Kuo Pao Kun
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 in Singapore who wrote and directed both Mandarin and English plays. He founded three arts and drama centres in Singapore, conducted and organised a number of drama seminars and workshops, and mentored Singaporean and foreign directors and artists.
Kuo Pao Kun 郭宝崑 | |
|---|---|
Kuo Pao Kun in 1989 | |
| Born | 1939 Hebei Province, China |
| Died | 10 September 2002 (aged 63) Singapore |
| Nationality | Singapore |
| Period | 1965–2002 |
| Genre | Chinese play |
| Notable works | The Coffin is Too Big for the Hole Descendants of the Eunuch Admiral |
| Notable awards | 1989: 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 |
| Spouse | Goh Lay Kuan |
| Children | Daughters: Kuo Jian Hong Kuo Jing Hong |
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. His plays are characterised for their dramatic and social commentary, use of simple metaphors and multiculturalism themes, and have been staged locally and internationally.