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In 1971 Stella Kon wrote two plays exploring the implications of advanced techniques of human reproduction, which were then in the realm of science fiction. The plays have lost none of their relevance in the intervening years, while scientific achievements have caught up with the text.
 

In “Z is for Zygote,” universal contraception means that people are only allowed to reproduce themselves according to a quota system based on “Z-points.” When scientist Karl Masters achieves fame and rewards, women fight to share his Z-points.

“To Hatch a Swan” looks at a world where surrogate motherhood is the regular custom.  A society lady hires a poor girl to gestate and bear her child; but the “brood nurse” comes to feel deep maternal love for the child implanted in her womb.

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In “Butterflies Don’t Cry,” Robert and Sharon are actors in a colourful presentation of the Chinese legend of the Butterfly lovers.  But another drama is happening backstage, while Robert and Sharon plan to elope together after the last curtain.  The play contrasts Chinese opera style and modern naturalism; legendary romance, and the nitty-gritty details of real life. 
What is real and what is acting?

“Feeding the Armadillo” is a short play about the plight of foreign maids in Singapore.
Your foreign maid has her fears and her feelings too!

“One Night in Bethlehem” portrays the day before Jesus’ birth, as the prophet Simeon urges the people of Bethlehem to repent.  The audience is invited to join the responses of the crowd, and thus becomes an integral part of the performance.

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A  novel combining action, romance, fantasy and mysticism.  Eston, possessing superhuman powers, challenges modern Singaporeans to encounter their deepest selves.  He confronts the confusion and violence of  human life.  Why is there suffering?   Is there any meaning to life and to death?  There are no easy answers, as Eston takes us on a journey which is ultimately one of spiritual beauty and power.

This novel won a merit prize in the Singapore Literary Competition of 1994.  For a short extract please click here
 

This play won the first prize in the National Playwriting Competition in 1983, and has since become the most-produced play in Singapore. 

For more about the play please see website emilyofemeraldhill.com

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In this collection of short plays, Stella Kon continues her innovative use of simple, powerful English, to write serious drama in the confines of a classroom situation.
She uses traditional motifs and themes to present challenging ideas.
 

“The Naga in the Swamp” can be seen as an allegory of recent Asian politics; “Emporium” and “Asoka” are takes on the story of Gautama Buddha.  “Kumba Kumba”, set in the fabled Dreamtime, is about a non-conformist dreamer in conflict with his society.  “In the Repair Shop” is about a good boy rebelling against his perfect parents.

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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. 

“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.

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In this collection of short plays Stella Kon, one of Singapore’s established literary figures, uses English which is both simple and poetic, to write powerful pocket dramas easily accessible to learners. 

“Zeep,” is a comedy set in a school environment.  The other plays tackle larger themes.  “Runner of Marathon” is about people who are willing to die for democracy and freedom.  “The Immigrant” casts the story of early immigrants to Singapore in Chine-opera style and “Hideout in Geylang” is a melodrama set in the gangster underworld of the 1960’s.   “The Eldest Brother” describes family values in an HDB household – while  “Birds of a Feather” satirically describes the plight of strangers who are not accepted by the culture in which they find themselves.

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A  novel combining action, romance, fantasy and mysticism.  Eston, possessing superhuman powers, challenges modern Singaporeans to encounter their deepest selves.  He confronts the confusion and violence of  human life.  Why is there suffering?   Is there any meaning to life and to death?  There are no easy answers, as Eston takes us on a journey which is ultimately one of spiritual beauty and power.

This novel won a merit prize in the Singapore Literary Competition of 1994.  For a short extract please click here
 

$15.90

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.