Originally staged as part of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s Opening Festival in October 2002, Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress went on to be one of the most successful made-in-Singapore musicals produced with over 100,000 tickets sold. Thanks to overwhelming demand, Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) and Esplanade are delighted to jointly present Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress in August 2017 at the Esplanade Theatre.

It has all the right ingredients of a true epic tale—a young concubine in love, a dying Emperor, a heartless traitor, an idealistic artist and an empire that stands to fall. Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress sets a new standard for Singapore musical theatre, with stylised sets and stunning costume design. Told through the eyes of Kate Carl who is commissioned to paint the Empress’ portrait, the musical recounts Ci Xi’s trials and tribulations from an ingenious concubine to a ruthless ruler to unmask the woman behind the painted face.

Tue, Thu & Fri: 8pm
Wed: 2pm
Sat: 3pm & 8pm
Sun: 1.30pm & 6pm

Venue: Esplanade Theatre

When: 8 - 20 Aug 2017,

By: Esplanade