Mongolian theatrical production The Mongol Khan has made its Asia debut in Singapore, and it is an absolutely stunning one. After a successful sell-out season at London’s West End, the intriguing show about a succession dispute that threatens the stability of the Mongolian empire is currently running at Marina Bay Sands until 3 November 2024. And it is not to be missed.
What piqued my curiosity is that it is the first Mongolian production to be staged internationally. The fictional three-act story was originally written in 1998 by Mongolian writer Lkhagvasuren Bavuu and revived in 2022 in Mongolia at the theatre, to widespread acclaim. In addition, Base Entertainment Asia had built up quite a bit of anticipation for it, beginning with the launch of ‘The Mongol Khan’ accompanying graphic novel back in July, which offered a sneak peek at the narrative and producers behind the show. Unlike what its name suggests, it is not related to Genghis Khan, but is a fictional story inspired by different historical events that took place over 2,000 years ago. To sum up without spoilers, it is a classic imperial conspiracy that features adultery, envy, ambition, and a baby swap in the midst, culminating in tragedy and bloodshed.
Baby swap and struggle for power feature in the plot. Photo © Katja Ogrin.
The plot sounded quite clichéd and is not terribly strong for those attuned to watching royal court dramas. I was wondering how it would fill the relatively long 2 hours and 40 minutes (with intermission). I was also hesitant about my ability to sit through the Mongolian dialogue. Fortunately, my concerns were unfounded because the strength of the sets and epic production had me mesmerised in its grip. Featuring 70 actors, dancers and musicians and spectacular costumes, the set’s grandeur is further elevated by a powerful original score (including traditional throat singing) and a vibrant changing stage backdrop. At times, I could truly believe this was the Mongolian steppe and not a stage.
70 actors, dancers and musicians, lavish sets and costumes. Photo © Katja Ogrin.
The show is offered in both English and Mongolian, depending on the day you watch it. Although audiences may not be used to reading subtitles (available in both English and Chinese) at the side of the stage, I found that listening to the Mongolian dialogue makes watching The Mongol Khan an even more authentic experience. It was also a chance to watch renowned Mongolian artistes Dulguun Odkhuu and Zana Gankhuyag.
Meanwhile, the English version features Hollywood stars Ron Yuan, Mark Dacascos and international actress Bayra Bela. The story is simplistic, yet every scene is rapturously drawn out in length, every line of the script archaic yet poetic and sing-song even to the foreign ear. The use of background performers and dancers was also a marvel, as these faceless, slithery, squirming figures played a key role in supporting and even amplifying the leads’ actions in each scene.
The background dancers and choreography play an important role in supporting and elevating the action from the leads. Photo © Katja Ogrin.
The response at its premiere was heartwarming, with standing ovations at the curtain call. Even if you have no inkling of Mongolia, watch The Mongol Khan for its scale and spectacle. With an international cast and historical expert consulted on its production, it is an epic performance that will leave you awed and more eager to discover the country than ever.
Tickets are priced from a surprisingly low S$48, and the entertainment and cultural value it brings is worth every bit of your time and money.
For more information on the production, visit themongolkhan.com. Tickets are available via Marina Bay Sands ticketing, Sistic and Klook. UOB debit and credit cardholders enjoy a 15% discount off tickets across all categories.
