Peter Sau shares with ArtZine about his play entitled ‘A Madwoman’s Diary’. The bilingual production runs from 7-9 May at the Esplanade Theatre Studio.
“This maiden theatrical writing of mine, stars two veteran actresses, Goh Guat Kian and Li Xie, in two challenging roles,” he begins. Ideas for the play cropped up when democratic politician Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest and when an NTUC employee who was prosecuted for hiding her stillborn baby in her workplace locker.
One woman wrote a book on “Freedom from Fear” while the other struggled in fear.
The mother.
Accused of leaving of stillborn child in the locker.
Pleaded guilty.
Escaped jail sentence.
Ordered to do 80 hours of community service.
Abused by her husband.
The freedom fighter.
Accused of violating State rules.
Not guilty.
Did not escape detention. (in detention for the past 13 years)
Works for peace.
Abused by political opposition.
And FYI, her letter of appeal to be released from detention has been declined by the Junta. (reported on 5 May)
The struggle to survive judgement and estrangement runs along this tale of “The Madwoman’s Diary”. Who is the victim and who’s the criminal?
Accusation. Judgement. Estrangement.
An intimate and gritty two-woman play offers a visceral insight into the complex psyche and heart-rending inner strength of two extraordinary individuals stranded in domestically intricate and socio-politically charged situations of choice, but never letting go of hope.
—
A Madwoman’s Diary
Produced, written and directed by Peter Sau
Starring Li Xie and Goh Guat Kian
May 7 – 9, 8pm, Esplanade Theatre Studio
Tickets available from SISTIC at $28
*Performance will be in English and Mandarin with English subtitles
[Remember Ezzam Rahman? We interviewed him when his film was nominated for the Best of First Take 2008. He did the installation art for this play so look out for it!]
ArtZine Singapore 