SINGAPORE: Animal Representation on the Singapore Stage: An Investigation into the Complex World of Anthropomorphism in Theatre - Rebecca Ashley Dass

This project is interested in mainly two concepts; anthropomorphism and anthropocentrism. It is argued that anthropomorphism is significantly rooted in anthropocentrism, which ironically subverts the attention away from the animal narrative and back on humans, thus exacerbating an already decrepit relationship. This is a crucial problem as it is argued that such narratives can directly influence audience members’ perception of animals, which may determine the way in which animals are treated in real life. Evidently, is it argued that theatre has a direct connection to animal welfare and can potentially determine it. As such, this dissertation aims to answer this question, ‘Within the realm of theatre in Singapore, what is the optimal/most effective method of anthropomorphism to encourage empathy in audience members for animal welfare?’ Research was conducted through four qualitative methods, namely, literature review, historical review of past productions staged in Singapore involving animals, play analysis of two local plays that include animal portrayal, and finally, interviews were conducted with one practitioner from each of the two analysed productions, to gain better insight into their process’ and objectives. This research concludes that the societal context and national culture may affect the type of method of anthropomorphism most suitable for that demographic. In addition, five main criteria are proposed when it comes to incorporating anthropomorphism in theatre productions, should the concern be to do so respectfully, ethically, and with animals at the heart of the narrative as we innovate towards a new Singaporean theatre.