5 - 28 Sep 2003 I Esplanade Theatre

Empress Dowager Tzu Hsi - adored, revered, feared and hated. The life of one of the most controversial figures in Chinese history is explored in Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress. Starring the dynamic Singapore singer/actress Kit Chan as Tzu Hsi, this musical features the creative talents of Olivier award-winning lyricist Stephen Clark, London-based director Steven Dexter and Singapore composer Dick Lee.

Just who is the real Tzu Hsi? A young concubine scheming for survival and love amidst the political intrigue of the Forbidden City rises to become Empress, only to end her days as an aging Dowager fearing for her safety.

What of her relationships with the men in her life? Three Emperors, the powerful head Eunuch and a journalist all feature in her fascinating story as seen through the eyes of an American artist, who was the first Westerner invited to China to paint her portrait.

All vividly brought to life with a stirring score and sumptuous costumes designed by London-based Singapore designer Yang Derong. Don't miss the world premiere of this new Singapore musical that promises to be a feast for the senses!

Cast: George Chan, Kit Chan, Amy Cheng, Richard Chia, Rommel S Gerona, Karen Goh, Robin Goh, 
Andrew Hallida, Juwanda Hassim, Blossom Lam, Cynthia Lee, Hossan Leong, Jonathan Lum, Leigh McDonald,
Oliver Pang, Darren Seah,Skye, Sng Tiak, Dwayne Tan, Isaac Tan, Sebastian Tan, Michael Too, Quek Li Huan and Nicholas Yew

Creative Team:
Music: Dick Lee
Book: Stephen Clark and Dick Lee
Lyrics: Stephen Clark
Idea developed: Stephen Clark, Dick Lee and Steven Dexter
Directed by: Steven Dexter
Musical Director: Sydney Tan
Musical Arranger: Bang Wenfu
Choreographer: George Chan
Set Designer: Francis O'Connor
Costume Designer: Yang Derong
Lighting Designer: Chris Ellis
Sound Designer: Mike Walker
Choral Director: Peter Stead