Synopsis

Yusof: Portrait of a President traces the life of Yusof Ishak, Singapore's first head of state, from his humble beginnings as a journalist to his role as President. Originally a press freedom advocate at the Malay-language newspaper Utusan Melayu, Yusof navigated the political turmoil of the 1950s and 1960s, including the complexities of merger and independence, as Singapore took shape as a young nation. The play sets his personal journey against the backdrop of these defining national events.

Through his story, the work examines questions of race, identity and national unity, and explores the tension between idealism and pragmatism, the preservation of integrity in public life, and the dignity demanded of a national figure. Written by Zizi Azah Abdul Majid, who has familial ties to Yusof Ishak, the play seeks to embody the man's struggles, convictions, vulnerabilities and humanity.

First commissioned for Pesta Raya - Malay Festival of Arts in 2015, the production was revived in 2025 to mark SG60 as an Esplanade commission. It is performed in Malay with English surtitles and runs approximately 1 hour 30 minutes with no intermission.