A/P Shen's performative research is borne out in a series of authentic productions in which the historical data and their interpretations were put to the test in rehearsal studios and public performances. His students were first directed to act in laboratory-like settings, in which experiments were conducted under controlled conditions. The successful experimental pieces were then presented on stage before Singaporean and international audiences to observe their responses. Besides providing invaluable data for academic work, these productions have also served as a training ground for actors and introduced students (and audiences) to the selected cultural events and ambience of the Asian Renaissance.

Three authentic productions have been staged under his direction. In 1995, A/P Shen directed Freed by a Flirt, the world’s first zaju opera in English. In translating the Chinese libretto into English, he preserved as many stylistic features of zaju as possible. The major challenge, however, was the revival of an ancient genre with no known stage production in the past 500 years. The zaju opera received enthusiastic coverage by the media. The direction of Sukeroku: Flower of Edo, the first kabuki play to be performed in English in Asia, with assistance from the National Theatre of Japan, took some eleven months, from 1997 to 1998. The production was sold-out 14 days before its opening in Singapore. It toured Perth, Australia in June 1998. A/P Shen then directed an authentic Sanskrit dance-drama, Shakuntala of the Mahabharata, in 2002. The performance opened with fanfare and was favorably reviewed. A/P Shen received a congratulatory letter from President Nathan, who attended the opening performance. The production was reported in TDR, a top theatre journal.

These authentic Asian theatre productions have made NUS one of the few universities in the world which have produced Asian theatre in the three major classical styles.