Han Lao Da

Han Lao Da (simplified Chinese: 韩劳达; pinyin: Hán Láo Dá) is a Singaporean playwright, as well as founder and principal of Han Language Centre. Han received the Cultural Medallion for his contributions in the Singaporean drama scene, and is also recognised for his xiangsheng contributions in Singapore. Although Han was born in Singapore, his forefathers were from Wen Chang province in Hainan, China. Han started composing xiangsheng plays since the... more

Han Lao Da (simplified Chinese: 韩劳达; pinyin: Hán Láo Dá) is a Singaporean playwright, as well as founder and principal of Han Language Centre. Han received the Cultural Medallion for his contributions in the Singaporean drama scene, and is also recognised for his xiangsheng contributions in Singapore. Although Han was born in Singapore, his forefathers were from Wen Chang province in Hainan, China. Han started composing xiangsheng plays since the 1970s, and he started studying the works of renowned xiangsheng artist Ma Ji . Han’s debut play was entitled "The gift ticket". The play was performed in Singapore and major towns and cities all over peninsula Malaysia. In 1984, Han got to befriend Ma Ji, and in 1986, Han also befriended noted performers like Jiang Kun and Tang Jie Zhong. After making these acquaintances, Han began to absorb all the artistic knowledge he can from these noted xiangsheng performers so that he could bring the art of xiangsheng to Singapore, and promote the local... less