One Stage, Two Traditions: Living Heritage in Puppetry

Puppet traditions from Singapore and Japan meet at One Stage, Two Traditions: Living Heritage in Puppetry. Coming together for one day only, the cross-cultural performance puts the spotlight on two similar yet distinct intricate art forms: Japan’s Awa Ningyo Joruri and Singapore's traditional Potehi hand puppetry.

The two-hour programme begins with Web of Deceit, a tale from Journey to the West. Performed by homegrown theatre group Paper Monkey, the story follows a monk and his three disciples – Sun Wukong (the Monkey God), Piggy, and Sandy – as they embark on a sacred pilgrimage. But when they encounter the Spider Demon along their journey, Sun Wukong and Sandy are forced to outsmart their enemy in order to save their companions.

Then, Tokushima’s renowned Heisei-za troupe takes over with The Scene of The Pilgrimage Song, a heart-wrenching historical drama that explores a mother’s love and the sacrifices made as political unrest unfolds around her.

The showcase is presented by the Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore as part of its 55th anniversary and SJ60, a celebration commemorating 60 years of Singapore-Japan diplomatic relations.