First aired on 5 March 2020 as part of our HistoriaSG lecture series Dr Emily Soon Research Fellow, National Museum of Singapore
What role did Shakespeare play in 20th-century Singapore? How did individuals from Singapore’s diverse ethnic communities respond to, and rework, the plays of this English Renaissance playwright? Beyond the classroom, how did students and teachers creatively adapt Shakespeare’s texts to better resonate with life in this tropical city?
This talk by Dr Emily Soon explores the Shakespearean threads within Singapore’s multicultural history, tracing how people in Singapore engaged with Shakespeare as the island transitioned from being a British colony to an independent Southeast Asian state.
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02 July 2025
Our L1-B1 escalators will be closed until 14 July. Lifts and stairs are available as alternative access. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Our L1 lobby is once more available for vehicular pick ups and drop offs, while the carpark remains closed due to restoration works.
01 January 2025
Parts of the National Museum of Singapore are undergoing restoration and upgrading works. We remain open with exhibitions, programmes as well as dining and retail offerings.