with a band, while the popular in::music showcase will feature Singapore’s Boon Hui Lu, Hong Kong’s Yoyo Sham and Taiwan’s Goodband. 

Book it/Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2025

Where: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive
When: Feb 7 to 16, various timings
Admission: Free and ticketed
Info: str.sg/JBvsP