Review: Fatih – The Prince and the Drum by NADI Singapura (Pesta Raya 2019)

An epic, joyous production elevating the art of drumming to new heights.  There are some productions that can only be described as nothing more than pure joy to watch. Fatih – The Prince and the Drum, happens to be one such production, as it cleverly uses a mix of Malay percussion, song, martial arts and staging to make a familiar tale of a fallen prince seeking … Continue reading Review: Fatih – The Prince and the Drum by NADI Singapura (Pesta Raya 2019)

Review: The Seen and Unseen (Sekala Niskala) by Kamila Andini (Pesta Raya 2019)

Clear direction and precise choreography make this highly spiritual work a success. Transitioning from one medium to another can be a daunting task, with the biggest question being “what does the new form add that the old one did not?” But for Indonesian director Kamila Andini, the answer to that is clear, with the stage adaptation of her 2017 film The Seen and Unseen. Born out … Continue reading Review: The Seen and Unseen (Sekala Niskala) by Kamila Andini (Pesta Raya 2019)

Arts in Malaysia: The Phantom of the Opera at Istana Budaya, presented by BASE Entertainment Asia

KUALA LUMPUR – It makes complete sense for a musical on tour to schedule the next closest country as its next stop. In the case of The Phantom of the Opera, that country would be Malaysia, following its recent run in Singapore. But what is perhaps so significant about this particular stop is that Malaysia hasn’t seen a musical of this scale tour to it for years, if … Continue reading Arts in Malaysia: The Phantom of the Opera at Istana Budaya, presented by BASE Entertainment Asia

Review: INALA – A Zulu Ballet, produced by Sisters Grimm

Uniting the traditional and contemporary to create a timeless work exuding joy and good vibes.  Rarely has ballet been an art form associated with South Africa, much less combined with Zulu music performed by a gospel choir. For the INALA: A Zulu Ballet then, its rare and innovative premise is likely to have been the fuel to its ever growing success since its debut at the 2014 … Continue reading Review: INALA – A Zulu Ballet, produced by Sisters Grimm

Art in Malaysia: Dust by Theatresauce (Review)

A poignant reflection on the ever-confusing nature of death and mortality. KUALA LUMPUR – Newly devised by Theatresauce, DUST is a brand new, multi-lingual work that explores the concept of mortality, pieced together from the stories, dreams and imaginations of its five performers, each deeply affected by experiences and questions surrounding death, grief, and ultimately, life. Directed by Esther Liew, DUST comprising a series of expressive visual and auditory montages … Continue reading Art in Malaysia: Dust by Theatresauce (Review)

EXCLUSIVE – Bangkok Getaway: An Interview with Chef Garima Arora of Restaurant Gaa

Born in Mumbai, Chef Garima Arora is only in her early 30s, and already, she’s been challenging all the norms, becoming the first Indian woman ever to win a Michelin star in 2018 for her restaurant Gaa, itself an establishment that learns from traditional Indian techniques to create contemporary cuisine with ingredients sourced from its home in Bangkok, Thailand. Initially having wanted to pursue a … Continue reading EXCLUSIVE – Bangkok Getaway: An Interview with Chef Garima Arora of Restaurant Gaa

Bangkok Getaway: Finding a Home Away From Home at Restaurant Gaa

BANGKOK, THAILAND – When Gaggan set up shop in Bangkok and was crowned Asia’s No. 1 Restaurant time and time again, it was only a matter of time before the Thai capital’s food scene rapidly developed and began garnering one Michelin star after another. Of this new wave of fine dining restaurants that swept the city, it is natural that having tried Gaggan, the next restaurant we already … Continue reading Bangkok Getaway: Finding a Home Away From Home at Restaurant Gaa

Review: Eric Lu & Yu-Chien Tseng presented by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra

  While Argentinian master pianist Martha Argerich postponed her return to Singapore indefinitely, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) has soldiered on with a concert in lieu, with pianist Eric Lu and violinist Yu-Chien Tseng joining the orchestra for a showcase at the Esplanade Concert Hall. The concert started off with Rachmaninoff’s The Isle of the Dead, Op. 29, performed by the SSO, as conducted by … Continue reading Review: Eric Lu & Yu-Chien Tseng presented by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra

Concert Review: Love Letter From Home by Dr Raul Sunico, Presented by Steinway Gallery Singapore

Commemorating the launch of master piano makers Steinway’s latest product, the Spirio|r, Steinway Gallery organised two concerts at the Victoria Concert Hall to celebrate this new invention, with Steinway artists Dr Raul Sunico and Nat Yontarak headlining a solo recital each, both of course, playing on a Steinway Spirio|r. With Dr Paul Sunico’s concert, titled Love Letter From Home, the Filipino pianist played a range … Continue reading Concert Review: Love Letter From Home by Dr Raul Sunico, Presented by Steinway Gallery Singapore

SIFA 2019: Crowd by Gisèle Vienne (Review)

The lines of desire are powerfully drawn over one crazy night at the rave.  While often considered a liminal space of chaos and pure freedom of expression, French choreographer Gisèle Vienne has managed to temper that manic energy and craft a scintillating, multi-layered dance work with Crowd, as we watch the lives of 14 dancers unfold over one night at a rave. Crowd dedicates itself entirely to the … Continue reading SIFA 2019: Crowd by Gisèle Vienne (Review)