Interview with Roystan Tan

Royston Tan, one of the most prominent local directors, is known for films that present audiences with an alternative, often unseen side of Singapore. He tackles themes of violence and seediness that contrast strongly with the city’s official, clean cut image. The brutal honesty in his work, along with his refusal to toe the line or short-change his creativity, has earned him no fewer than 37 international and local awards for his short films, documentaries and features. Now trying his hand at musical theatre, he’s taking on a comedy cabaret – written and performed by stage and television actor Sebastian Tan – and directing his first play, Broadway Beng – Jiak Liu Lian (Eat Durian).

What made you a fan of Broadway Beng?

To be honest, I have never seen the concept of ah beng and Broadway being combined together, and I think Sebastian pulled it off very well as a hybrid of both cultures. It is original, entertaining and most importantly fun.

Do you have any Hokkien roots or ah beng characteristics?

Erm…I’m Hokkien. I used to dance at Club 97, Sparks, Canto…

As a filmmaker, what made you decide to direct a stage production?

I have always wanted to try something different, something that I cannot do in film, and I figured this is it.

What were the biggest differences that you came across?

I guess theatre is more spontaneous. It allows for improvisation – you can slowly craft out the act and let it mature. Film, on the other hand, demands precision. We are constantly behind schedule.

Do you have plans to bring a fresh perspective to this fourth instalment of the show?

There will be a special music video segment that we just shot overseas, and a combination of humour from Sebastian and me.

What did you think about working off a script that you didn’t write yourself?

It’s definitely less torturous. I hate writing script – it’s a long, lonely journey to death valley.

What about working with Sebastian Tan?

He is very professional and funny. We always crack up during rehearsals. And for the rest of the female cast, it’s as ‘boomz’ as you can get.

Is it really possible for an ah beng to sing Broadway songs?

I don’t know about the rest of the bengs, but for Sebastian, it’s definitely unique because he is truly Asia.

How will you connect with audiences in a large theatre like the Esplanade? Can Broadway Beng take on the Liu Lian?

I think laughter is the best medicine. It won’t be Broadway Beng taking on the Liu Lian; he will be flying in the big durian. Hint, hint.

Broadway Beng performs at Esplanade Theatre from 3-12 Dec.