The Vault: Past Perfect returns, after the success of its first showing at the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) this May. With two sold-out shows previously, the production puts a spotlight on the invigorating years of the theatre scene in the 90s, where local theatrical works began experimenting with non-conventional approaches to making theatre. On the occasion of watching its first showing, one of our audience members comments, “a valuable and precious recap and reflection on (the) theatre scene in the 90s”.

Taking place from 25-29 October 2023, hear from three practitioners who were active during these times of theatre-making: Oniatta Effendi, Serene Chen and Nelson Chia. Recounting the 90s as some of their formative years in theatre that have shaped them to who they are today, they will highlight the rich history of theatre-making then through their personal experiences and voices. Expect more tidbits and artefacts from this decade of growth and experimentation in Singapore theatre, and expanded scenes.

Conceptualised by co-founders Robin Loon and Casey Lim under Centre 42’s signature The Vault programme, Past Perfect will document impressions and perspectives of the 1990s through texts from scripts. Featuring excerpts from iconic plays like Sunset Rise (1999) and Undercover (1994), it carries on the themes of nostalgia from its SIFA run, while asking what nostalgia can productively achieve.

Seeking to inspire the next generation of theatre-makers, Dr Robin Loon says, “As you reminisce and indulge in a sentimental way yearning for a bygone era, you may become keenly aware of how you are shaped by what you have learned. So, what nostalgia could really do is teach us about now.” This updated staging of The Vault: Past Perfect hopes to outreach to the younger generation as a way of illuminating what came before, while also appealing to the importance of remembering as the foundation for charting a way forward.

With 20/20 hindsight, what did it mean to DO theatre in the 1990s? Why did they do what they do and more importantly, how? Without any rose-tinted glass, no misty water-coloured memories, these actors share their thoughts and ruminations – is the past really so perfect? Find out with The Vault: Past Perfect this October.

Photo Credit: Moonrise Studio. Images Courtesy of Arts House Limited.

The Vault: Past Perfect runs from 25th to 29th October 2023. Tickets available from Eventbrite