Huayi 2025: Human Condition VIII at Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay

After a more than two-decade long domestic run, celebrated Taiwanese arts icon Wu Nien-jen brings his acclaimed Human Condition theatre series to Huayi for its Singapore premiere. The well-loved series has been enjoyed by over half a million Taiwanese theatregoers so far, and Human Condition VIII is the latest eagerly anticipated instalment.

Human Condition VIII tells the story of Mingcan, a retiree who finds himself adrift and without a purpose in life. His status as a respected patriarch has long disappeared as his adult children have their own families and lives to deal with. Unable to contribute to the economy and unneeded by his family, Mingcan questions his self-worth as his dignity slowly fades with each listless, monotonous day. Just as he feels that he has struck rock-bottom, he instead strikes the lottery jackpot, and immediately finds himself to be of interest to his family once more. Mingcan feels respected, needed, wanted. But is this unexpected windfall a stroke of luck or a harbinger of misfortune?

Starting in 2000, the Human Condition series shines an empathetic spotlight on the day-to-day stories of everyday Taiwanese people who strive to make the best out of what they have in their lives. Presented by Greenray Theatre Company, the series has continued to garner enthusiastic support and enjoy great appeal since its inception. It has become the first taste of theatre for many across Taiwan, with each instalment of the series rapidly selling out within days of their launches.

The first comedy of the series, Human Condition VIII is a humorous and poignant tale of masculine self-worth that features an acclaimed cast that includes theatre multi-hyphenate Chen Hsi-Cheng, and Golden Bell Award winners Wang Juan and Yang Li-yin.

Playwright and director Wu Nien-jen is one of the most prolific and respected names in Taiwanese cinema. Debuting in 2001, the Human Condition series is his blockbuster foray into theatre, which had been seen and loved by over half a million Taiwanese theatergoers, and earned him the prestigious National Cultural Award.