The Paiseh Pieces
Reviewed by Kenneth Lyen
Written and directed by Adeeb Fazah, with music composed by Bennett Bay, lyrics by Stephanie Phang and produced by The Second Breakfast Company, The Paiseh Pieces is a highly polished energetic musical with a dash of humour sprinkled throughout the script. We follow three friends who have recently graduated from university.
The first is Sara who has a boyfriend Johan, and he has put their name down to buy a Built to Order (BTO) flat. He keeps on delaying proposing marriage despite hints by Sara who points out that in Singapore, priority of allocating BTO flats is given to couples who are registered to be married. Johan’s consistent delay upsets Sara and she now seriously wonders if she should continue her relationship with Johan.
The second story is about Tobias who graduated from the university drama course and when he is called up for auditions, he is hopeful that he can pursue a career as a stage actor. But to his dismay he is consistently rejected by many theatre companies, and he comes to realise that perhaps he may find better prospects if he took a Masters degree in Canada.
The third person followed is Rina who is repeating a year at university but loves animals and wants to devote her life to looking after animals. Her mother who is the sole breadwinner is struggling to make ends meet and wishes that Rina would pursue a more lucrative career. She also wants to help Rina in the event that she passes away, that they can avoid paying estate duty. So she wants to put Rina’s name as co-owner of the flat that she owns, but Rina is uncomfortable taking on this extra responsibility at this time. She joins an animal sanctuary organisation and is working very long hours and underpaid, which stresses her out.
The acting and singing is first class and carries the emotions very powerfully.
The choreography is well-synchronised and very exciting.
However, there are a few concerns about this musical. The problems faced by the three main characters are not satisfactorily resolved at the end. The title is unsatisfactory because the Hokkien word “paiseh” is a lighthearted resigned way of expressing one’s slight embarrassment, mild shyness, or a sense of shame when doing something a bit unconventional. The journey of the three plotlines are too serious and too emotionally intense to fit the title “The Paiseh Pieces”.
However, this musical is an important resurrection of the Singapore musical that has lain dormant for three years during the Covid pandemic. It is very professionally produced, and is a highly entertaining musical, with brilliant music and choreography. It is highly recommended. Congratulations!
Reviewed by Kenneth Lyen
11 February 2023
