Cheeyang Ng blends ritual and song in their Singapore Spotlight debut…
Our host, resplendent in a white lace dress, greets us in a balloon-festooned Friesian and hands out props and pieces of paper to some of the audience. We’ll be participating in much more of the show soon, telling Cheeyang’s life story through song and ancient Chinese myths.
Growing up queer in Singapore wasn’t easy – Cheeyang didn’t come out until 36 – but their aunt was their rock, teaching them Mandarin and taking them to the temple to pray. The legends of gods creating the earth and strong warriors are all very male-centric, but Ng wonders about those who don’t fit in the binary- or, indeed, those who might not continue the family line in a ‘traditional’ way by bearing children.
Ng’s beautiful voice fills the small venue, but each song involves us too. The multi-part call-and-response choral element brings a nice communal touch, even if we’re not always on the ball with cues! Volunteers also take on the roles of loved ones in Cheeyang’s life; the tension between pursuing a life abroad and staying with family is deeply moving.
The audience was asked to write a message to their child, future child or inner child; these are dissolved in water on an overhead projector in a very cathartic segment. There were tears of grief and joy as one volunteer was comforted onstage; I’m not sure I’ve cried so much at a Fringe show in years, but it was extremely liberating, and we were in good hands with Cheeyang.
Legendary is an extraordinary, uplifting experience, regardless of your gender identity, sexuality or parenting status.
*****
Legendary is at Underbelly Bristo Square from Aug 5-31 at 15:35