“BODY X The Culprit” is a unique digital theatre production that allows you to be involved in the solving of a murder-mystery and experience it as if you are living in the physical space! Shot entirely on a mobile phone, the show requires you to observe evidence, watch the crime scene as it happens, discuss with other fellow investigators online and vote for the murderer – it’s the first interactive-immersive digital theatre ever presented on Zoom. Reviewers called it “the gold standard of digital theatre” and that it has “set a standard for digital murder-mysteries both now and in the future”. Local Chinese newspapers singled it out as “The Most Outstanding Digital Theatre of 2020”. The production went on to be part of the Ministry of Education’s to-watch list for secondary and tertiary students in 2021.
While tackling the challenges of a never-before-seen recession and rapid business decline during the Asian economic crisis of the mid-1980s, a neighbourhood kopitiam had to face another challenge – an Old Patron was found dead early morning at the table outside. All who were in contact with him the previous night – Big Boss, Kopi Auntie, Sister Cleaner, Beer Girl, Stall Owner – claimed they were not at the crime scene but all had disagreements with the victim before.
Was it an accident? Or could one of them be the murderer? “BODY X The Culprit” features multiple scenes happening simultaneously in various rooms with a unique kind of audience participation – YOU choose who to follow, where you want to be, what story development to watch and how to solve the case. Audiences will also get together to discuss notes, evaluate findings and vote for the identity of the murderer. The findings will be revealed online, 1 week after the show. The link will be emailed individually to all audiences.
“BODY X The Culprit” is produced by BODY X Productions, a pioneer in immersive-interactive site-specific murder-mystery in Singapore Chinese theatre.
Produced by BODY X Productions
Presented by George Town Festival (2021) and BODY X Productions (2020)
Streaming Platform: Zoom
Performed in Mandarin, with English and Chinese subtitles
Videographer: Amos Poh
Art Design: Ric Liu
Show duration 2hr
DirectorLi Xie, Danny Yeo and Ric LiuPlaywrightLi Xie, Danny Yeo and Oliver ChongDOPRic LiuSetOliver ChongSoundLi Xie and Ric LiuLightingLi Xie, Danny Yeo and Ric LiuProps DesignChee Mei RongCostumeDanny YeoStarringAlvin Chiam, Doreen Toh, Oliver Chong, Judy Ngo, Melody Chan, Kwan Chun Long & Jo KwekSupported byNational Arts Council SingaporeYear2021 and 2020Date10 – 18 July 2021 and 9 – 13 September 2020VenueWorldwide Streaming
