★★★★☆ Review: Transverse Orientation by Dimitris Papaioannou

In the anthropocene, we go where the light leads us. Dimitris Papaioannou choreographs like an artist – the scenes we bear witness to are all about the visuals, shifting between unconventional imagery and absurd situation, never easy to understand upon first look, but always striking, and capable of producing a visceral, emotional reaction. Every moment onstage is like witnessing a painting in motion, and rarely … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Transverse Orientation by Dimitris Papaioannou

★★★★★ Review: Dim Sum Dollies – Still Steam by Dream Academy

No holds barred production in an all-out performance from these Singapore icons. Ever since they first performed at the Esplanade in 2002, Dream Academy’s Dim Sum Dollies have established themselves as three of Singapore’s most recognizable icons in the local theatre scene. Not only have they dazzled countless audience members over the years with big sets and glitzy costumes, but also daring to address pertinent … Continue reading ★★★★★ Review: Dim Sum Dollies – Still Steam by Dream Academy

★★★★☆ Review: Acting Mad by The Necessary Stage

A necessary production for a world in want of greater empathy. Actors have a reputation for being dramatic. It’s their profession after all, to perform and to present people and situations that are often exaggerated and emotionally-charged, to entertain and evoke catharsis in paying audiences. But we often forget that actors are far more than just blank slates, morphing and becoming whatever role they’ve been … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Acting Mad by The Necessary Stage

★★★★☆ Review: Animal Farm by Wild Rice

New ending to Orwell’s classic further blurs the line between man and beast. For centuries, humans have evolved from prehistoric creatures to the hyper-intelligent dominant species on Earth today. But in a world filled with constant war and animosity, one can’t help but think if somewhere inside our modern minds, there still lies a hint of that original animal instinct, and whether we truly can … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Animal Farm by Wild Rice

uproot | rootless: An Interview with The Substation Artistic Director Ezzam Rahman, and artists of SeptFest 2022

There was a time when arts venue The Substation had a massive Malayan Banyan Tree growing along the walls of Timbre. Considered an iconic part of The Substation, the tree had been there even before the founding of the venue in 1990, and became the site for countless events, gigs and performances, representing the ongoing connection between art and nature. But come 2015, the Banyan … Continue reading uproot | rootless: An Interview with The Substation Artistic Director Ezzam Rahman, and artists of SeptFest 2022

★☆☆☆☆ Review: Cathay Hotel – The Curse of the Missing Red Shoe by Vertical Submarine

Ambitious attempt to create an immersive Cathay multiverse sends mixed messaging. In the ‘good old days’, there used to exist the Cathay Hotel, which existed as both a hotel and a cinema. As a gathering space, it offered a sense of community when members of the public would come together to watch a film, the golden age of Singapore’s cinema scene where we’d see local … Continue reading ★☆☆☆☆ Review: Cathay Hotel – The Curse of the Missing Red Shoe by Vertical Submarine

Music Is: Two Evenings with Sir Stephen Hough, in his first concert in Singapore following knighthood

Resound Collective presents Sir Stephen Hough in his first appearance in Singapore since being knighted in the Queen’s birthday honours of 2022. He will play a solo recital with the theme of Nightscapes, featuring varying musical evocations of nocturnal wonderings and wanderings by composers such as Scriabin, Debussy and Liszt; as well as a concert with the re:Sound Chamber Orchestra, performing Brahms’ monumental Piano Concerto … Continue reading Music Is: Two Evenings with Sir Stephen Hough, in his first concert in Singapore following knighthood

Arts of Hong Kong 2022: Poon Wai Sum appointed as new HKRep Artistic Director

The Council of the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre announced on 22nd August 2022 the appointment of Poon Wai Sum as the company’s sixth Artistic Director, upon the retirement of Anthony Chan at the end of March 2023. Beginning in September, Poon will serve as Artistic Director Designate, planning the company’s 2023–24 season and strategies for artistic development. He will officially assume the position of Artistic Director … Continue reading Arts of Hong Kong 2022: Poon Wai Sum appointed as new HKRep Artistic Director

Full Steam Ahead: An Interview with Dim Sum Dollies Pam Oei and Jo Tan, and Music Director Elaine Chan

With the short run most productions have and few restagings, the longevity of any theatre show or concept in Singapore is never guaranteed. Which is why for local company Dream Academy, the continued success of their signature characters and IPs is a net positive all around. Amidst these, cabaret trio the Dim Sum Dollies remain a perennial favourite, having first making their claim to fame … Continue reading Full Steam Ahead: An Interview with Dim Sum Dollies Pam Oei and Jo Tan, and Music Director Elaine Chan

Patron of the Arts Awards 2022: Growth in cash donations signals importance of sustaining the arts despite pandemic

As Singapore’s arts sector looks towards a positive post-pandemic future, the National Arts Council (NAC) pays tribute to patrons who gave over $32 million to the arts in 2021. 323 patrons were honoured at the 39th edition of the Patron of the Arts Awards (POAA), comprising a total of 244 individuals and 79 organisations. These patrons continued to support Singapore’s resilient arts scene as the … Continue reading Patron of the Arts Awards 2022: Growth in cash donations signals importance of sustaining the arts despite pandemic