In 1952, Singapore-based Chinese painters Chen Chong Swee, Chen Wen Hsi, Cheong Soo Pieng, and Liu Kang went on a field trip to Bali in search of a new visual expression that would be Southeast Asian. The historic trip was the launching pad for the Nanyang art movement that fused western style, composition, and painterly techniques with Eastern philosophy and subjects. It is now the base for a new show, Nanyang, The Musical, helmed by director Alex Tok, which will premiere on August 6 at the Drama Centre Theatre as part of the Singapore International Festival of Arts. BLOUIN Artinfo talked to Tok about the project:How did you get the idea for the musical?I have been interested in the story of Nanyang artist Georgette Chen ever since I visited my friend, Jimmy Ong, in his Vermont home. Ong was the one who recommended that I consider filming a biopic of Chen. I started researching her and through this research, I became interested in four other Nanyang artists: Chen Chong Swee, Chen Wen Hsi, Liu Kang, and Cheong Soo Pieng. I had a wonderful time getting to know them all, albeit from archival material. I was really impressed by the fact that they decided to make a trip to Bali to seek a breakthrough in their craft, even though they were, by that time, at the top of their game. They were truly artists of the first order, and a big inspiration.Why choose the musical format?It’s the genre that is closest to my heart. The musical is inspired by the life and times of these great Nanyang artists, it is set against certain milestones in history as well as pivotal moments in their lives. However, it is not a biopic or documentary account of the artists’ lives. In fact the characters in the musical, while inspired by the artists, are fictional characters and have no direct bearing or resemblance to the artists.What do you hope the audience will take from the storyline?In many ways, ‘Nanyang, The Musical’ is more than just a musical about art and artists. It is about life and the choices we make to find meaning in life. Each character struggles with that journey, finding what makes sense and what anchors their life. Is it love? Is it family? Is it the pursuit of ideals? But beyond all these questions and issues, there is also the wonderful music that Xiaohan, Eric Ng, and Goh Kheng Long have created.What has been the most difficult aspect of the production?I’m working with many collaborators for the very first time; it calls for a higher degree of trust. Immediately. I think we have achieved that, somewhat.What do you think is the recipe for a good musical?Accessibility, good music, great story!Running Aug 6‑8 at the Drama Centre Theatre, SingaporePerformances will be in Chinese, with English subtitles
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