Far too often, the arts are seen as in direct conflict with the maths and sciences, unable to co-exist in harmony and worlds apart. Yet with the 2019 NUS Arts Festival, for its 14th edition, the team has decided to do the impossible, and show the world that arts and math do in fact, have a lot in common with each other, at “Singapore’s First … Continue reading Preview: NUS Arts Festival 2019 – A Game of Numbers
When was the last time you played? When was the last time you felt joy? As the new year begins, so comes another batch of Intercultural Theatre Institute students into their graduating year, as they begin their final year of training with a brand new devised work. Under the guidance of beteran director Ang Gey Pin, the new graduating cohort of actor-students from ITI have … Continue reading Preview: The Peculiar Tra La by Intercultural Theatre Institute
After a successful inaugural edition last year, Gardens by the Bay’s Sakura Matsuri returns for a second round this March, as the Japanese-themed festival sees cherry blossoms come into bloom at the gardens from now till 31st March. A total of four components will be featured this time around: the cherry blossom floral display, Cultural Programmes, Nippon Street and Anime Garden. At the launch, Minister for … Continue reading Preview: Gardens by the Bay’s Sakura Matsuri Returns This March With More Free Activities
KUALA LUMPUR – Jit Murad is one of Malaysia’s most prominent playwrights, having penned some of the country’s sharpest and most scintillating plays effectively highlighting and presenting the Malaysian identity onstage. Last staged in Malaysia in 2006, it seemed only right that as part of their comeback and 30th anniversary, the Instant Cafe Theatre Company’s 30th anniversary would then stage Jit’s very first professional play: Gold Rain … Continue reading In Kuala Lumpur 2019: An Interview with the Creative Team of Gold Rain & Hailstones (The Instant Cafe Theatre Company)
Moving monodrama that will move even the hardest of hearts. Adapted from Cyril Wong’s short story The Mistake by M. Raihan Halim, who also directs, Samping’s simple premise gives way to an emotionally riveting performance from TV actor Norman Ishak, in his theatrical debut. The title of Samping refers to a piece of cloth used to complete the traditional Malay baju kurung, left behind by protagonist Aiman’s late father. On the day … Continue reading Textures 2019: The Page on Stage – Samping by Spare Room Productions (Review)
Metatheatrical examination of Malay representation onstage brims with potential. Theatrical adaptations from one medium to another are tricky businesses, with the fear that the essence of the original is lost in translation, rather than enhanced. It is to the credit of playwright/director Adeeb Fazah and the Second Breakfast Company team then that Performing Malay Sketches is in fact, not a direct adaptation of Alfian Sa’at’s eponymous short story … Continue reading Textures 2019: Performing Malay Sketches by The Second Breakfast Company (Review)
Experimental responses to Leow Puay Tin’s 3 Children still very much cerebral works in progress. KUALA LUMPUR – Cross Causeway arts projects are always to be celebrated, showcasing the keen relationship Singapore continues to share with our closest neighbours. The most recent of these would be Malaysia’s Five Arts Centre and Singapore’s Centre 42 joint collaboration on Are You Game, Sau(dara)?, a double bill of new work from … Continue reading Review: Are You Game, Sau(dara)? by Five Arts Centre (KL) and Bhumi Collective (SG)
A living laboratory that examines the Singaporean obsession with facts and figures. In RAW Moves’ first show of 2019, the contemporary dance company breaks new ground with the all new Alice, Bob & Eve, as conceptualised by visual artist Teow Yue Han in collaboration with the RAW Moves Dancers. Taking over a gallery space in the School of the Arts, Alice, Bob & Eve (titled after placeholder … Continue reading Review: Alice, Bob & Eve, conceptualised by Teow Yue Han in collaboration with RAW Moves Dancers
Inclusive theatre highlighting the aesthetics of access and the lives of SPED teachers. Some say originality is dead, but one would be surprised to find that each year, theatre companies continue to find new ways to innovate or put untold stories on the stage. Not In My Lifetime?, The Finger Players’ first production of 2019, happens to be one of them. Written by Alvan Yap, Not … Continue reading Review: Not In My Lifetime? by The Finger Players
An exhilarating contemporary twist to traditional Japanese drumming. Watching the CNA Lifestyle documentary playing onscreen before the performance begins, one immediately realises how A day in the life of a Drum Tao member is no easy feat. Waking up at the crack of dawn, the group gathers to warm up before a 20km jog around the mountainous, high altitude area, regardless of rain or shine. … Continue reading Review: Drum Tao 2019 – Rhythm of Tribe presented by Mediacorp VizPro
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