Bizarre Love Affair Makes West End Hit (Press, 15 July 1989)

On 15 July 1989, Glen Goei, a 26-year-old actor and aspiring accountant from Singapore, made headlines for his remarkable performance in the London theatre production of David Hwang's play "M. Butterfly." Sharing the stage with renowned actor Anthony Hopkins, Goei captivated audiences with his portrayal of Song Lilling, a seductive Chinese opera singer who becomes entwined in a complex espionage relationship with a French diplomat. The play, which is based on true events, tells the story of Bernard Boursicot and Shi Pei Pu, whose decades-long relationship led to a controversial espionage trial in the 1980s. The opening night of "M. Butterfly" was met with a standing ovation, and both Goei and Hopkins received rave reviews. Goei’s performance was lauded for its depth, allowing audiences to engage with the enigmatic character who blurs traditional gender roles. During the celebratory moments following the show, Hopkins humorously noted the abundance of flowers Goei received compared to himself, highlighting the younger actor's newfound fame. Goei, who had previously pursued an academic path in history at Cambridge, where he started studying in the same year as Prince Edward, expressed his enthusiasm for the role despite his discomfort in portraying a female character. He acknowledged that the tradition of men playing women's roles exists in Chinese opera, where it is believed that men can understand female emotions. Goei's commitment to the part involved full immersion from the rehearsal stage, and he embraced the challenge of performing in drag, asserting that he maintained a distinct separation from the character outside of performances. Growing up as the youngest of seven siblings in Singapore, Goei had initially planned a career in accountancy, securing a position with a London firm before pursuing a passion for theatre. His journey encountered challenges within the university drama scene, which he found to be exclusive, leading to only minor roles during his studies. However, he eventually gained acting experience through opportunities in Hong Kong film while awaiting his accountancy training. Despite the acclaim surrounding his current role, Goei remains grounded, recognising the transient nature of fame in the entertainment industry. He understands that roles of significant impact like Song Lilling may not come his way frequently and embraces the emotional complexities that accompany his journey as an actor. Overall, Goei's success in "M. Butterfly" marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career, establishing him as a noteworthy talent in London's competitive theatre landscape.

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