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TREASURE ISLAND in Bras Basah Park

October 1983

October 1983. This production was a defining moment in our lives.

In our brief existence of one-and-a-half years as ACT 3, we had managed to win acceptance from the general public. With this we gained credibility. Invitation came for us to be part of the prestigious Drama Festival, organised by the Ministry of Culture.

And on our insistence the festival was, for the first time, leaving the structured auditoriums and stepping out into the open. Bras Basah Park - a plot of, once, grassy land on which one part of SMU stands today; the tip between YMCA Stamford Road and Cathay Building.

What an inspiring challenge it was.

We were at one with the elements - no microphones to aid voice projection - the sun, winds and the ceaseless hum of traffic sweeping all around the park added flavour to the thrilling adventure of Treasure Island.

We were three actors - Ruby, Jasmin and I - playing a total of 15 characters between us.

Quick change of costume pieces - in full view of the audience, a tweak to the posture, a shift in mannerism and we transformed from say, an refined doctor to a drunken sailor to a blood-thirsty pirate.

With a quaint coat stand to hold the costume pieces, a couple of narrow raised platforms to elevate certain scenes, our all-purpose green trunk (in which the boy, Jim Hawkins hides to eavesdrop on Long John Silver's devious plot), the "stage" was set for the tale to unravel in front, amongst and around the on-lookers.

It was a gamble - would people come? could we draw them to this park in the middle of town? could we retain their attention once they were there? would the weather be kind to us?

Observing people strolling in well before showtime - both adults and school children (in uniforms some more) - gave us heart. As the story unraveled the size of the audience kept growing, with curious passers-by adding to the numbers.

And they stayed well after the treasure was uncovered, the mutineers deservedly served with their comeuppance and the applause warmly offered and received.

To quote Jeffrey Tan, now Head, Education & Outreach, Singapore Festival of Arts, NAC, who as a 12-year old, Primary 6 student was there to soak up the atmosphere -

"Watching Treasure Island at Bras Basah Park blew my mind that theatre can take place in the open. Before this experience, I always thought theatre only happened indoors...

ACT 3 planted the seed of living room theatre from parks to living rooms! All we need is rich imagination and creativity!"

This jaunt in the park made up our mind. The experiment had been successful. We could create theatre here in Singapore.

And this mission deserved our full attention.

The next step was for us to chart the course, with conviction, towards professional theatre.

The Journey continues with "ACT 3 Theatrics, Singapore's first professional theatre company".

2010. R CHANDRAN. All Rights Strictly Reserved.