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Titoudao: Dawn Of A New Stage – A much-loved character returns in a thrilling tale spotlighting Singapore’s colourful cultural heritage

Welcome back to a bigger and even more immersive universe, inspired by the life of celebrated wayang performer Oon Ah Chiam.

Singapore, 2 March 2023 – The world of wayang has expanded into a universe encompassing bangsawan Malay theatre and early Singapore cinema, as Mediacorp opens another chapter in Oon Ah Chiam’s celebrated career as a Chinese street opera performer in Titoudao: Dawn Of A New Stage. The eight-episode show is part of Mediacorp’s Lights. Camera. Singapore. showcase of local storytelling, and underscores the company’s commitment to creating uniquely Singaporean content by tapping talent from the broader creative community. 

The new series comes on the heels of the hugely successful Titoudao: Inspired By The True Story Of A Wayang Star (2020), an adaptation of acclaimed theatre director Goh Boon Teck’s monumental masterpiece on his mother’s experience as an esteemed wayang actress. The first season enjoys the distinction of being Mediacorp’s number one English drama series to date since its release in 2020[1], and has acquired an array of accolades, from “Best Original Screenplay” at the Asian Academy Creative Awards National Winners 2020 to “Best Production Design/Art Direction – Silver” at the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards 2021 and Koe Yeet’s “Best Newcomer Actress” win at the Asia Contents Awards 2021 for her star-making turn as Oon Ah Chiam. The series has also been snapped up by international networks and streaming giants including Netflix, HBO GO and Radio Television Brunei. 

Viewers can expect an even richer emotional experience with Titoudao: Dawn Of A New Stage, which examines a turbulent window of time from 1969 to the late 1970s as Ah Chiam attempts to find new meaning in life after being banished by the Sin Sai Hong wayang troupe and having her wedding abruptly cancelled. In the process, Koe Yeet’s character becomes acquainted with an electrifying new ensemble cast of industry veterans and newcomers alike. Audiences can anticipate seeing Chen Liping in her first-ever English drama role as Suan Jiah, the enigmatic leader of Twin Butterflies, an all-female wayang troupe of social misfits; Chen Yixin as Sio Bee, a feisty and rebellious Twin Butterflies performer; Cultural Medallion 1986 recipient Nadiputra as Pak Johan, a tenacious bangsawan troupe leader determined to uphold his beloved art form in the face of his own deteriorating health; Sofia Dendroff as Pak Johan’s daughter Iffah, a movie actress who finds a new calling in continuing her father’s cultural legacy; Tay Ping Hui as Richard Tang, a film industry tycoon with a dark and unspeakable past; Shrey Bhargava as Vijay, an eccentric filmmaker famed for his pontianak supernatural horror franchise; and Noah Yap as Tony, Vijay’s patient and resourceful right-hand man, among others. 

Fans of the first season will also be glad to see the return of familiar faces like Joel Choo as Ah Chiam’s stoic suitor Ah Hock; Lina Ng as Ang Di, the formidable matriarch of Ah Hock’s family; plus cameos from Nick Shen as the stern Master Gwee and Amy Cheng as Madam Leng, an influential wayang patron and Ah Chiam’s godmother.  

“This incredible journey has been blessed by sincere and devoted commissioning and production teams, wonderful writers, charismatic actors and supportive audiences,” said Goh Boon Teck, Head Writer and Creative Director, Titoudao: Dawn Of A New Stage. Titoudao is an embodiment of our Singapore soul; never opt for an easier way out or give up before trying your best. I hope to share the joy of the new Titoudao series with local viewers and beyond, flying our arts flag high on the international stage.”

“We are excited to push creative boundaries and pay homage to our unique local heritage with this stirring story of resilience that reflects our shared Singapore spirit,” said Sabanitha Shanmugasundram, Head, Content Commissioning & Commercial Engagement, Mediacorp. “We hope viewers will join us as we dive into a pivotal period of Ah Chiam’s life in the 1970s, and follow the charismatic character’s journey into a bigger and bolder exploration of local cultural art in its many dazzling and diverse forms, from Chinese wayang to Malay bangsawan and the golden era of Singapore cinema.”

Titoudao: Dawn Of A New Stage is available for priority viewing on mewatch from 7 March, and from 14 March on mewatch and Channel 5, Tuesdays at 9.30pm. It will also be available from 21 March on Mediacorp Drama on YouTube. 

Fans can relive the best moments from Titoudao: Inspired By The True Story Of A Wayang Star by catching the series on demand via mewatch.

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Media contact
Eugene Quek
Eugene.Quek@mediacorp.com.sg

About Mediacorp  
Mediacorp is Singapore’s national media network and largest content creator. Its purpose is to create engaging and trusted content, as well as to connect communities and inspire people. Mediacorp engages over three million people in Singapore daily across four languages on its digital platforms including mewatch, melisten and CNA.asia, six TV channels and 11 radio stations. Beyond Singapore, Mediacorp also has a growing international audience through CNA and content distributed across markets.

With a focus on nurturing talent and growing the sector, the company is committed to investing in nation-wide initiatives like Star Search, Anugerah, Yaar Antha Star and SPOP, commissioning a wide variety of work from local content creators, and collaborating with institutes of higher learning. As Singapore’s first local Multi-Channel Network in partnership with YouTube, Mediacorp is also committed to developing a network of digital content creators.

For advertisers, Mediacorp has partnered industry-leading brands like ESPN, Mothership, Popcorn, theAsianparent, VICE, YouTube and 99.co to form the Mediacorp Digital Network in offering more effective content-driven solutions.

Mediacorp is the recipient of industry accolades including New York Festivals, World Media Festivals, PromaxBDA (World and Asia) and Asian Academy Creative Awards.

For more information, please visit mediacorp.sg.

[1]  Based on average integrated ratings per episode. Integrated: Pre Air up to 30 days+Live+Viewing On Same Day As Live+Timeshift up to 28 days on TV and up to 80 days on Other Screens. Reach Criteria: Minimum one minute consecutive viewing. Base: People 4+ (5,141,000) People 4+; 2018 – 5.26M, 2019 – 5.25M, 2020 – 5.30M, 2021 – 5.26M. Source: SG-TAM (all rights reserved by IMDA).

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