The Chapel at the Migration Museum, Tue 21 Feb, 2023.

Claiming to save the world from the ‘brink of extinction,’ the supreme ruler of this fictional land is sitting pretty as the third man of his family to take power. Shades of North Korea – or is it a banana republic in the tropics? In this futuristic farce mobile phones are now an odd relic from bygone ages. This young but strong ensemble from Singapore delivers an absurdist take on our modern society and current political trends. The mantra, ‘Re-use, reduce, recycle’ gets reduced itself to its extreme. When we also apply the next mantra, ‘Start at home/act locally,’ it means starting with yourself, and having zero waste – literally. Talk about starting at the bottom!

The dream life promised by the regime slowly unravels, riddled with corruption. And this despite the new order being propped up by the usual tropes: slogans – ‘Sprinkes are nutritious,’ celebrity worship, fines for minor demeanors, plus famine and fear. Protesters are thrown into detention and tagged as terrorists.

The dictator muzzles his own media, and even controls the people’s love interests. The eager, young lovers have trouble developing their attraction beyond their brain-washing. (A reference to Indonesia’s coming introduction of laws regarding relationships between couples?)

This refreshing group of optimistic actors support each other throughout the show, an enjoyable hour with facets of fun and neat dancing segments that are all in context. The fight sequence would fit easily into one of Shakespeare’s battles. Some voices could be louder, without the aid of mikes.

I’m old enough to remember how, many decades ago Singapore introduced strict laws to keep their tiny island country clean. Littering, spitting, even dropping chewing gum were heavily policed. There are echoes of that legacy in this well-paced dramatic piece. A clear story-line keeps us wondering whether the ragged band of underground rebels can bring down a tyrannical dynasty, and rescue their loved ones who are held prisoner.

Presented by: Conundrum Theatre