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 the UK: Nevill Holt Opera’s architectural excellence celebrated by RIBA National Award 2019 win

LEICESTERSHIRE – Having won three RIBA East Midlands Awards earlier this year, Nevill Holt Opera’s 400- seat theatre has now been awarded a prestigious RIBA National Award. These awards are given to buildings across the UK recognised as being significant contributions to architecture. The RIBA seeks to celebrate outstanding work and their awards are recognised internationally as a mark of excellence. This accolade from RIBA celebrates … Continue reading Arts in the UK: Nevill Holt Opera’s architectural excellence celebrated by RIBA National Award 2019 win

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

As the annual Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of the Arts returns this weekend, expect the Esplanade to come awash in a flurry of activity as the space is enlivened by a carefully curated variety of performing arts from the Malay Archipelago, from famous regional singers and bands, to children’s theatre, to dance and theatre. Headlining the festival is the first large-scale commission of a … Continue reading Preview: Fatih – The Prince and the Drum by NADI Singapura (Pesta Raya 2019)

Preview: The Seen & Unseen by Kamila Andini (Pesta Raya 2019)

This weekend, the Esplanade’s annual Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of the Arts returns to present a finely curated selection of performing arts from the Malay Archipelago, ranging from well-known regional singers, children’s plays, and of course, theatre and dance. Of these, they will be premiering Indonesian artist Kamila Andini’s The Seen and Unseen, a theatrical/dance performance inspired by her film of the same name, as performed … Continue reading Preview: The Seen & Unseen by Kamila Andini (Pesta Raya 2019)

Review: How I Learned To Drive by Wag the Dog Theatre

Learning to put the brakes on trauma with a lesson on driving. Getting a handle on trauma is often like driving on a rainy day. Your perspective is foggy, the road ahead is slippery, and you can’t shake the constant anxiety that accompanies every second in the driver’s seat. And with Wag the Dog theatre’s latest production, that concept of control and being controlled by … Continue reading Review: How I Learned To Drive by Wag the Dog Theatre

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

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)

In London’s (Off) West End 2019: Totally Thames 2019 by Thames Festival Trust

LONDON – Totally Thames has announced four highlights of the 2019 festival. This year’s celebration of the River Thames will champion the heritage of the river as the vital centre of London’s history, its diverse culture and its connection to the rest of the world. Totally Thames 2019 encourages Londoners and visitors from further abroad to take part in an amazing programme of arts, culture and … Continue reading In London’s (Off) West End 2019: Totally Thames 2019 by Thames Festival Trust

In London’s (Off) West End 2019: Conversations with Ed by Exactly Different Theatre and Mind Out Theatre

LONDON – “We are just a cluster of stardust particles that have formed for a brief amount of time before we dissipate into something else.” Co-produced by Exactly Different Theatre and Mind Out Theatre, and directed by Evangeline Osbon, Conversations with Ed follows nature lover Ellie and lifestyle guru, Ed, who have been friends for a long time. When Ellie meets down-to-earth Zahara, things change. Mercury … Continue reading In London’s (Off) West End 2019: Conversations with Ed by Exactly Different Theatre and Mind Out Theatre

In London’s (Off) West End 2019: RADA Festival 2019

LONDON – Bringing together an eclectic mix of theatremakers, from artists to writers, directors to practitioners, the annual RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts) Festival returns from 26th June to 6th July to provide a platform for emerging talent, new collaborations, and fierce, inspirational projects that challenge the social and political. As a festival that promotes collaboration and co-creation, the RADA Festival champions experimentation and exploration, … Continue reading In London’s (Off) West End 2019: RADA Festival 2019