The Lifespan of a Fact

Last year,
Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT)
ignited conversations with the witty play
The Truth
and the novel theatrical experience
Caught.
Both stagings explore the notion of deceit in this era of fake news. Now, to kick off the 2020 season, SRT is firing up the stage with yet another thought-provoking production –
The Lifespan of a Fact
. The Broadway smash hit takes centre stage
at KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT
from February 25
.

Based on a book of the same name written by John D'Agata with the help of Jim Fingal in 2012, the somewhat-true story follows the quarrel the unorthodox essayist D'Agata (played by Ghafir Akbar) has with young, diligent intern Fingal (played by Jamil Schulze) over his coverage of the suicide of Levi Presley. In a world laced with misinformation and lies, Fingal's job – tasked by his demanding editor Emily Penrose (played by Janice Koh) – is to fact check the essay, making sure it's fit for publication. What starts as a string of simple queries turns into an epic showdown between fact and poetic truth, where egos clash and conflicts erupt. How far are you willing to stretch the truth to sell a persuasive and compelling narrative? Is everything meant to be taken with a pinch of salt?

"What I want the audience to witness is the clash of two opposite, absolutist beliefs. And in the midst of this clash, I want the audience to remember that there is another man at the heart of this story: the young Levi, whose motivation for throwing himself from the Stratosphere Tower is what John’s essay – and by extension of the play – seeks to understand," points out director Daniel Slater.

Watch the characters take on the challenges in the world of publishing and face the dire consequences of their actions in this character-based, situation-comedy by the SRT. Your curious mind will be questioning everything – even the nitty and gritty. If you're up for the challenge, secure your tickets
online
, available
from $45
.