Singapura: The Musical, which has been abruptly cancelled and was previously panned in a review as its Filipino actors failed to speak Singlish properly in what was supposed to be a production about Singapore's tumultuous years in the 60s and 70s, reportedly suffered from a severe lack of paying audience members to fill the seats at the 977-seat Capitol Theatre.

According to The Straits Times, on July 13, 2015:

The musical, which has received mixed reviews since opening on May 22, features a mainly Filipino cast and traces the decade leading up to Singapore's independence, including historical incidents such as the Hock Lee Bus Riots set against the stories of ordinary people.

Cast and crew members whom The Straits Times spoke to said attendance has been dismal, with the 40-odd cast performing at times to an almost-empty theatre.

One actor, who requested not to be named as he has not yet been paid, said that payment has been delayed for most cast members, both Filipino and Singaporean. An external vendor engaged by the musical who also declined to be named said that his firm was paid in June, four months after their work had been completed.

Complaints of non-payment and late payment issues have since been addressed though, with 4th Wall Theatre Company Singapore saying that they would honour all contracts.

The $2.72 million production had closed earlier than its previously announced date, but did not provide any reasons.

It was supposed to end its run on June 7, but was inexplicably extended till July 19.

But the musical closed on July 2.

Singapura is the first show to be put up at the newly-reopened theatre at City Hall.

The production cast was composed of 35 Filipinos, 11 Singaporeans, an American and a Canadian.

Before the show opened, there were high hopes that it would do well with local audiences.

According to Channel News Asia on May 19, 2015, Filipino actor-director Joel Trinidad said of the production:

“The show should have some kind of emotional resonance with all theatre goers, but for Singaporeans we were hoping that we will strike a different chord, you know when they sit there they'll say 'this is us, this is our story'. And if Singaporeans feel that when they watch this - then we would have done our jobs."

Okay.

Top photo via Singapura: The Musical

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