December Rains: Interview with Kit Chan

The restaging of Toy Factory’s Mandarin blockbuster December Rains, the highlight of the bilingual theatre company’s 20th-anniversary celebrations, is an epic tragedy set in the radically evolving Singapore of the 1950s. The love story is set against events such as the Hock Lee bus riots and the pro-Communist student uprising, and is related through haunting music and artful staging.

Li Qing (Kit Chan) and Xiong (George Chan) are caught between filial piety and following their hearts’ desires. Decades later, after a series of fateful decisions, lost love and failed ideals, history appears to repeat itself. Will it all end in tears, or will a rainbow emerge after all the rain?

Tell me about your character.
I play the romantic heroine, Li Qing [on her journey from] an idealistic 18-year-old filled with romantic notions in the 1950s to a hardened, cynical businesswoman in the ’80s. The metamorphosis of my character, both emotionally and physically, is both a joy and a challenge to tackle.

Where do you find inspiration?
I read books and watch films voraciously. However, developing your own character, especially one that is not quite established, means that you need to do a lot more work. This can start off with something academic like research into the ’50s and ’80s, to using your imagination to build up your character’s history and, eventually, to organically get ‘under the skin’ of your character throughout the course of the rehearsal period.

What was it like working with director Goh Boon Teck and actors George Chan and Jeffrey Low?
It’s my first time working with BT and Low. Boon is surprisingly old-school and almost classical in his approach. He spends substantial time workshopping the script and characters, reminding me of my drama school days. Jeff [Low] is a thoroughly experienced and confident actor, with many layers to his acting. He’s really hilarious. As for George, I’ve worked with him so many times before. He’s an old friend, and an extremely professional actor.

This was the first Mandarin musical written in Singapore. How does it feel to be at the helm of its restaging?
I have a strange affinity with this show. When it was first staged in 1996, I was a newbie, and was invited to act in the supporting role of Li Qing’s daughter, which my management company declined due to my other work commitments. Fourteen years later, I am invited to play the heroine, and the writers have since become my good friends and long-time collaborators. How can I not take up the offer this time? It’d be a crime!

What will the audience [through December Rains] learn about 1950s Singapore?
I think a lot of people, those born after 1965, are unaware of the strong feelings Singaporean Chinese had for China back then. It was the sort of idealism and burning passion that modern-day Singaporeans can hardly imagine. Many thought it was a made-up story and were surprised that it was based on history.

December Rains is being staged as part of 'Toy 20', a theatre festival at Esplanade Theatres on The Bay from 5-15 Aug marking the 20th anniversary of local theatre group Toy Factory. Tickets for December Rains are priced at $69, $89, $109 and $129.