Singapore, 15 May 2019 --- China Life Insurance (Singapore) Pte Ltd (China Life Insurance Singapore) is delighted to present “It Could Have Been____!” (狮城古今笑谈), a well-received Chinese crosstalk (相声 xiang sheng) production over 4 weekends in June 2019 to jointly commemorate Singapore’s Bicentennial.

The production is organized by Singapore Press Holdings’ (SPH) Chinese Media Group (CMG) and co-organised with People’s Association (PA).

Scripted by Cultural Medallion recipient Mr Han Lao Da, a Singapore xiang sheng pioneer and renowned Chinese-language theatre playwright, “It Could Have Been___!” was first staged at the Esplanade in 2015, garnering rave reviews from audiences.

The 2019 version is modified for the open stage and is directed by Jalyn Han, an experienced theatre practitioner and anchored by two local crosstalk veterans, Johnny Ng and Yong Ser Pin. Through the comical language of Chinese crosstalk, the production has been updated into a 75-minute performance, comprising 7 acts that span across 700 years of Singapore's history, from the naming of Lion City (Singapura), the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles, the Japanese Occupation, the merger and separation of Singapore and Malaysia, the integration of Singapore’s new and old immigrants to modern day Singapore. The production will offer a synopsis in English at the beginning of each scene to cater to a wider audience.

Mr Zhu Lixin, Deputy General Manager of China Life Insurance Singapore, said: “Singapore’s Bicentennial Commemoration 2019 marks a milestone in Singapore’s history and is a keenly anticipated high profiled event regarded by the Singapore government and Singaporeans. As part of China Life Insurance (Group) Company (“China Life”) which is the largest financial insurance corporation in China, China Life Insurance Singapore is proud to sponsor “It Could Have Been___!” event. This event enacts the various chapters of Singapore’s history through an engaging cross talk performance to relive the monumental moments such as the notable contributions of the early migrants to the present success of Singapore. It is also opportune that this event is in a crosstalk performance format. As crosstalk is a popular Chinese cultural art form, we are delighted to use this event to help promote this traditional art to a wide audience. This year coincides with the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and China Life. We hope to mark these celebratory occasions to further grow our insurance business here and as a socially responsible company, we are committed to offer value-added financial solutions to serve the financial needs of Singaporeans to jointly create a better future for all.”

Mr Han Lao Da said: “We have changed the Chinese title of this production to reflect our modern perspective of Singapore’s history. We hope that it will help to educate Singaporeans about our past, which did not begin with the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles but way before that. The production also touches on the relationship between Malaysia and Singapore which is a constant concern of citizens from both countries. Crosstalk is an ideal platform to help audiences to appreciate serious topics in a more light-hearted manner.”

Ms Lee Huay Leng, Head of SPH Chinese Media Group, said: "This light-hearted but thought-provoking production is an extremely meaningful and entertaining showcase. Through the comical language of a cross-talk, it enables audiences to acquire better understandings about Singapore's history and the close ties between Singapore and Malaysia. In addition, aligning with Singapore’s commemoration of the Bicentennial this year, it brings back nostalgic memories of Singapore’s history and heritage, as well as conveys that the nation’s spectacular successes and achievements are not facile."

The free-admission performances will be staged at this year’s Singapore Book Fair with the first two shows at Capitol Singapore (Stage @ Plaza, Level 1) on 8 and 9 June (Saturday and Sunday). Subsequent performances will be staged over the next 3 weekends at Ang Mo Kio Central Stage, Our Tampines Hub and Kampung Admiralty.

 

Performance details:

8 June, Saturday 9 June, Sunday	8pm 4pm	Capitol Singapore (Stage @ Plaza, Level 1)
15 June, Saturday 16 June, Sunday	7.30pm 7.30pm	Ang Mo Kio Central Stage
22 June, Saturday 23 June, Sunday	4.30pm 6pm	Our Tampines Hub
29 June, Saturday 30 June, Sunday	7.30pm 7pm	Kampung Admiralty

 

For media queries, contact:

Ms Frankie Liu
Branding and Communication Manager (General Management Department)
China Life Insurance (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
Tel：6727 4822
Email：FrankieLiu@chinalife.com.sg

 

About China Life Insurance (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Established in 2015, China Life Insurance (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (“we”, “us”, “our”) is a licensed life insurer which is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”). As part of China Life Insurance (Group) Company ("China Life") which is the largest financial insurance corporation in China, we are backed by its financial strength and established heritage. China Life is a Fortune Global 500 company for 16 consecutive years and was ranked 42nd in 2018. It is an influential global brand with a brand value of over USD48.25 billion^*.

Our parent company, China Life Insurance (Overseas) Company Limited ("China Life (Overseas)") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Life. It is a leading life insurance company in Hong Kong and Macau with an asset value of more than USD43.34 billion (December 2018) and its premium income exceeded USD6.24 billion in 2018. Its credit rating by Moody's was "A1" (insurance financial strength rating in August 2018) and by Standard & Poor's was "A" (long-term local currency issuer credit rating and insurer financial strength rating in November 2018). China Life (Overseas) has extended its footprint in Southeast Asia in recent years, and established subsidiaries in Singapore and Indonesia in 2015 and 2018 respectively.

We are a socially responsible company committed to increasingly develop innovative products to meet our customers’ protection, savings, retirement and legacy planning needs. We are also active in giving back to society through our corporate social responsibility activities to make a positive impact on the community and our customers. This resonates with the Belt and Road Initiative to increasingly engage our socio-business influence here.

*Source: “Top 500 Most Valuable Chinese Brands” 2018 by World Brand Lab