Potong

18 - 21 May 2023

Presented by Teater Ekamatra

Written by Johnny Jon Jon

Directed by Mohd Fared Jainal

Adam is sent away by his mother, Siti, to undergo the rite of passage of every Singaporean son: National Service. Except, he was born in Australia and has no sense of what Singapore means to him. His return is further complicated by Siti's overzealous need for him to rekindle the ties she severed a long time ago—and experience the quintessential rite of passage of every Singaporean Malay-Muslim son: circumcision.

Aided by an uncle and grandmother who are not quite what they seem and an out of sorts ‘maker of men’ doctor, Adam journeys to be a man.

Potong is a theatrical journey that weaves together a rich tapestry of characters and intertwining experiences to unravel the intricate web of self-definition and the role of memories in shaping it. Liberally punctuated with both humour and pain, the play invites you to navigate the complexities around family, humanity, and love. 

“Strong performances from the entire cast allow Potong to achieve this, and hit its emotional high points…Irsyad Dawood gives the impression of a boy who’s not yet a man, extremely attached to his single mother, and is clearly overwhelmed when he arrives in Singapore.”

-Bakchormeeboy