Well established throughout Southeast Asia and even performed around the world, ‘Emily of Emerald Hill’ is now back in Malaysia.
Written by Stella Kon, this award-winning monodrama is set in Singapore during the early 20th century.

The story focuses on a Peranakan family as the dramatic plot moves back and forth through time.

Emily, in her mid-thirties as the story begins, is a typical Nyonya woman dressed up in her sarong Kebaya. As the plot opens up, we see the ironic twist of how Emily’s love leads to her son’s suicide and her husband’s estrangement towards her.

‘Emily of Emerald Hill’ is directed by Chin San Sooi, one of the founding members of the Five Arts Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Pearlly Chua, who has performed the demanding role of Emily over 160 times, takes on the role yet again.

Chin received his training in theatre at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London and has directed all sorts of plays over the last few decades, including Yap Ah Loy, The Play (1985), Lady White (1989), and Reunion (1994).

This play has become the longest running local play and has been a favourite amongst many Malaysian and Singaporean audiences, and was even performed in Hawaii back in 1987.

Local works like these are like a gem that must be treasured. Most importantly, it is these kinds of treasures that Malaysians should constantly support and appreciate.

For a theatrical work like this to be able to still attract audiences all over and have value to the performing arts industry, there must be something truly great and exciting.

The show is running until April 29 at Panggung Bandaraya DBKL (the Old Town Hall) located at Jalan Raja in Kuala Lumpur.

Tickets are priced at RM78 and RM53 (call 03-79576088 or visit www.ilassotickets.com to purchase tickets).