THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOWBUSINESS

From its humble beginnings of skits and sing-a-long sessions, the Music and Drama Company (MDC) has grown into a modern, dynamic entity that provides entertainment, instils confidence and pride in the Singapore Armed Forces, and boosts soldiers' morale.

Formed in 1973 by then Minister for Defence, Dr Goh Keng Swee, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) MDC has come a long way from its early days, when the artistes were dressed in Temasek Green uniforms and performed on makeshift stages formed by three-tonne military trucks.

A member of the pioneer group of performing artistes, Madam Rashidah Arshad, now the Marketing and Production Services Manager of MDC, revealed that their repertoire in the past consisted mainly of simple skits and sing-a-long sessions by the choir.

"Back then, there were no vocal soloists or dancers, and lighting effects were extremely minimal. It was all very simple but everybody enjoyed our shows.

"Of course, as the tastes of the people changed and became more sophisticated, so did MDC," she said.

Customised entertainment

The MDC of today functions much like a private business company. It offers its clients a wide variety of entertainment programmes ranging from modern hip-hop dances to classical Chinese orchestral music and even customised shows.

Hosting over 500 shows a year, MDC reaches out to different audiences, both locally and abroad. At these shows, it lifts the spirits of SAF servicemen, puts a smile on the faces of visiting foreign dignitaries, impresses the public at major events such as the National Day Parade and even brings a slice of Singapore's culture to overseas crowds in countries like Australia and Brunei.

Said Recruit (REC) Phaven Naidu after watching a Fusion Electric performance - which combines western and eastern instruments - and a National Education roadshow on Recruit s Night at Pulau Tekong: "I liked the show very much. It was very professional and the programme was very suitable for young people like us." REC Nurhakim agreed, saying: "I definitely look forward to watching more MDC shows."

Said MDC Director Ong Heng San: "Something which makes MDC quite unique and different from other entertainment companies out there is how we creatively incorporate National Education themes and messages into our acts, songs and dances, while still keeping the performances fun and entertaining."

Star-studded record

Mr Ong added: "The company also shoulders the responsibility of grooming our Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) and bringing out their potential to become artistes. There are many local talents who were from MDC, from the latest ones like Star Search 2007 champion Andie Chen, to the first few like Dick Lee and Jack Neo."

Another prime example is Mr George Chan, who recently joined MDC as its Artistic Manager. A former MDC artiste who learnt the ropes during his NSF days, this veteran stage performer and dance choreographer has since worked in big-name European productions, which include Bob Fosse's musical Chicago, and local theatre numbers like the Singapore Repertory Theatre's Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress.

When asked how he keeps MDC's artistic direction fresh and modern, he replied: "Working with so many different people has taught me to keep an open mind and approach things from different angles... It's not about coming up with new things all the time; you can always give an old item a creative spin."