It took Singapore by storm when it premiered at the 1992 Singapore Arts Festival, generating a buzz that lasted well past its two sell-out seasons – both during the festival and its immediate rerun, when it played to an estimated audience of 20,000.

Many feel that Private Parts is popular playwright Michael Chiang’s best play to date; definitely, it is his most politicised! The man who defined Singapore comedy with runaway hits like Army Daze, Beauty World and Mixed Signals, surprised many with this pointed yet poignant piece of writing.

Pushing the envelope the way no other local production had ever done, Private Parts was a play many agree was ahead of its time. You get involved with a talk-show host who soon finds out the true meaning of reality TV. You get a glimpse of the brutality of media competition: how far would one go for higher ratings?

Plus, for a nation of gawkers weaned on the night-time beauties of Bugis Street back in the 60s, here was an up-close peek into that mysterious world of drag queens. What more could you want from theatre in the rigid, pre-RA days of Singapore?

Hype aside, Private Parts made news because it was able to engross even the most conservative of audiences with its bittersweet (and unexpectedly moving) story about three transsexuals trying to find their place in life. Way before Hollywood was feted for daring to do the same by putting Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving in heels and makeup for Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994). Not to mention Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguziamo donning even bigger bouffants and bosoms in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything (1995)…

The story? Briefly, a Star Search winner fronts a current-affairs talk show to improve ratings. His life turns upside down when he ends up in a sex-change clinic with three transsexuals. After befriending them, he tries to get them on his show…

Private Parts proved to be such an audience favourite that it was revived in 1995 for another run, this time including a Mandarin version (which starred Edmund Chen and the late comedian Hua Liang) as well!

And now, 12 years on, Michael Chiang’s much acclaimed play returns to the Singapore stage for a limited season, to wow new audiences, and hopefully bring back some of its old supporters.

This new, updated production awaits you at the Esplanade Theatre in 2004, from 28 Jul to 1 Aug 2004.

Tickets are priced at $25, $45, $65, $85, $105 and $125 (excluding $2 SISTIC fee) and are available at all SISTIC outlets. Call SISTIC at 6348 5555 or visit www.sistic.com.sg for more information.

** Children above 3 years of age require tickets for admission

This play has an adult theme and is unsuitable for children.

• ** There will be a student concession price for the 2.30 matinee shows on 31st July, Saturday and 1st Aug, Sunday as follows :
  - $65 (instead of $125)
  - $55 (instead of $105)
  - $45 (instead of $85)
  Prices are inclusive of $2 SISTIC Fee. Students will have to produce their student pass on purchase of tickets at SISTIC outlets.
  

• 20% Discount for every 2 tickets purchased

• 25% Group Discount available for the $125, $105 & $85 tickets..

Source: Private Parts Official Press Release

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