Mum Jane Stewart shares what her family loved about the timeless tale of The Ugly Duckling, brought to life by The Little Company – in Mandarin!
It’s a tale we all know, and is loved around the world: Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling. And until 1 August, Singapore Repertory Theatre’s The Little Company is once again bringing its popular interpretation of The Ugly Duckling to life at DBS Arts Centre – this time, in Mandarin. We asked local mum Jane Stewart, who took her family of five to see the show, to share what her little ones loved about the performance. Want to know more about the show? Check out our interview with Isabelle Chiam, who plays the narrator in The Little Company’s production of The Ugly Duckling!
My husband and I recently took our three children to the DBS theatre to watch The Ugly Duckling in Mandarin. Our two eldest children (aged seven and almost five) attend the Hillside World Academy (HWA; previously the Chinese International School) so we are always seeking out children’s theatre, apps and movies in Mandarin to support their Chinese language development. With plenty of opportunities for audience participation, this production immensely appealed to the young audience!
Through the lively narration of the talented story teller, three lively puppeteers and their colourful puppets, the much-loved story of The Ugly Duckling unfolds. It begins with the mother duck sitting protectively by her four eggs. As expected, out of the three small eggs hatch three cute little yellow ducklings and of course there are many giggles and belly laughs when a large grey and dishevelled-looking ‘duckling’ hatches from the oversized egg.
As the seasons pass, the Ugly Duckling grows and eventually comes across a cat, a chicken and a dog. Can the duckling wash her face and purr like a cat? Or lay an egg like a chicken? More belly laughs as the Ugly Duckling unsuccessfully tries to lay an egg! However, it’s the dog who teaches the Ugly Duckling the value of making friends with animals irrespective of breed.
It’s a cold winter and the audience rubs their hands together to give warmth to the Ugly Duckling, shielding itself from the cold under a blanket of fallen leaves. My kids loved the moment when spring breaks and the Ugly Duckling merges from the blanket as a beautiful swan!
The life-like puppets, wonderful puppeteers and the charismatic narrator really bring this classic tale in Mandarin to life. Your little linguists will be shouting out messages of encouragement to the Ugly Duckling in no time. Pack your earplugs!
The Ugly Duckling in Mandarin, presented by SRT’s The Little Company, will run until 1 August at DBS Arts Centre. Tickets available through SISTIC.
WHEN:
Mon – Fri : 10am
Fri(17 Jul): 11am & 2pm
Sat: 11am & 2pm
TICKET PRICING:
(Excludes booking fee)
Tuesday to Friday
Standard: S$25, S$22
*Family Package of 4: S$85 for Cat 1 tickets
*Family Package of 4 (with TLC CD Vol.2): S$97 for Cat 1 tickets
Weekends
Standard: S$35, S$32
*Family Package of 4: S$119 for Cat 1 tickets
*Family Package of 4 (with TLC CD Vol.2): S$131 for Cat 1 tickets
This post is sponsored by the Singapore Repertory Theatre.