As the wives of some of China’s most powerful men – one a revolutionary leader, another a nationalist icon, and the third, a financial magnate – these sisters became the embodiment of both unity and division in a rapidly changing world.
Now, their remarkable lives are brought to the stage in “The Sisters Soong,” a riveting new production directed by Faridah Merican. Written by Joe Hasham, the play, set to premiere on Aug 31, is a fresh take on a Chinese classic.
Known for their work in period pieces such as “Thunderstorm”, “Broken Bridges,” “Jebat,” and “Uda dan Dara,” the husband-and-wife team is no stranger to retelling classic stories with a fresh perspective.
For Merican, the allure of the Soong sisters was irresistible. “I chose it because I liked the fact that it is a Chinese classic. As a woman, stories of women attract me. So, I wanted to do this. And then Joe said, ‘I will rewrite the story.’ So that’s how it all started.”
Hasham extensively researched the piece, compiling 487 pages of material. However, realising the complexity of the subject, he decided “to take a very irreverent approach to it. There’s humour, there’s wit, there’s sarcasm, there’s music, there’s dance.”
The play, which runs for 150 minutes with two intermissions, features an award-winning cast – Omar Ali, Season Chee, Ruby Yap, Jerry Pang, MayJune Tan, Dennis Lee, Jane Tee, Tan Li Yang, Priscilla Wong and Xavier Chen.
The play’s narrative alternates between fact and fiction, with the final act being particularly poignant, featuring six monologues that delve into the sisters’ intimate relationships with their husbands.
“It’s a real heartbreaker,” Hasham described.
But this production marks a significant milestone: it’s the first time in over 30 years that Merican is directing a play written by Hasham.
“I’m very thrilled about the fact that there is somebody like Joe who can come along and rewrite a classic like ‘The Soong Sisters.’ Joe has always sat beside me whenever I directed anything else. This has been a very beautiful, non-conflicting relationship.”
Hasham himself has been deeply moved by this partnership. “I’m very touched to see her, to have her next to me and to watch her. I mean, I’ve always been a fan of Faridah’s directing because she loves her actors.”
The production’s immersive setting, with scenography by Yusman Mokhtar and costumes by Beatrice Looi, promises to transport audiences back to early 1900s China.
The production’s music, curated by Lee Kok Leong, plays a crucial role in setting the tone and atmosphere in a non-intrusive way.
“The story is set in the 1940s, so we chose music from that era,” Lee explained. “We have Western influences such as jazz, swing, and classical music. The music enhances the storytelling by bringing more expression to the scenes, helping audiences feel more connected to the performances.”
The production’s authenticity is further enhanced by its cast and crew, many of whom are deeply connected to the story.
“The fact that it is a Chinese play brought out the best in our Chinese actors. They felt for the play, they felt for the characters. So it was a win-win for us because they enjoyed what they were doing,” said Merican.
Hasham noted that the play’s exploration of relationships is its crux, making it relatable to modern audiences.
“The story basically has to do with the three sisters and their choices of husbands and their relationships with their mother and father,” he said.
“It’s the kind of conflict that even modern-day families will be able to relate to and understand because it still happens,” Merican added.
Ultimately, “The Sisters Soong” is a production that promises to captivate, enlighten, and resonate with audiences, offering a powerful look at the complexities of family, history, and choice.
The Sisters Soong
Venue: Pentas 1, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC), Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, 51100, Kuala Lumpur.
Date & Time:
Aug 31 & Sept 4-7 @ 8pm
Sept 1 & 8 @ 3pm
Ticket Prices: RM188, RM148, RM98, RM78