A Walk in the Woods: Story of the Clementi Forest

Clementi
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Introduction

A Walk in the Woods: Story of the Clementi Forest 
Concept and production by Jeffrey Tan of Theatre Today
 
In September 2024, Lions Befrienders Blk 344 Clementi Ave 5 and the Harmony Community Choir participated in the inaugural launch of HAN@Clementi with Community Singing, celebrating the friendship and memories of Clementi's past, present and future.
 
When the National Heritage Board issued the HAN@Clementi Call for Collaboration in 2025, Jeffrey Tan assembled a creative team of local artists — Dr Verena Tay (scriptwriter) and Regina Foo (actor/co-director) — who live in Clementi. Together with seniors from Lions Befrienders Blk 344 Clementi Ave 5, they created "A Walk in the Woods: Story of the Clementi Forest."

Synopsis & Video

Synopsis
Travel back in time with Grandma and her granddaughter as they explore the magic of the Clementi Forest, where kampongs once thrived among the trees. This captivating puppet show brings together the rich memories of our seniors with the art of storytelling, revealing what life was like for the families who called this forest home. Watch as the forest comes alive with native animals and lush greenery.
 
Written by Verena Tay, puppet-making mentored by Eve Tan, and directed by Regina Foo & Jeffrey Tan.
 
Performance Details 
First performed at Lions Befrienders Blk 344 Clementi Ave 5 on Thu 11 Dec 2025
Public performance at Clementi Public Library on Fri 12 Dec 2025
 
Watch a summary of the video below:

 

About the Project

Discovering Clementi's Hidden Gem
According to the Nature Society Singapore, Clementi Forest represents the most important and largest unprotected patch of woodland in the green corridor. The creative team was drawn to showcase the diversity of flora, fauna and history that many residents had never experienced firsthand.
 
Dr Verena Tay crafted an original script featuring time travel to the past, whilst co-director Regina Foo and visual artist Eve Tan supported the seniors in creating original puppets from recycled materials. For many participants, this marked their first experience making and performing with puppets. The seniors also painted the theatrical set, which was later displayed at Clementi Library following the December performances.
 
Bringing Heritage to Life
The production featured two showings: one at Lions Befrienders Blk 344 Clementi Ave 5 void deck and a public performance at Clementi Library. Both attracted enthusiastic audiences who were impressed by the seniors' creativity and Clementi's rich historical narrative.
 
From realising childhood dreams of performing to gaining self-confidence, this production created opportunities for creativity, heritage discovery and community awareness. The project successfully celebrated Clementi's history whilst revealing lesser-known aspects of the area's natural heritage to new audiences.

 

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