Singapore-born, American-based queer artist Cheeyang Ng enters the space at Underbelly in a white dress that makes them look like a goddess from Chinese folklore, pure and divine, or a bride waiting to tell their story. Their show, Legendary, is an ode to the culture they come from and to their own existence.

Ng’s story will feel familiar to many queer Asian immigrants who dreamed of an artistic life before coming to the West, a place they imagined would be more accepting of queer people. Yet as immigration has become increasingly weaponised by politicians and the political climate grows more hostile, the conflict between pursuing an artistic life and securing the right to stay becomes harder to escape. Art is not always considered valuable or economically beneficial, and sometimes getting a ‘proper’ job becomes necessary simply to remain. This is only one part of the paradox of being a queer immigrant. Ng’s show also explores the feeling of being caught between East and West. Growing up in a traditional Chinese family in Singapore, both their career choice and their queerness differed greatly from their parents’ expectations. Luckily, their aunt was there to support and inspire them.

Ng traces their story from childhood to their journey to the West, moving through their upbringing, their love of musical theatre, and their experiences with dating. The songs are rooted in the musical theatre tradition, with Ng singing them with the projection and control of a Broadway performer, while the changes in their delivery reflect the emotional struggles they experience at different stages of their life. These personal stories are woven together with Chinese folklore. Figures such as Nüwa, Chang’e and Jingwei become ways for Ng to reflect on their own experiences rather than simply retelling the traditional stories.

One moment stands apart. During the Qingming section, as Ng mourns their aunt’s passing, they play a recording of their aunt singing a traditional Chinese nursery rhyme about the stars. The simplicity of the recording makes the moment especially affecting, bringing the personal and cultural histories that run through the show together in a single voice.

Ng chooses to end their story on a more uplifting note, inviting one audience member onto the stage to sing a song about being their own legend, being brave, compassionate and kind while also accepting their flaws as a human being. Ng performs with the presence of a diva and the rigorous training of a Broadway performer. Yet the show might go even further by bringing more Chinese elements not only into its story and lyrics, but also into its form and melodies.

Legendary is at Friesian at Underbelly, Bristo Square until Mon 31 Aug 2026