CCA Previews’ 26: Chinese Literary Drama and Cultural Society

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By Cao Runfang (Chairperson), Wang Yixuan (Vice-Chairperson)

Have you ever wanted to be part of an original play? Or hummed a tune and wished you could turn it into a song?

Well, join CLDCS and we’ll make sure that your wish is granted!

CLDCS consists of the main Drama section and the Songwriting enrichment programme. Here in CLDCS, we create our own original plays and songs, which will be showcased in our annual production and/or SYF. Everyone is welcomed regardless of experience, and we guarantee you will make lasting memories and forge strong friendships!

Drama Section

舞台方丈地，一转万重山。

Our drama sessions are conducted every Wednesday, 3.30pm-5.30pm, in the Theatre Studies Room, with extra practices on Friday afternoons during peak periods before annual production and SYF.

The contents of drama sessions vary from light-hearted and fun acting, directing and stage designing sessions, to intense rehearsals right before a performance.

Mr. David Wong, our drama instructor and a veteran theatre practitioner, provides advice and tips on how to write our own scripts, and teaches us the most expressive ways to channel our inner emotions onstage. This year, we created a one-and-a-half-hour-long original drama, 镜头之外 (Beyond Lenses), for our annual production; this is the longest drama CLDCS has ever staged!

*Our drama members in this year’s annual production,《镜头之外》*

Apart from what you see onstage, our production thrives with a committed crew of makeup artists, lights and sound managers, and prop producers.

We hope that your venture into our drama section will not only leave you with unforgettable memories but also provide interesting insights into the inner workings of a complete production. We hope to equip you with valuable drama skills in all areas, from writing a good script and acting on stage, to directing a production and working backstage.

Behind the scenes, our in-house script writers and directors are the heart of each play, giving life to a variety of stories. From family dramas that tug at your heartstrings, to sci-fi and horror-themed stories, we work hard to transport audiences into the magical world of theatre.

Other than that, CLDCS organises annual enrichment opportunities for members to nurture our interest in Chinese Drama production. This year, we are going to watch a live musical theatre show – 实践剧场《逆光》(The Theatre Practice’s ‘Partial Eclipse Of The Heart’). Every year, CLDCS also reaches out to the wider school audience through organising a school-wide enrichment workshop!

Songwriting Enrichment

CLDCS previously had a Songwriting section alongside Drama, but it has since been converted into an enrichment programme, which will begin in 2026.

However, you will still get the chance to write your own original songs, just in a slightly different form. We will be conducting school-wide enrichment songwriting sessions, where you can learn about songwriting and lyrics-writing, as well as produce your own songs. Stay tuned for more details in the future!

*Our songwriting members performing their original song in this year’s annual production*

Don’t worry if you don’t have a musical background— our instructor Mr. Keith Kwok will always be there to help you out in your songwriting journey! Fun fact: Mr Keith has previously worked with big names like JJ Lin, Kit Chan and many more!

CLDCS as a Whole

In our annual production, 翠谷回响 (Cui Gu Hui Xiang), CLDCS members showcase the plays which they have worked on tirelessly, and have the opportunity to perform their own original songs. Everyone in CLDCS has a role to play, and the combined effort of all our members is the key to the success of our concert.

This year, our production was another major success, seeing a near full-house performance. In 2026, we hope you’ll join us to create even greater harmonies and more captivating stories, and most importantly, expand our CLDCS family!

Finally, just know that you don’t have to worry about your language proficiency! You need not be a Chinese expert to join our CCA. What matters most is your willingness to learn from peers and mentors, and just have fun!

Having a hard time making a choice? Fret not! CLDCS is one of the three approved second CCAs in RI, alongside the other cultural societies! This means that you can join us as an associate member, which will be included in your CCA records alongside your other CCA. Associate members will need to fulfil 50% CCA attendance and be committed to at least one key event – either SYF or CLDCS concert. Interested in dropping by and helping out for just 1 or 2 sessions without an official membership? You can also sign up to be a student helper and receive VIA hours!

For CCA trials, you can expect to experience a taste of what our everyday CCA sessions are like! Do note that everyone, regardless of Chinese proficiency or singing/acting experience, is welcomed to participate and join our CCA family. To learn more about CLDCS and what we do, follow us on Instagram @ri_cldcs and TikTok @ri_cldcs.