Death of a Hero

Kon Xin Tian | earthsongs@gmail.com
the ridge transmedia
A NUSSU Publication

1 - 3 May 2008
Puppet Square
Written by Zhuo Wenlong & Directed by Benjamin Ho Kah Wei
Performed in Mandarin
Esplanade
www.thestudios.com.sg

Picture Credits: Christopher P. Lim

Written by Lianhe Zaobao arts correspondent Zhuo Wenlong, Death of a Hero first hit local stages in 1992. 16 years on, the production’s new incarnation by new theatre group Puppet Square will be directed by Benjamin Ho, who aims to turn the spotlight on the retelling of this story and the characters by creatively fusing puppetry, Chinese martial arts and live percussion music by local drumming group Zing-O. the ridge meets Benjamin to find out what this production means to him.

the ridge: How has the experience of directing this production been?

Benjamin Ho: Very enriching. Most of my past productions couldn’t be experimental due to certain obligations. In this production, being part of the Studios season, I can do many things I have long wanted to do as the production is experimental. It’s always fun discussing possibilities with actors and exploring ways of communicating with the body.

the ridge: How does the puppetry, martial arts and drumming by Zing-O enrich the
production?

Benjamin Ho: I ask myself the same question as I improvise with the actors and drummers. This is the problem with experimental theatre; you don’t really know the end result. All I can say for sure is that it will be a visual and aural sensation- so do come and experience it for yourself! (smiles)

the ridge: What makes this staging of Death of a Hero different from the 1992 version?

Benjamin Ho: Those who watched the 1992 version won’t be able to recognise most of this production besides its theme. With the playwright’s blessing, we have utterly deconstructed and reconstructed the script and made it totally new. I think the playwright won’t be able to recognise it as his work any more. (laughs) The only characters linking the two versions of the production together are the Hero and the 100th demon.

To help me develop my interpretation of the story, I added a few scenes and changed the protagonist’s point of view. My main character is still the hero, but he is also an ordinary guy, Ah Hock, from this century.

the ridge: What do you think the significance of the hero figure can be for audiences?

Benjamin Ho: Maybe they will feel that they have been in his shoes before or that they have met someone like him. The hero is just a victim in this story. Do we really have heroes in the 21st century?

I am toying more with the idea of the 100th demon. Who is it? Do we see this 100th demon among us or in ourselves? This is a more disturbing thought which I will pose to the audience.

the ridge: What do you hope for audiences to experience in the production and take home from it?

Benjamin Ho: Come and enjoy a simple tale about a man, and be moved by his tale of his journey to become a Hero. Maybe you will identify with the story, shed a few tears, or simply enjoy an artistic expression. I hope this story will have an impact on you; it will be very interesting to find out the audience’s different viewpoints on my production.