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My first encounter of ‘Emily of Emerald Hill’ was when a different production company within the region had it on YouTube for free since many of us were confined to our homes during the Movement Control Order (MCO), a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many, I first thought – how can a monodrama be moving or have any effect at all? Wouldn’t it bore audiences to death?

Well, of course, by the end of it, I had a change of heart. Nobody wanted to adapt ‘Emily of Emerald Hill’ for the stage, when it was first thought of in the 1980s. However, all that changed when foremost theatre stalwart, director and educator, Chin San Sooi read the script.

According to Chin, there are certain things that can change. While the play serves as a testament to Peranakan culture, this 2026 adaptation is for sure to bring Chin’s own touch, while retaining the core of the story.

Originally written by the Singaporean playwright Stella Kon, it is now dubbed Malaysia’s longest running play, with Pearlly Chua reprising the role, having played the role at least 200 times. Today, Chua is a 70-year-old and is still as excited to play the role as before.

‘Emily of Emerald Hill’ brings to life the story of an opulent Peranakan family, moving back and forth through time. You’ll watch Emily’s journey as you celebrate her triumphs and acknowledge and absorb her downs when she falters. You’ll also observe the bitter irony of how her love leads to her son’s and husband’s painful acts and decisions. 

Lovers of literature and the stage as well as the striking Peranakan culture, you know you won’t get bored of this classic. Powerful and captivating in script, this is the reason why you should not miss it. Emily Gan’s struggles are no stranger to many of us, navigating real-life, especially for those of us still finding our place(s), particularly when we don’t meet societal expectations. Both witty and filled with emotional depth, this re-staging will surely re-ignite something that’s been missing or even bring you closer to nature, being partly also a feast for the senses.

Stella Kon was born in Edinburgh, and had lived in Malaysia after her marriage, before relocating to Singapore.

Hosted by the DPAC at their Black Box, tickets have been available since 19 January 2026. Tickets for the elderly and persons with disabilities are priced at RM44, while students are also entitled to a certain discount. For all the others, tickets will be at RM88.

Showtimes are from 16 April 2026 -18 April 2026 at 8:30PM MYT (Thursday to Saturday) and 19 April 2026 (Sunday) with a 3:00 PM MYT slot.

In 2025, DPAC became the home of ‘Emily of Emerald Hill’ back in May and July.

Venues in other Malaysian states have also proudly hosted this play, powerful to those who know how to appreciate it.

Singaporean schoolchildren would have been made aware of this articulate piece of work through their studies.

So, if you can, spare at least 120 minutes of your time for this delightful play, please. There will also be a 15-minute intermission.