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Playwright Omnibus Series
Six Plays
Let Tan Tarn How, one of Singapore’s most controversial playwrights, take you on a journey that confronts the social and political issues facing Singaporeans today. With his signature wit and unflinching candour, he puts the spotlight on issues of life and death, sex and love, government, national identity and racism. This collection contains six award-winning plays and an introduction by Dr. K. K. Seet.
Reviews:
On The Lady of Soul and Her Ultimate “S” Machine
“…the most important thing about Tan Tarn How’s play is its marking of a watershed in Singapore theatre: it is arguably the first English play to present the country critically and artistically, without hiding behind coy allegory.”
—Hannah Pandian, The Straits Times
On Undercover
“The play, a farce about the goings-on in an internal security department, takes Singapore theatre into uncharted territory.”
—Koh Buck Song, The Straits Times
On Six of the Best
“Six of the Best, in dealing with such an explosive topic, will hopefully get under the skin to the heart of racism in Singapore.”
—Phua Mei Pin, The Straits Times
On The First Emperor’s Last Days
“With The First Emperor’s Last Days, playwright Tan Tarn How continues to stake out a unique place for himself in Singapore theatre, as a creator of topical, political plays.”
—Cherian George, The Straits Times
On Machine
“Tan’s sensitivity and genius is obvious throughout: the dialogue is light but loaded. In the exchanges, there are just the right doses of surprise to compliment, of feigned ignorance to encourage and of coyness to intrigue, as both the man and woman manoeuvre expertly towards their ultimate goal—the bed, after which the relationship ceases to be.”
—Suhaila Sulaiman, The Straits Times
Reviews:
On The Lady of Soul and Her Ultimate “S” Machine
“…the most important thing about Tan Tarn How’s play is its marking of a watershed in Singapore theatre: it is arguably the first English play to present the country critically and artistically, without hiding behind coy allegory.”
—Hannah Pandian, The Straits Times
On Undercover
“The play, a farce about the goings-on in an internal security department, takes Singapore theatre into uncharted territory.”
—Koh Buck Song, The Straits Times
On Six of the Best
“Six of the Best, in dealing with such an explosive topic, will hopefully get under the skin to the heart of racism in Singapore.”
—Phua Mei Pin, The Straits Times
On The First Emperor’s Last Days
“With The First Emperor’s Last Days, playwright Tan Tarn How continues to stake out a unique place for himself in Singapore theatre, as a creator of topical, political plays.”
—Cherian George, The Straits Times
On Machine
“Tan’s sensitivity and genius is obvious throughout: the dialogue is light but loaded. In the exchanges, there are just the right doses of surprise to compliment, of feigned ignorance to encourage and of coyness to intrigue, as both the man and woman manoeuvre expertly towards their ultimate goal—the bed, after which the relationship ceases to be.”
—Suhaila Sulaiman, The Straits Times
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 15, 2026
As per the title, the book contains 6 plays. I find 'Home', the first play, the most riveting as it is relatable in the Asian context. It details out 3 different people who met in the nursing home and explores the reason behind why 2 of them have chosen to live out the rest of their time there. The book explores the idea of kinship, friendship, companionship, regret and nostalgia - eventually ending in somewhat of a hopeful tone.
I was recommended the book because of the play, 'The Lady of Soul and her Ultimate "S" Machine'. This play is satirical, exploring the theme of control vs creativity, and how the soul of a country cannot be manufactured (which was what the characters in the book tried to do) and how we should relook at our approach to culture in our country.
I have varying sentiments towards the rest of the plays in the book but overall, it could be an interesting read for those who are interested in exploring the concept of aging, culture, politics, racism, surveillance, fidelity.
I was recommended the book because of the play, 'The Lady of Soul and her Ultimate "S" Machine'. This play is satirical, exploring the theme of control vs creativity, and how the soul of a country cannot be manufactured (which was what the characters in the book tried to do) and how we should relook at our approach to culture in our country.
I have varying sentiments towards the rest of the plays in the book but overall, it could be an interesting read for those who are interested in exploring the concept of aging, culture, politics, racism, surveillance, fidelity.
January 30, 2020
Some are five stars. Great if you need some political satire.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews