Kuo Pao Kun

Kuo Pao Kun
郭宝崑
Kuo Pao Kun in 1989
Kuo Pao Kun in 1989
Born1939
Hebei Province, China
Died10 September 2002 (aged 63)
Singapore
NationalitySingapore
Period1965–2002
GenreChinese play
Notable worksThe Coffin is Too Big for the Hole
Descendants of the Eunuch Admiral
Notable awards1989: Cultural Medallion
1992: Culture Award, JCCI, Singapore
1993: ASEAN Cultural Award (Performing Arts)
1996: Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
2002: Excellence for Singapore Award
SpouseGoh Lay Kuan
ChildrenDaughters:
Kuo Jian Hong
Okorn-Kuo Jing Hong

Kuo Pao Kun (1939 – 10 September 2002) (simplified Chinese: 郭宝崑; traditional Chinese: 郭寶崑; pinyin: Guō Bǎokūn; Wade–Giles: Kuo1 Pao3 K'un1) was a playwright, theatre director, and arts activist[1] in Singapore who wrote and directed both Mandarin and English plays. He founded three arts and drama centres in Singapore,[2] conducted and organised a number of drama seminars and workshops, and mentored Singaporean and foreign directors and artists.

Kuo is acknowledged by both locals and foreigners as the pioneer of Singapore theatre, and was awarded the Cultural Medallion in 1990 for his contributions to Singapore theatre.[3] His plays are characterised for their dramatic and social commentary,[4] use of simple metaphors and multiculturalism themes,[5] and have been staged locally and internationally.

  1. ^ Kwok, Kian-Woon. "Remembering Kuo Pao Kun (1939–2002)." Inter-Asia Cultural Studies 4.2 (2003): 193–201.
  2. ^ TTRP. "TTRP Founders." 2006. Theatre Training and Research Programme. 18 April 2008 <http://www.ttrp.edu.sg/TTRP/founders.html Archived 20 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine>
  3. ^ Omar, Marsita. "Kuo Pao Kun." 6 June 2007. National Library Board Singapore: Singapore Infopedia. 18 April 2008
  4. ^ Lo, Jacqueline. "Theatre in Singapore: an interview with Kuo Pao Kun." Australasian Drama Studies 23 (1993)
  5. ^ Kuo, Pao Kun. Images at the Margins: A Collection of Kuo Pao Kun's Plays. Singapore: Times Books International, 2000.