While many may only know of local historical figure Dr Lim Boon Keng by his namesake MRT station, we’ll soon be able to learn more about the Peranakan physician through his new musical, coming Oct 10-13.
Written by Lim’s great-granddaughter Stella Kon, an established playwright who’s best known for her monodrama Emily of Emerald Hill, the musical will no doubt be in good hands—although we do wonder what took her so long to write a play about her great-grandfather.
Nevertheless, Lim Boon Keng, The Musical, will detail the life and times of the man who received the prestigious Queen’s Scholarship, his contributions during Singapore’s colonial era, as well as his survival of the second world war and its aftermath. The show will also spotlight his ideas and philosophies, which include social and educational reforms in Singapore.
Starring in the titular role is well-known local performer Sebastian Tan, aka Broadway Beng; with Jeremiah Choy, a local veteran director and actor as the production’s director, and composer Elaine Chen on music.
As it turns out, we’ve been unknowingly reaping the many benefits of Dr Lim’s actions (he was the one who championed education for Singaporean women back in the 1890s, among other causes), so it’s about time we honoured the man and go beyond acknowledging him as merely an MRT stop.
Lim Boon Keng, The Musical will be shown from Oct 10-13 at the Victoria Theatre. Buy tickets here and more information here.
