SYNOPSIS
Welcome to the Feelings Farm
where feelings bloom and grow.
Pay attention to their whispers,
they might show you where to go…
On a trip to Kranji, three children find themselves lost on The Feelings Farm where emotions are shifting landscapes they must learn to journey through, both together and alone. Guided by the mysterious Cloud, they tumble through the Jungle of Joy, brave the Field of Fear, sail across the Swamp of Sadness, and explore other familiar feelings. Come along for a magical adventure that will surprise and move you.
The Feelings Farm uses music, movement, poetry and multimedia to help children name and understand emotions with compassion. The play draws from real experiences of children in Singapore and hopes to give children and adults alike the language to have honest conversations about our feelings.
The Feelings Farm was first produced by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and presented in 2021 as part of March On.
PRODUCTION DETAILS
Singapore: Esplanade Theatre, 12–14 Mar 2021
Duration: approx. 75 mins (with no intermission)
Cast: Pam Oei, Shafiqhah Efandi, Ryan Ang, Mehr Dudeja
Musicians: Rizal Sanip, Ryan Sim, Brandon Wong, Christabelle Sheum, Christina Zhou
Playwright: Amanda Chong
Director: Edith Podesta
Composer: Julian Wong
Music Director & Musician: Joel Nah
Sound Designer & Operator: Shah Tahir
Playback Operator: Sandra Tay
Multimedia Designer & Operator: Mervin Wong
Lighting Designer: Stev.e Kwek
Props Designer: Joyce Gan
Illustrator: Isabelle Desjeux
Resource Writer: Lee Yoke Wen
Production Manager: Tennie Su
Stage Manager: Woo Hsia Ling
Assistant Stage Manager: Sheryl Woo, Sean Teng
Producer: Esplanade – Theatres by the Bay
Download: Programme Booklet
PRAISE
“Playwright Amanda Chong sensitively encourages children to face their feelings, however uncomfortable they may be, and to work through them.
“A strong performance by the inimitable Pam Oei anchored the production, and added a welcome dose of humour to some otherwise heavy scenes. But from the opening bars, the other star of the show for me was composer Julian Wong’s music, under the musical direction of Joel Nah, which was both lyrical and thoughtful. Long after we left the theatre, I heard my son happily humming the theme song.
“The Feelings Farm carries a timeless message—that it is in understanding and accepting our own emotions, that we are better able to show compassion to others in theirs. In this respect The Feelings Farm feels like an important piece of local children’s theatre.” — Little Day Out
PUBLICITY
“March On 2021 | The Feelings Farm - Documentary”, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, 2 Mar 2021
Through sharing the stories behind their feelings, they might discover together what they value in their lives. I also hope that through The Feelings Farm, they will come to learn the treasure that is self-compassion. I truly believe that self-compassion and self-acceptance are the greatest strengths we can keep by our side to bring us through life’s hardest challenges.
“Helping Kids Deal with Complex Emotions”, Joelle Cecilia Quek, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, 1 Mar 2021
