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The first half re-enacted the whole book's key points tastefully, with a little bit more of drama and music. The Characters from the book started coming to life in front of me. From Chris (cute, reserved and full of feel for life), Nicholas (bold, flamboyant, no-regrets and full of vigor for living life), Sylvia (Smart, sharp tongue, elusive at times, no-nonsense and sophisticated), Kenneth (Strong convictions in life, pious and fillial, confused and in denial) and Samuel (Loving, strong pillar of strength but always haunted by past and the tragic present, an understanding and caring lover).
I was most taken from the scene where Nicholas sang Wilson Phillip's Hold On (For One More Day). It was most hilarious. And of course, the underlying purpose of this play, which was also timed correctly, at the addressing of the current hot topic of decriminalizing the Penal Code 377A. Sex between same sex adults. There are too many things to say about this current issue, and many had written about it on their blogs and to the papers. Forums and seminars have been organized by the government to openly discuss their views and concerns, and to collect the feedback of the general public. What is my say then? I am, of course, pro-decriminalizing it. There are other concerns. About the general conservative singaporeans. We are, after all, a country of tolerance where a balance is almost excruciatingly difficult to strike. We did not get by to our state now, of religious and racial harmony and peace without shedding of much sweat and blood. There no one moment I want to see the opening up of our gay culture, exposed other forms of violence and indiscriminate prejudice and bias.
Let them kiss in public, let them have sex in the privacy of their homes. Let them marry publicly and let them have status which is recognized by the government. Let them share in some rights that legally married straight couple have. For housing and for medical care etc. That is perhaps what we all want for our gay community. It is never simple. Will this corrode the family values and the so-called basic building of our society? The vision is just too massive for me to grasp. How possible that 2 guy, who decides to come together, can come to erode our family values away? Aren't my boyfriend, my family too? I would love to call him my husband.
Anyway, the book is currently out of print, and from the light of it, I would not be surprised if they start start printing it again. I'd gotten a copy of it from a friend many years ago. Nicholas. (.. not that the flailing-arms Nicole you may think. ). One of my very gay friend when I was younger. That was more than 10 years ago, when everything still seemed so reserved in Singapore. I reallyl hope they will do that thing which is necessary. But never at the expense of our country's foremost interest of peace and harmony. Step by Step and let's go at it slowly.
Semplice Simon
