Review: Dwarf by The Opera People

Zemlinsky’s opera receives a high school twist that exposes society’s ugly prejudices. A 1922 Austrian opera may seem like it has little to do with Singapore in 2019, but with The Opera People’s Dwarf, there may be more similarities than meets the eye. While the original Der Zwerg closely followed its Wildean source material The Infantata’s Birthday, where a Spanish Infantata (princess) receives a dwarf for her birthday, only … Continue reading Review: Dwarf by The Opera People

Review: Singapore International Festival of Arts 2019

When the 2019 Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) programme line-up was announced in February this year, expectations ran high and hype was abound. With the impending arrival of some of the greatest living artists today and exciting new work from local artists, SIFA 2019 promised a season of arts that would establish May as Singapore’s month of arts, building on what Festival Director Gaurav … Continue reading Review: Singapore International Festival of Arts 2019

Review: Chinatown Crossings 2019 by Drama Box

A new cast member and a tighter script keeps Chinatown Crossings as rewatchable and poignant as ever. When we watched Chinatown Crossings last year, little did we expect it to end up becoming one of our favourite productions of 2018. With a sold out run, it was heartening to hear that Drama Box had managed to bring it back again this year so more audience … Continue reading Review: Chinatown Crossings 2019 by Drama Box

Review: Rock Guardians of the Sea (守护海洋的神岛) by The Fool Theatre

The origin story of Pulau Ubin as a Mandarin musical. From criticism of our colonial past to entire installations about Sang Nila Utama and beyond, the Bicentennial year has ensured that a bumper crop of new plays would emerge looking back on Singapore’s history. Amongst these is the Fool Theatre’s latest production, a brand new, original Mandarin musical, which, in contrast to some of the more … Continue reading Review: Rock Guardians of the Sea (守护海洋的神岛) by The Fool Theatre

M1 Contact Contemporary Dance Festival 2019: DiverCity (Review)

  Three works that prove Singapore’s dance scene is ever bold and ever dynamic. Playing as part of the 2019 M1 Contact Contemporary Dance Festival, DiverCity acts as one of the festival’s many platforms to showcase the most exciting new choreographies and emerging talent. This year’s edition of the annual platform presents not one but three works from up and coming local independent dance artists, giving … Continue reading M1 Contact Contemporary Dance Festival 2019: DiverCity (Review)

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)