Recommended Book List for Schools
Prize Winning Plays
Stella Kon won the first prize in the National Playwriting Competition with “The Bridge” in 1977, and again in 1982 with “Trial.”
“The Bridge” is about the inmates of a drug-rehabilitation centre, putting up a colourful musical performance of the Ramayana. The innovative work presents layers of reality and symbolism, and theatre styles ranging from epic to gritty realism.
The play bears an overt anti-drug message. It also shows how the inmates of the rehabilitation centre overcome addiction by developing their personal autonomy and integrity, with mutual compassion and understanding. The use of the Ramayana legend, implies a rootedness in traditional culture.
“Trial” presents Socrates on trial for his life in the Republic of Singapore, on a charge of teaching young people to question accepted teachings. The audience of Singaporeans is asked to vote for his life or death. The script is packed with poetry, ranging from the vigorous Merlion Rap to the ironically classic serenity, of verses on genetic selection.
The play contains strong nationalistic themes, and a reflection on whether good citizenship mean unquestioning obedience.
$15.90
The Scholar And The Dragon
A young Chinese scholar arrives in Singapore in the year 1906. Boon Jin’s family have high expectations for him in the new country. He encounters conflicting cultures and divided loyalties -- his rich Uncle advises him to modernise himself by cutting off his queue. He gets involved with gangsters – and with men who are secretly plotting to start revolution in China. Eventually Boon Jin works his way from poverty to prosperity, in the burgeoning rubber industry.
The novel is densely plotted and tightly told. The immense depth of Chinese tradition and the ferment of modern revolution are contrasted with the gentle pace and natural beauty of old Singapore.
“Anyone interested in local literature and history will enjoy this book, but the young, particularly, should be encouraged to read it.” – Muriel Speeden, The Straits Times, June 1986.
The historic beginning of Chinese nationalism in Singapore, which later developed into Singapore nationalism. Boon Jin is passionatly involved in the struggles to decide --Why should we not have an emperor ? What is a nation? What is people's democracy? Is it better for a country to be changed by peaceful reform -- or by violent revolution?
$15.90
For Upper Secondary Levels
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