★★★★☆ Review: A Thousand Ways Part III – An Assembly by 600 Highwaymen (SIFA 2021)

Last leg of the journey. After being cancelled in the midst of the Heightened Alert phase, we were filled with disappointment that we would likely never catch the final instalment of 600 Highwaymen’s three-part show A Thousand Ways. But perhaps, rather miraculously, the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) pressed on, and somehow found a way to revive the show, allowing those who had started … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: A Thousand Ways Part III – An Assembly by 600 Highwaymen (SIFA 2021)

SIFA 2021: Four live shows to be presented this August

The 2021 Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) may technically be over, but with the Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) measures, some of its programmes faced indefinite postponement during the planned run. But this National Day weekend, count your lucky stars, because four of its previously postponed programmes are back, and set to play live in theatres. The four productions are namely: In a rare collaboration, … Continue reading SIFA 2021: Four live shows to be presented this August

SIFA 2021 Wrap-Up: An Interview with Festival Director Gaurav Kripalani

Over the last four years, Gaurav Kripalani has served as Festival Director of the annual Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA). Considering the scale of the festival, that role alone would already be enough to keep any ordinary person’s day full. But if you look at the number of responsibilities he’s had in this past year alone, suffice to say that Gaurav is nothing less … Continue reading SIFA 2021 Wrap-Up: An Interview with Festival Director Gaurav Kripalani

Singapore International Festival of Arts 2021 wrap-up

When Gaurav Kripalani was first announced as the new Festival Director of the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) four years ago, he had his fair share of skeptics and critics. But under his vision, it seemed pretty clear what he wanted to do with our national arts festival during his stint – cater to the widest number of people as possible through a varied … Continue reading Singapore International Festival of Arts 2021 wrap-up

★★★★★ Review: OIWA – The Ghost of Yotsuya by The Finger Players (SIFA 2021)

A chilling rendition of an age-old horror story where it is humans, not ghosts, that are the true villains. “The Ghost of Yotsuya” is one of Japan’s most beloved and frequently performed ghost stories. As a timeless tale of tragedy and revenge, the classic has gone on to receive countless adaptations, from kabuki theatre to films and television series. With so many versions that already … Continue reading ★★★★★ Review: OIWA – The Ghost of Yotsuya by The Finger Players (SIFA 2021)

★★★★☆ Review: A Dream Under The Southern Bough – Existence by Toy Factory (SIFA 2021)

The long-drawn out dream finally comes to an end in an impressive finale to Toy Factory’s ambitious adaptation. Back in 2018, local theatre company Toy Factory was given a rare opportunity amongst local theatre companies – a chance to stage a single play across three parts over the next three years in the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA). That play would be Goh Boon … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: A Dream Under The Southern Bough – Existence by Toy Factory (SIFA 2021)

★★★★☆ Review: _T0701_ by Zeugma (SIFA 2021)

Black Mirror meets black magic. The ‘toyol’ or undead infant frequently features in Malay folklore, used as a tool by bomohs (shaman) to conduct black magic and cause mischief. But in a futuristic world ruled by technology, is there still a place for outdated superstitions or magic to exist? Blending cyberpunk with a quintessentially Singaporean flavour, local arts collective Zeugma’s new work _T0701_ imagines a … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: _T0701_ by Zeugma (SIFA 2021)

Review: From Mee to You by Chef Justin Quek (SIFA 2021)

Letting the culinary arts bring people together and SIFA to a close. When it comes to an arts festival, few people would include or even consider the culinary arts a relevant part of the lineup. But just as watching a live theatre performance can bring people closer together, so can food – even if we’re physically apart. That idea of a shared meal is what … Continue reading Review: From Mee to You by Chef Justin Quek (SIFA 2021)

★★★★☆ Review: Demon States by The Observatory (SIFA 2021)

Futurist cyberpunk hellscapes to accompany new songs from The Observatory. Presented as part of the 2021 Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA), Demon States is one of this edition’s most unique offerings yet. Produced by The Observatory, the immersive mixed reality experience acts as a preview for the local band’s upcoming album with Koichi Shimizu, and combines their music with set design by Irfan Kasban, … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Demon States by The Observatory (SIFA 2021)

★★★★☆ Review: A Thousand Ways by 600 Highwaymen (SIFA 2021)

Learning to connect again in three parts. After a year of the pandemic, watching dramatic readings on Zoom and pre-recorded archival footage, audience members are hungry for one thing – engagement. And one of the most effective ways of doing that is turning the tables and transforming the audience into the artist. In a way, that’s what 600 Highwaymen have done in A Thousand Ways, … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: A Thousand Ways by 600 Highwaymen (SIFA 2021)