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When the cloud catches colours

Queer East Festival

— ,The Pit
Two people perform on stage among large pieces of draping white fabric with bright lights projected onto it.

Thought-provoking theatre exploring the experience of two queer Singaporeans as they grow older. Based on true accounts, the show delves into relationships, family, insecurity, kindness and safety.

Qing and E are navigating life as queer individuals in their fifties. Qing is struggling to deal with the aftermath of a relationship ending after 20 years, and E is the sole-caregiver to a mother who doesn't fully accept her.

Written and directed by Chng Yi Kai, When the cloud catches colours is a verbatim play that explores what lies ahead for people who have spent most of their lives in the margins, and how a sense of safety can change for a queer person in Singapore as they get older. 

This event is part of Queer East, a Festival that showcases boundary-pushing LGBTQ+ cinema, live arts, and moving image work from East and Southeast Asia and its diaspora communities.
 

Tagged with: Theatre & dance Young Barbican Queer East Festival 2025 More...

Running time: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, no interval

Age guidance: 14+

Performed in English, Mandarin and Singaporean Hokkien, with English surtitles.

Post-show talk, Fri 25 Apr
Hosted by Dr How Wee Ng. Free to same-day ticket holders. 

 

Presented by the Barbican.

Photo courtesy of Drama Box. The production was first staged in 2023 by Drama Box in Singapore.
 


 

Company

  • Chng Yi Kai   Playwright and Director
  • Kok Heng Leun   Dramaturg
  • Sarah Tang   Executive Producer (UK)
  • Jo Lim   Producer (Drama Box)
  • Lim Wei Ling   Set Designer
  • Cheng Xin Rui and Hang Qian Chou   Translator (interviews)

Cast

  • Judy Ngo as E  
  • Julius Foo as Qing  

Reviews

‘Chng has created a masterful blend of the undeniably real and engaging abstraction‘
The Straits Times (Singapore)

Discover

The Pit

Location
The Pit is located on Level -2 within the main Barbican building and can be accessed via the stairs or lifts on Level G, next to the doors to the Lakeside Terrace. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.

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