Theatre programme for 'Good morning Bill' at The Phoenix Theatre, Changi, 1944

MLMSS 9435

fonds

1944

1100035

0.01 metres of textual material (1 folder)

After the surrender of Singapore to the Imperial Japanese Army in February 1942, over 40,000 men, mostly British, Australian and Indian troops were incarcerated at the Selerang military base near the village of Changi. This prisoner of war camp became known as Changi. The prisoners were allowed to put on concerts however any prisoner found to be in the possession of writing materials were subjected to extreme forms of punishment, as the making of drawings or records of any kind was strictly forbidden by the Japanese.

Reference:
Douglas Stewart Fine Books brochure

From the estate of British serviceman, Warrant Officer W. Ball imprisoned in Changi 1943-1945

A Changi prisoner of war camp theatre programme for a production of a P.G. Wodehouse play. Hand painted cover illustration in ink and watercolour with typescript insert of cast, production list and scene titles. Original artwork by an unidentified P.O.W. artist however it is reminiscent of the style seen in examples of Des Bettany's Changi illustrations

Copyright status:: In copyright

Although the artwork on the cover is unsigned, it is in the style of Des Bettany's Changi illustrations.