2022

Jun and The Octopus

Synopsis

Jun is an exuberant, fun-loving boy who loves his family, his dog, and the ocean. One day, without warning, the world around Jun goes dim. In his dreams, he sees himself struggling in the deep ends of the ocean, trapped in the writhing, slippery tentacles of an octopus. Deep in the ocean is also a secret that Jun is keeping close to his heart, the honesty of which could unleash darkness in unimaginable ways. Join Jun on this journey that tells of the power of truth, the courage to stand up for oneself, and the importance of our body’s boundaries.

This theatrical adaptation is presented by The Finger Players through the medium of puppetry and is based on the acclaimed children’s book Jun and The Octopus written by Ekkers and illustrated by Lim An-Ling.

The performance will be followed by a 60-minute post-show facilitation session with social workers from Singapore Children’s Society as well as seasoned applied theatre practitioners appointed by The Finger Players.

Learning Objectives

Educate young persons on the topic of safe and unsafe touches
Empower young persons to identify their physical and emotional boundaries
Encourage young persons to build empathy for others who may be struggling with body safety concerns
Empower young persons to demonstrate emotional resilience when faced with challenges

To support teachers in engaging on the issues raised by the production with their students, there will be pre-show briefing sessions arranged for teachers who have booked to the show.

Jun and the Octopus covers issues related to sexual abuse and contains moments that may cause discomfort to certain individuals. This performance has been created in consultation with Clinical Psychologist Dr Lin Hong Hui. If you would like to find out more about the themes and issues explored in this programme, please email education@esplanade.com for more information.

Creative and Production Team

Director: Myra Loke
Playwright: Ellison Tan
Dramaturg: Sindhura Kalidas
Clinical Psychologist Consultant: Lin Hong-hui
Post-show facilitators: Han Xuemei and Md Muazzam (Zam), with support from Social Service Practitioners appointed by Singapore Children’s Society
Puppeteers: Ian Loy, Farez Najid(Phase 1&2), Vanessa Toh and Metta Kusalena, Jyanne Palaruan (Phase 3)
Lighting Designer: Lim Woan Wen (Phase 2), Genevieve Peck (Phase 3)
Sound Designer: StanxSoap
Puppet Designer and Maker: Daniel Sim
Puppet and Props Assistant: Marilyn Ang, with the support of Brenda Mok and Jyanne Palaruan
Set Designer: Wong Chee Wai
Production Manager: Lam Dan Fong
Stage Manager: Fae Tan
Assistant Stage Manager: Marilyn Ang
Crew: Erwina Chua