The Studios 2019: An Interview with Playwrights Neo Kim Seng, Gary Tang and Tan Cher Kian of My Grandfather’s Road (RHDS)

Neo Kim Seng’s My Grandfather’s Road has had a wild journey since it was first created in 2015 for Cake Theatrical Productions’ Running with Strippers. The biographical work was based on the history of his actual grandfather Neo Pee Teck, which had a side road in Pasir Panjang named after him, and has gone on not only to become published as a book, but also a Cantonese version … Continue reading The Studios 2019: An Interview with Playwrights Neo Kim Seng, Gary Tang and Tan Cher Kian of My Grandfather’s Road (RHDS)

In London’s (Off) West End 2019: The Flies by Exchange Theatre

LONDON – The Exchange Theatre comes back to London this June with their tenth anniversary revival of Jean-Paul Sartre’s rebellious, political play The Flies. Sartre’s thriller re-imagines the Greek tragedy of Electra and Orestes, exploring the complexities of human values in a period of political turbulence. A company priding themselves in their international and multi-cultural heritage, Exchange Theatre’s The Flies will be performed in alternating French and … Continue reading In London’s (Off) West End 2019: The Flies by Exchange Theatre

The Studios 2019: Mergers and Accusations (Review)

The ties that bind us are frayed in this revival of a Singaporean LGBTQ classic. Written by Eleanor Wong in 1993, 16 years on, Mergers and Accusations remains one of Singapore’s most seminal queer theatrical works. Dripping with sarcastic wit and rapid fire legal jargon, the play remains relevant even today for its unabashed portrayal of citizens afraid to come out of the closet for fear of the impact … Continue reading The Studios 2019: Mergers and Accusations (Review)

In London’s (Off) West End 2019: Justice by Wooden Arrow at the Blue Elephant Theatre

LONDON – In a city experiencing a three month heatwave, England’s best World Cup since the 90s and the highest number of knife-crime killings in ten years, Justice zooms in on Michael, a young black male who has just finished his first year of college. The summer is about football, video games and parties – and pretending results day isn’t looming. One night will change that, and … Continue reading In London’s (Off) West End 2019: Justice by Wooden Arrow at the Blue Elephant Theatre

Theatre of the United Kingdom 2019: Shine by Kema Sikazwe (Preview)

LONDON – Best known for his role in Ken Loach’s 2016 BAFTA and Palme D’or-winning film I, Daniel Blake, actor, rapper, singer and rising star Kema Sikazwe (aka Kema Kay), will make his stage debut in Shine. Premiering at Live Theatre in Newcastle before transferring to the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, this world premiere is written and performed by Sikazwe and features seven new songs written … Continue reading Theatre of the United Kingdom 2019: Shine by Kema Sikazwe (Preview)

The Studios 2019: An Interview with Director Chen Yingxuan and Performer Oon Shu An of Mergers & Accusations

Eleanor Wong is sometimes better known for her position as a law professor at NUS’ Faculty of Law. But to most of the arts community, she is perhaps best known for her seminal Invitation to Treat trilogy of plays, narratively linked by their protagonist, Ellen Toh. Set in the 90s, Ellen is a lawyer who realises she is a lesbian. But coming out, both to society and … Continue reading The Studios 2019: An Interview with Director Chen Yingxuan and Performer Oon Shu An of Mergers & Accusations

Drama Box’s FLOWERS: An Interview with Creators Han Xuemei and Jean Tay

Coming to the stage this May, Drama Box kicks off their 2019 season with an all new show – in a house! Conceptualised by Han Xuemei, FLOWERS reunites the Drama Box resident artist with playwright Jean Tay, who worked on last year’s MISSING: The City of Lost Things, in an experiential installation where audiences explore a terrace house in Chip Bee Gardens, and in turn, discover the hidden issues of patriarchal … Continue reading Drama Box’s FLOWERS: An Interview with Creators Han Xuemei and Jean Tay

Hong Kong 2019: Le Père (The Father) by Hong Kong Repertory Theatre (Preview)

HONG KONG – French playwright Florian Zeller has certainly been experiencing some kind of vogue in recent years, with local companies Pangdemonium! and the Singapore Repertory Theatre both having staged productions of his work in 2018 and 2019. Now, the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre is set to restage their sold-out, Hong Kong Drama Award-winning version of Le Père (The Father) from 2017. The Father follows André, an Alzheimer’s disease-ridden … Continue reading Hong Kong 2019: Le Père (The Father) by Hong Kong Repertory Theatre (Preview)

In London’s (Off) West End 2019: OVERTURES at Bishopsgate Institute (Preview)

LONDON – OVERTURES Piano Bar – London’s only sing-along piano bar dedicated to musical theatre – is celebrating is travelling from its home in Marble Arch to Liverpool Street for a one-off celebration at Bishopsgate Institute. Accompanied by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, and conducted by Freddie Tapner, OVERTURES guarantees audiences a riotous evening, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds and, even more mportantly, … Continue reading In London’s (Off) West End 2019: OVERTURES at Bishopsgate Institute (Preview)

The Studios 2019: Miss British by The Art of Strangers (Review)

Post-colonial blues from the personal stories of three minority actresses.  With a title like Miss British, it’s easy to assume that the second show of the Esplanade’s 2019 The Studios Season is all about British identity. It’s a misnomer, and in fact, deals primarily with the impact, trauma and legacy that British colonialism has left behind on minorities. Directed by Felipe Cervera, Miss British comes at a timely … Continue reading The Studios 2019: Miss British by The Art of Strangers (Review)