Review: The White Girl dir. Jenny Suen and Christopher Doyle (SGIFF 2017)

There’s a cheesy quote that goes along the lines of ‘to know what someone fears losing, watch what they photograph.’ It’s not always accurate, but in the case of Jenny Suen’s directorial debut (co-directed with cinematographer legend Christopher Doyle), it’s a phrase that echoes throughout the film more than ever. The White Girl is a film about memory. Described as a homecoming for both Suen … Continue reading Review: The White Girl dir. Jenny Suen and Christopher Doyle (SGIFF 2017)

Review: Mama White Snake by W!ld Rice

It’s the end of the year, and frankly, it’s been a long one, one that’s left us somewhat drained, a little emotional, and wanting a break. It’s times like these you want to watch a show that’s entertaining, yet mature enough in its ambition to strike an emotional chord. Thankfully, Mama White Snake is just the right medicine the doctor ordered and ends off W!ld Rice’s 2017 … Continue reading Review: Mama White Snake by W!ld Rice

Review: My Love Is Blind by Musical Theatre Limited

Presented by Musical Theatre Limited, My Love Is Blind marks one of the first locally produced musicals featuring visually impaired actors onstage. Although simple in plot, My Love Is Blind goes all out to push the important message that just because one is blind, doesn’t mean they’re disabled, but in fact, just as capable as a sighted person. Based off the true story of Tan Guan Heng, My … Continue reading Review: My Love Is Blind by Musical Theatre Limited

Review: NINAGAWA Macbeth by The Ninagawa Company (presented by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay)

It’s hard to believe that a single play can hold the power to leave such an impression on an audience member that it can even be considered life-changing. But this is in no way an exaggeration of how the unique experience of watching a play by the late Yukio Ninagawa. The thunderous applause and standing ovation a Ninagawa play receives is completely warranted. NINAGAWA Macbeth was … Continue reading Review: NINAGAWA Macbeth by The Ninagawa Company (presented by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay)

Review: Back to Burgundy dir. Cedric Klapisch

There are a few things one thinks of when it comes to French food – baguettes, cheese and probably, wine. Whether or not you do indulge in wine, Back To Burgundy is a film that’ll leave you thirsty for it and the glorious French countryside director Cedric Klapisch showcases so beautifully throughout. Back To Burgundy is a stirring family drama set in the vineyards of Burgundy as rebellious son … Continue reading Review: Back to Burgundy dir. Cedric Klapisch

Review: Lost in Paris dir. Dominique Abel & Fiona Gordon

Written, directed by and starring clown-trained duo and couple Dominique Abel and Fiona Gordon, Lost In Paris features their signature whimsical style and is a charming romp into the French city of light. Fiona Gordon stars as a small town Canadian librarian suddenly called to Paris when her aged Aunt Martha (the late Emmanuelle Riva) sends her a distress letter. Packing up her things, Fiona leaves her … Continue reading Review: Lost in Paris dir. Dominique Abel & Fiona Gordon

Kalaa Utsavam 2017: Koodiyattam – Nangiarkoothu by Kapila Venu (Review)

Beyond new contemporary works, the Esplanade’s annual Kalaa Utsavam also regularly features traditional arts in its lineup, and 2017 is no different. This year, we had the rare privilege of watching master koodiyattam practitioner Kapila Venu perform the ancient, UNESCO-recgonized art form. A little background information for the unfamiliar: koodiyattam is a 2,000 year old theatrical tradition originating from Kerala, India. Often performed in temples, … Continue reading Kalaa Utsavam 2017: Koodiyattam – Nangiarkoothu by Kapila Venu (Review)

Kalaa Utsavam 2017: Anjaneyam – Hanuman’s Ramayana by Apsaras Arts

Indian culture and mythology spans centuries, giving birth to hundreds of tales about various gods and goddesses, royals and monsters. So it stands to reason that the 2017 Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts would open with an adaptation of one of the most famous tales of all – the Ramayana.  Focusing on the life and adventures of the monkey god Hanuman (played by Hari … Continue reading Kalaa Utsavam 2017: Anjaneyam – Hanuman’s Ramayana by Apsaras Arts

Review: Overtime by Myle Yan Tay and Nathaniel Mah

Earlier this month we were pleasantly surprised by a highly competent production of Jean Tay’s Boom by a group of students from Yale-NUS. We thought this was the kind of thing that comes by only every so often, but evidently we were wrong, having proverbial lightning strike twice with Myle Yan Tay and Nathaniel Mah’s new musical tackling office life: Overtime. Overtime is the rare … Continue reading Review: Overtime by Myle Yan Tay and Nathaniel Mah

Kalaa Utsavam 2017: Sharul Weds Sharul by Sharul Channa

Sharul Channa is a riot. Or at the very least, she could probably start one easily if she tried, with almost no topic too taboo to tackle. Now, Sharul is happily married (to fellow comedian Rishi Budhrani), but as a strong, independent woman, has her hangups about the deeply misogynistic nature of some Indian traditions. So naturally, in her newest ‘comedic monologue’ (‘so it sounds … Continue reading Kalaa Utsavam 2017: Sharul Weds Sharul by Sharul Channa