Dylan Yeo’s ‘Le Tabouret’ Evokes the Old Charm of Glove Puppetry

Written by Eksentrika

Dylan Yeo’s ‘Le Tabouret’ Evokes the Old Charm of Glove Puppetry

In Dylan Yeo’s Le Tabouret, Chen Yulian sat on a stool, waving the glove puppets in her hand, singing the songs from old stories to herself.

Zhang Ming has prepared dinner for the night. He leaned by the window, gazing at the full moon outside.

Having toiled for most of their lives, the two of them seem to still reminisce about the glories of the past. Back then, they had the energy to hussle. Back then, they had courage to strive. Back then, they had dreams to achieve. Back then, they were young.

Together, they recounted thousands of stories with the glove puppets. However, the stories of their own lives were still left untold.

In Dylan Yeo's forthcoming play 'Le Tabouret' at Five Arts Centre, the story revolves around retired glove puppeteers Chen Yulian and Zhang Ming, who invite others to their home to convey a divine message they've received. — *Dylan Yeo’s Le Tabouret revolves around retired glove puppeteers Chen Yulian and Zhang Ming, who invite others to their home to convey a divine message they’ve received.*

On one unusual, full moon night, Chen Yulian suddenly realized the will of the gods. The divine insight is an important message and Chen Yulian felt called to spread the prophetic word for more people to know.

She invites a medium to conduct a seance and help communicate with the gods. Now, they will be able to convey the complete message to everyone. Who did Chen Yulian invite? And what impact would the gods bring to their lives?

Renowned playwright and director, Dylan Yeo, winner of the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Award for Creative Excellence, explores the intriguing parallels between the original script of “Les Chaises” and the lives of
traditional glove puppeteers in Malaysia.

Glove puppet shows were once a common feature at temple festivals in Malaysia, an enjoyment Dylan personally experienced and enjoyed in his childhood. Today, this artform is fast fading into sentimentality.

Having observed this, Dylan was inspired to showcase the exquisite theatrical tradition in his script adaption of “凳子 Le Tabouret”. an adaptation of Eugène Ionesco’s absurdist play ‘Les Chaises.’

Dylan Yeo's forthcoming play 'Le Tabouret' will be staging nine shows at Five Arts Centre. — *Dylan Yeo’s forthcoming play ‘Le Tabouret’ will be staging nine shows at Five Arts Centre.*

Le Tabouret is a poignant narrative that follows two elderly glove puppeteers as they lament the fading grandeur and growing solitude of a centuries-old artistic puppetry tradition.

After retiring and leading a quiet life at home, Chen Yulian and Zhang Ming had a momentous day when Chen Yulian experienced a divine revelation by the stove.

Captivated by this newfound insight, she extends a heartfelt invitation to all, eager to convey the divine message through a chosen intermediary. The lingering question that remained was simple yet profound: What exactly was the message from God?

The play, with Chinese and English subtitles, will be staged from 13 to 22 October 2023 at the Five Arts Centre in GMBB KL, totaling nine shows.

The ticket price is RM68 per person, with Mandarin and English subtitles. Purchase your tickets here. There is also a special group purchase offer of four tickets at RM250. Come with your family and friends to enjoy this special offer.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS 演出详情

Date & Time 演出时间：.