Han Lao Da

Han Lao Da
韩劳达
Born Ann Jong Juan
Chinese: 韩永元
pinyin: Hán Yǒng Yuán

October 22, 1947 (1947-10-22) (age 64)
Singapore
Nationality Singaporean
Other names

Tan Tian
Chinese: 谭天
pinyin: Tán Tiān

Hai Shu
Chinese: 海叔
pinyin: Hǎi Shū
Occupation Principal, Han Language Centre[1]
Spouse Koh Hwee Peck
Children Ann Yong He
Ann Yun Guang
Website
Han Language Centre

Han Lao Da (Chinese: 韩劳达; pinyin: Hán Láo Dá) is a Singaporean playwright, as well as founder and principal of Han Language Centre.[1] Han received the Cultural Medallion[2] for his contributions in the Singaporean drama scene, and is also recognised for his xiangsheng contributions in Singapore.

Contents

Life

Although Han was born in Singapore, his forefathers were from Wen Chang province in Hainan, China.

Han started composing xiangsheng plays since the 1970s, and he started studying the works of renowned xiangsheng artist Ma Ji . Han’s debut play was entitled "The gift ticket". The play was performed in Singapore and major towns and cities all over peninsula Malaysia. In 1984, Han got to befriend Ma Ji, and in 1986, Han also befriended noted performers like Jiang Kun and Tang Jie Zhong. After making these acquaintances, Han began to absorb all the artistic knowledge he can from these noted xiangsheng performers so that he could bring the art of xiangsheng to Singapore, and promote the local xiangsheng culture. He worked hard with other xiangsheng enthusiasts, and produced many scripts for local performances. His works garnered many local awards and won many xiangsheng competitions. He also published three xiangsheng collections and critiques containing a total of 45 xiangsheng scripts. In 2000, his article introducing Singaporean xiangsheng was published in the column on xiangsheng history, published in the Chinese Xiangsheng Network.

At the same time, Han is a noted playwright active in the Singaporean drama scene. He has written a total of nine full-length drama and many short plays.

Awards

Published works

Plays that have been performed but not published

Full-length drama

Short plays

References