Drama Box
5
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Thanks for all your support of our show, Chinatown Crossings. The show has concluded and won't be running again in this venue. Kindly follow our social media and website for upcoming shows. Founded in 1990, Drama Box is a non-profit company known for creating theatre that inspires dialogue, reflection and change. By shining a spotlight on marginalised narratives and making space for the communal contemplation of complex issues, it seeks to tell stories that provoke a deeper understanding of Singapore’s culture, history and identity. Drama Box is a recipient of the National Arts Council’s Major Grant 2017 – 2020. It is also a member of the Singapore Chinese Language Theatre Alliance.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Neighbourhood: Outram
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- Telok Ayer • 7 min walk
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5.0
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Girl Eat World
Singapore, Singapore85 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
I saw Chinatown Crossings last year in 2018 for its inaugural season, but after experiencing it, I knew I had to come back and bring my loved ones with me. Even on second viewing this remains my favorite theater experience in Singapore thus far. It's high quality, well executed and highly informative. Perfect for locals and tourists alike! I have been staying in Singapore for 10 years and I still learned a lot from this play.
I've been told the tickets have been sold out this year (again!!) but if they are returning next year, do not hesitate to book early. They WILL sell out again! I highly recommend signing up for their mailing list so you won't miss their next show.
I've been told the tickets have been sold out this year (again!!) but if they are returning next year, do not hesitate to book early. They WILL sell out again! I highly recommend signing up for their mailing list so you won't miss their next show.
Written 7 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dazzakoh
Singapore, Singapore11 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
Chinatown Crossings was already going to be a different kind of "evening at the theatre" - the blurb told you to prepare to walk and climb. What the blurb did not tell you was that it was a journey into a part of town that you might never have known existed: it took you away from the glitz of Singapore Tourist Board, and into the memories of Kunalan - an unlikely person to be found in a Chinatown (but that's just part of the revelations of the whole play).
It's a guided walk, an immersive experience, a peek into memories, a lament about change, but also challenge to audience: how much of "Chinatown" did you really know? And in the end it asks of us all, how much of the past do we really want to keep? Connectedness, connections are made from memories. Memories are triggered by handkerchiefs and cards. Things you touch, and feel. Like the ice-kacang, the old ice-ball. Or a little fan....
There is one point I would put down for the organisers to consider: the headphones used in the production which the audience has to wear are closed-fitting in-ear buds. Quite apart of the question about health (are the in-ear buds disinfected between shows???) this cuts out ambient noise pretty much completely. Great for listening, but it does disorientate us when walking, especially when crossing streets - which we had to do throughout the night. Might I suggest foam-tipped buds or over-ear headphones?
Apart from that: go. This is one show about Chinatown that might show you a chinatown you never knew.
It's a guided walk, an immersive experience, a peek into memories, a lament about change, but also challenge to audience: how much of "Chinatown" did you really know? And in the end it asks of us all, how much of the past do we really want to keep? Connectedness, connections are made from memories. Memories are triggered by handkerchiefs and cards. Things you touch, and feel. Like the ice-kacang, the old ice-ball. Or a little fan....
There is one point I would put down for the organisers to consider: the headphones used in the production which the audience has to wear are closed-fitting in-ear buds. Quite apart of the question about health (are the in-ear buds disinfected between shows???) this cuts out ambient noise pretty much completely. Great for listening, but it does disorientate us when walking, especially when crossing streets - which we had to do throughout the night. Might I suggest foam-tipped buds or over-ear headphones?
Apart from that: go. This is one show about Chinatown that might show you a chinatown you never knew.
Written 22 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your beautiful reflections on this show, dazzakoh!
We are proud of this unique production that highlights the multicultural aspect of Chinatown through the eyes of Kunalan.
Thank you for your feedback regarding the headphones. The ear buds are sanitized and disinfected at the end of every performance. The in-ear buds are part of the sound design, to allow audience a fuller experience and for consistent sound quality of the soundscapes, actors' voices and pick up of ambient sounds. However, we appreciate your feedback and suggestions and will certainly look into it.
Written 25 June 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ron Tan
Singapore, Singapore42 contributions
Who would have thought that the combination of a theatre performance and a walking tour would work?
Introducing “Chinatown Crossings”, an interactive theatre experience where the cast would bring you on a journey through Chinatown through the eyes pof Kunalan, an Indian man who grew up in Chinatown with Ting Ting, his feisty sassy Chinese friend and Feng Jie, Ting Ting’s nanny who hails directly from Guangdong, China.
What was amazing about this performance is that the cast were really wonderful and natural in their portrayal of their characters. They acted as real guides and not only told us about many interesting facts about Chinatown (like OMG I never knew it was previously known as Kreta Ayer and that there was a 800-seater Chinese opera theatre!) and brought us around safely as we were walking on the roads with traffic!
This deep and thoughtful performance made you rethink about life in Singapore and how the changing landscape and development affects the vibrancy of lands, buildings and areas. It made me think about how it is hard to balance between moving forward and retaining culture and heritage. Great for one to see a different side of Singapore. There is audio texts that comes through the audio guide sets that were given to us during certain point in time at that helps to enhance the experience even more, giving clues to the storyline and paced perfectly in between the lines of the cast, so that you will not feel ‘awkward’.
The audio did had some issue towards the end of the performance, might have been due to the connection (note: the stage manager was walking around with this big sort of machine that helped to transmit the audio to our sets and it looks pretty heavy, so I really have to applaud her for that!)
This performance also have interactive moments, like making your own chendol dessert and making your own fan!
Overall, “Chinatown Crossings” does not disappoint and it is definitely a experience that you would want. Everyone, local or foreign, would enjoy and should go for this performance! Thank you to the team for this amazing experience!
Things to note: 1. The performance is in English and Cantonese. You do not really need to fully comprehend Cantonese, as the actors and actresses will somehow incorporate necessary translation into the script (although in my opinion, having understand the language may enhance the experience better). However, if you feel uneasy, it might be better to get a translation booklet (available from the Drama Box team). 2. This performance does not seem to be accessible to those who have special needs, as there are quite a few stairs to climb (about a total of 4 flights in the first half of the performance and one downstairs in the last part).
3. This is a rain or shine performance. Thankfully it did not rain during the performance, so I cannot comment if it really did rain
4. They do serve desserts and drinks during the performance (they really know the way to a typical Singaporean’s heart). Although it does not seem to affect my dietary requirements (for me), you might want to check with the team prior to booking
5. There is a lot of walking to do! And be prepared to walk through crowds!
6. They will give audio guide for the tour (which is great so the actors don’t have to shout). They have their own earphones; not sure if you can use your own but you might want to check
7. No photography and videography is allowed, so I only have one before the show started (sorry) Other than that, please go and enjoy!
This deep and thoughtful performance made you rethink about life in Singapore and how the changing landscape and development affects the vibrancy of lands, buildings and areas. It made me think about how it is hard to balance between moving forward and retaining culture and heritage. Great for one to see a different side of Singapore. There is audio texts that comes through the audio guide sets that were given to us during certain point in time at that helps to enhance the experience even more, giving clues to the storyline and paced perfectly in between the lines of the cast, so that you will not feel ‘awkward’.
The audio did had some issue towards the end of the performance, might have been due to the connection (note: the stage manager was walking around with this big sort of machine that helped to transmit the audio to our sets and it looks pretty heavy, so I really have to applaud her for that!)
This performance also have interactive moments, like making your own chendol dessert and making your own fan!
Overall, “Chinatown Crossings” does not disappoint and it is definitely a experience that you would want. Everyone, local or foreign, would enjoy and should go for this performance! Thank you to the team for this amazing experience!
Things to note: 1. The performance is in English and Cantonese. You do not really need to fully comprehend Cantonese, as the actors and actresses will somehow incorporate necessary translation into the script (although in my opinion, having understand the language may enhance the experience better). However, if you feel uneasy, it might be better to get a translation booklet (available from the Drama Box team). 2. This performance does not seem to be accessible to those who have special needs, as there are quite a few stairs to climb (about a total of 4 flights in the first half of the performance and one downstairs in the last part).
3. This is a rain or shine performance. Thankfully it did not rain during the performance, so I cannot comment if it really did rain
4. They do serve desserts and drinks during the performance (they really know the way to a typical Singaporean’s heart). Although it does not seem to affect my dietary requirements (for me), you might want to check with the team prior to booking
5. There is a lot of walking to do! And be prepared to walk through crowds!
6. They will give audio guide for the tour (which is great so the actors don’t have to shout). They have their own earphones; not sure if you can use your own but you might want to check
7. No photography and videography is allowed, so I only have one before the show started (sorry) Other than that, please go and enjoy!
Written 11 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this review. We are glad to hear you have gained insights into Chinatown and enjoyed this promenade theatre performance!
Written 11 June 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pehcindy
Singapore, Singapore2 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
A very well-thought-out theatre tour, I was so transfixed from beginning till the end and was even moved to tears at one point. All the actors were simply amazing especially the children who played the younger versions of the main characters - the acting was superb. I truly enjoyed myself throughout the guided tour.
Highly recommend to anyone who wishes to experience a truly unforgettable experience that brings us back to the history of Chinatown (牛车水) also known as Kreta Ayer in Malay.
Highly recommend to anyone who wishes to experience a truly unforgettable experience that brings us back to the history of Chinatown (牛车水) also known as Kreta Ayer in Malay.
Written 20 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KateN
Khlong Muang, Thailand40 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
Drama Box took stories from the old locals who used to live in Chinatown before it was "Chinatown" and from them developed a fascinating story line which took us all over the area, illuminating a side of the area I had never seen before, even though I have visited and worked in the area. We saw how they used to live, like sardines in a tin but with humanity; we visited temples both Hindu and Buddhist; we ate refreshing jelly ice and the legendary gulag melaka ice ball; and we shed a tear when the old nanny died. A wonderful evening that I would recommend to all - local or visitor.
Written 19 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stongmount
1 contribution
Aug 2018 • Solo
This is the first time I have ever joined such a drama act. I've enjoyed it very much, I wish there are more of such immersive play... I was walking down a road today, the two sides are full of rain trees which have aged so much since I was young, now they look so haggard and with so many branches hacked off, it led me to think, hmmm... can a drama a story be written here, and people get to walk thru this part of town? hahaha!Initially, I was attracted to "Chinatown Crossings" because my family had come, in a way, from Chinatown (well or Kreta Ayer, haha). My father was a Foochow, and he is the hawker (coffee stallholder) on the streets for years before he was asked to move into the food centre at Smith Street. Something happened, he could not work there... and my mum, years after, re-started the copee stall at Smith Street Food Centre. For myself, I lived thru some parts of the old Chinatown, and the new one too (well, not so new now, it's also been some years back, now Chinatown belongs to many foreigners and the other China Chinese, hahaha)The drama act invoked many memories, I seldom visit Chinatown, and for that matter, in the evenings... I even recognised some familiar faces as I was walking during the drama act..The walk lasted some hours, and in the process, I have the feeling that years have passed, and the events the characters went through seemed so real. Thanks for the good acting. There's a part when I saw Fong Sister crying, holding the magpie handkerchief, I was almost tearing up too... A lot of research and thinking has gone into the script, thank you very much! I am really thankful for the opportunity to participate in it :))
Written 18 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ClaritaBebeka
Singapore, Singapore17 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
I had the privilege of watching this play on its debut last night. It is theatre on the streets of Chinatown, as we followed the story of an Indian boy and his Chinese neighbour as they grew up in the world's most diverse Chinatown with its mosque, Indian and Chinese temples., and death lanes.
Although we walked through the streets of Chinatown, it was not so much the streetscape that gripped us but their stories of family, maternal love, filial conflicts, childlike imaginations and real-life experiences when innocence is lost and wisdom may be found.
Kunalan and Ting-Ting's story touched personal rites of passage as well as communal rituals and community events. At several points, members of the audience were moved to tears. Kudos to the director and actors for the pacing of the performance - moments of reflection in a soundscape of the busy streets or engagement with the actors as we participated in their intimate memories.
Their stories emanate from 18 months of research and oral histories of those who actually lived in Chinatown. There is one beautiful surprise from a couple who still live and work there but I won't give it away here.
Thanks to the Singapore Heritage Society for the groundwork, Drama Box for this immersive promenade theatre that brings arts to the people on the ground, and the Singapore Tourism Board which for once seems to have taken heed of the public sentiment that we have enough of the glitz and want to connect to our environs.
Don't miss this. Book your tickets. Bring your family or your friends. Don't forget your hankerchief. It would be a pity to miss this visceral performance.
Although we walked through the streets of Chinatown, it was not so much the streetscape that gripped us but their stories of family, maternal love, filial conflicts, childlike imaginations and real-life experiences when innocence is lost and wisdom may be found.
Kunalan and Ting-Ting's story touched personal rites of passage as well as communal rituals and community events. At several points, members of the audience were moved to tears. Kudos to the director and actors for the pacing of the performance - moments of reflection in a soundscape of the busy streets or engagement with the actors as we participated in their intimate memories.
Their stories emanate from 18 months of research and oral histories of those who actually lived in Chinatown. There is one beautiful surprise from a couple who still live and work there but I won't give it away here.
Thanks to the Singapore Heritage Society for the groundwork, Drama Box for this immersive promenade theatre that brings arts to the people on the ground, and the Singapore Tourism Board which for once seems to have taken heed of the public sentiment that we have enough of the glitz and want to connect to our environs.
Don't miss this. Book your tickets. Bring your family or your friends. Don't forget your hankerchief. It would be a pity to miss this visceral performance.
Written 24 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for such a beautiful and heartfelt review, Clarita! This production is inspired by true stories, and it has been our honour and privilege to be able to present these authentic stories to audiences.
Written 25 June 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DadsCanHaveFunToo
London50 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
Combine the leisurely pace of a walking tour with the intrigue of a historical documentary and present it through the exemplary acting skills of a small group of stage actors (and the ninja-like quiet professionalism of technicians and stage managers); now you have an idea of what to expect at a showing of "Chinatown Crossings"; that's if you're lucky enough to get a ticket because this show sells out fast, and for good reason.
Without wanting to give away too much of the magic and elements of surprise that this performance yields, let's just say that you will be introduced to a number of characters from Chinatown of old. They will guide you through the decades, the streets and the customs of the area as it grew in Singapore.
There are a few stops along the way where you, the audience, get involved (don't worry, you won't be asked to start improv acting), get interactive, and even get to take a few items home with you.
The team at Drama Box have clearly worked closely with the community around them to provide an enthralling and engaging personal tale that is influenced by the cultural goings-on of Singapore at the time.
Top tips: where comfy shoes; turn off your phone; and stand as close to the audio operator as possible to get the best out of your sound device.
Well played, Drama Box! An excellent piece of theatre.
Without wanting to give away too much of the magic and elements of surprise that this performance yields, let's just say that you will be introduced to a number of characters from Chinatown of old. They will guide you through the decades, the streets and the customs of the area as it grew in Singapore.
There are a few stops along the way where you, the audience, get involved (don't worry, you won't be asked to start improv acting), get interactive, and even get to take a few items home with you.
The team at Drama Box have clearly worked closely with the community around them to provide an enthralling and engaging personal tale that is influenced by the cultural goings-on of Singapore at the time.
Top tips: where comfy shoes; turn off your phone; and stand as close to the audio operator as possible to get the best out of your sound device.
Well played, Drama Box! An excellent piece of theatre.
Written 17 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin Tan
Singapore, Singapore34 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
I am a Singaporean with a deep interest in history and know that of our Chinatown well. This amazing theatrical experience skilfully weaves in history, social memories and social commentary in a powerful, poignant performance that blew me away. Congratulations, Drama Box!
Written 24 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your wonderful words, Kevin! We are very happy to hear you had an amazing experience.
Written 26 June 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dora
Singapore, Singapore15 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
The ticket was not cheap but at the end of it - free chedol, free poncho for the drizzle, free tea set, a craft session, a free lovely fan and of course local theatre at its best - it was more than worth it!
Written 23 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for supporting Chinatown Crossings! We hope to see you at our future shows.
Written 26 June 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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