In 2016, Drama Box and The Necessary Stage presented the groundbreaking sold-out production Manifesto, that delved into the relationship between art and politics.
This year, the two companies collaborate once again on a brand new work that explores poverty, inequality and human dignity in Singapore.
Underclass tells the story of Xinyi, who finds herself in a downward spiral after losing her job and her flat. When she moves into a rental unit, she meets Johari, and they strike up an unlikely friendship. Will they be able to get out of their disadvantaged status with the help of well-meaning friends, entrepreneurs, civil servants and politicians?
Whose responsibility is it to provide assistance for those who fall through the cracks? Can we make a difference and address imbalance in our society? Why should we?
Underclass asks urgent questions about the widening class divide in Singapore today. Who speaks up for the marginalised in society? Or will they be airbrushed out of our national narrative of prosperity and progress?
Co-Directors: Alvin Tan, Kok Heng Leun
Playwright: Haresh Sharma
Performers: Brendon Marc Fernandez, Goh Guat Kian, Siti Khalijah Zainal, Yang Shi Bin, Yazid Jalil
Costume Designer: Max Tan, Yuan Zhiying (MAX.TAN)
Lighting Designer: Petrina Dawn Tan
Set Designer: Vincent Lim
Sound Artist: Bani Haykal
Research: Melissa Lim
Translators: Melissa Lim, Irma Ruslan
Production Manager: Azyyati Alias
Stage Manager: Tennie Su
Assistant Stage Manager: Musfirah Kamsin
Transcribers:
Ariel Lim
Azyyati Alias
Irma Ruslan
Karmen Wong
Melissa Lim
Mish'aal
Rachel Kwan
Lighting Operator: Hyder bin Zainal Abiden
Surtitle Operator: Shawn Chua
Wardrobe Mistress: Nicole Jee
Production Intern: Ariel Lim
(Source: Synopsis from Drama Box Website and Credits from The Necessary Stage Archives)