马来纪年之《巴当石》 The Malay Annals: Badang and the Rock

plotSEA Singapore 2026 marks the first edition of plotSEA to take place in Singapore, following previous collaborations with artists from across Southeast Asia and training activities in Thailand. This year’s programme brings together emerging theatre-makers for five days of intensive workshops exploring Chinese dance, traditional music and Teochew opera, culminating in a public work-in-progress sharing.

Rather than a fully realised theatrical production, Badang and the Rock invites audiences into the artists’ creative process. Through selected scenes, movement, music and traditional performance practices developed during the workshops, audiences will experience how the legend of Badang is reimagined through contemporary theatre and Chinese performing arts.

Inspired by the Malay Annals, Badang and the Rock tells the story of an enslaved man who gains extraordinary strength, earns his freedom, and becomes a legendary protector of Singapore. When challenged by a warrior from Kalinga, Badang proves his strength by hurling a massive boulder across the Singapore River. What begins as a test of strength ultimately brings rival kingdoms toward cooperation and secures Badang’s place in legend.