A Legacy Through Song: An Interview with Julian Wong, writer of Wild Rice’s ‘Don’t Call Him Mr. Mari Kita’

Before National Day comes around and we once again celebrate the nation, have a think about one of the nation’s most enduring symbols – our national anthem. How many of us really know about its composer – Zubir Said, and only refer to him as ‘Mr. Mari Kita’? This July, Wild Rice is here to change that forever, with Don’t Call Him Mr. Mari Kita, … Continue reading A Legacy Through Song: An Interview with Julian Wong, writer of Wild Rice’s ‘Don’t Call Him Mr. Mari Kita’

By The Book: J.H.Low’s Lemonade Sky snags the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award

Lemonade Sky by J.H. Low has been awarded the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award 2022 (HABA) for Best Picture Book. Paired with bold artful illustrations and a moving story, Lemonade Sky tells the story of a young boy’s journey of self-discovery in search of his own “lemonade sky”—a place where he believes he can truly be free. Author and illustrator J.H. Low approaches a sensitive … Continue reading By The Book: J.H.Low’s Lemonade Sky snags the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award

Last Dance: An Interview with Meenakshy Bhaskar on Bharatanatyam doyenne Santha Bhaskar, and the legacy she left

Saying goodbye is never easy. But how does one even begin to comprehend the loss of a parent? For Meenakshy Bhaskar, she appears to be a pillar of strength when we arrive at Bhaskar’s Arts Academy at Bras Basah Complex, where she currently serves as Artistic Director. She is all smiles, cordial, and professional as we greet each other, shake hands, and sit down for … Continue reading Last Dance: An Interview with Meenakshy Bhaskar on Bharatanatyam doyenne Santha Bhaskar, and the legacy she left

Music Is: An Interview with rising star Lyn Lapid on authenticity, youth, and the music industry

As the world sees a rise of social media stars and an entertainment industry burgeoning with increasingly youthful talent, it’s no surprise that agents, managers and producers are tempted by the call of greed. More often than not, these predatory adults swoop in to make a quick buck off these hopeful, inexperienced youth in need of mentorship and a guide to show them the ropes, … Continue reading Music Is: An Interview with rising star Lyn Lapid on authenticity, youth, and the music industry

By The Book: Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Awards 2022 announces 8 finalists

Eight children’s books have been shortlisted for the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award (HABA), the prestigious biennial award recognising the best  Singapore children’s literature in English. For the first time since its inception in 2011, HABA will feature two prize categories: Picture Books and Middle Grade Books. The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony, which will be held in-person during the Asian Festival … Continue reading By The Book: Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Awards 2022 announces 8 finalists

By The Book: AFCC to Light Up Children’s Literature Industry; hybrid festival to include new forums for publishing and translation

The annual Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) will be returning for its 13th edition from 26 to 29 May 2022 in a new hybrid format. The festival celebrates the theme “Lit Up!”, inviting participants to embrace a world made brighter with the illumination of literature, after more than two years in isolation.  AFCC 2022 brings with it new programmes, including the AFCC Publishing Forum … Continue reading By The Book: AFCC to Light Up Children’s Literature Industry; hybrid festival to include new forums for publishing and translation

Molière’s Tartuffe: An Interview with director Glen Goei, playwright Joel Tan, and star Ivan Heng

French playwright Molière is often considered one of the greatest writers, with his farces and comedies ranking among his best work. In conjunction with the 400th anniversary of Molière’s birth, local theatre company Wild Rice has commissioned a new adaptation of satirical comedy Tartuffe: The Imposter. Written by Joel Tan, directed by Wild Rice’s Co-Artistic Director, Glen Goei, and starring Wild Rice Founding Artistic Director … Continue reading Molière’s Tartuffe: An Interview with director Glen Goei, playwright Joel Tan, and star Ivan Heng

Unbreakable: An Interview with Tracie and Adrian Pang on Pangdemonium’s ‘The Glass Menagerie’

Since they made their debut on the local theatre scene in 2010, “ass-kicking” theatre company Pangdemonium has been staging one contemporary script after another, each one carefully curated and selected for entertainment value, and for their ability to shine a light on key societal issues ripe for discussion. On the cusp of their 10th anniversary however, the company was about to change things up, and … Continue reading Unbreakable: An Interview with Tracie and Adrian Pang on Pangdemonium’s ‘The Glass Menagerie’

Putting good on the big screen: Gary Hong shares projections for ‘landmark of good’ Ten Square

New York City has Times Square, but Singapore may not be too far behind, with 3D projection screen Ten Square. Located at Short Street in Rochor, Ten Square is a massive screen towering over all who pass by it. But what sets it apart from the regular billboards you see around town is how Ten Square comes with a distinct goal – to platform initiatives … Continue reading Putting good on the big screen: Gary Hong shares projections for ‘landmark of good’ Ten Square

Blooming Through Mud: An Interview with Shannen Tan and Miriam Cheong on new show ‘Lotus Root Support Group’

For a show titled Lotus Root Support Group, you’d be forgiven if you mistook it for a tale of aunties looking for the best deals on marketplace veggies. But the truth of the matter is, it’s actually a thinly veiled metaphor for women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), where a woman’s ovaries may develop numerous small cysts, hence giving rise to the lotus-like ovaries. … Continue reading Blooming Through Mud: An Interview with Shannen Tan and Miriam Cheong on new show ‘Lotus Root Support Group’