Kidnapping gone wrong leads to closer look at class and racial tensions. Kidnappings in Singapore are few and far between, so when one happens, it’s almost always a matter of national interest. But beyond the tension derived from rescuing a hostage, what if a kidnapping was viewed from the kidnapper’s point of view, and used as a means to understand class differences? First developed under … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Review: Ransom by A Mirage
Since they first met on the set of Theatreworks’ production of Beauty World in 1999, fellow theatremakers Claire Wong and Noorlinah Mohamed have remained fast friends to this day. Not only do they frequently hang out to chat over a meal or drink, the two also spend time sharing their innermost thoughts with each other, telling each other the stories of their families, musing on … Continue reading Esplanade’s The Studios 2022: An Interview with Claire Wong and Noorlinah Mohamed on ‘Recalling Mother’
Chong Tze Chien’s Poop! takes on new life for a Malay audience. According to the Islamic faith, a person commits suicide is sent straight to hell. Yet, within Malay culture, there remains the belief in the existence of hantus and lingering spirits that remain earthbound even after death. Does that then suggest there are alternative means to think about what lies after death, and use … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Berak by Teater Ekamatra
The Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF, or the Festival) has announced the retirement of Ms Tisa Ho and the appointment of Ms Flora Yu as the new Executive Director with effect from 14 November 2022. Chairman Mr Victor Cha said: “We are very grateful for Tisa’s leadership and dedication through the years. We accepted her resignation with regret and respect her wish to move on to the next … Continue reading Arts of Hong Kong 2022: HKAF Announces Tisa Ho’s Retirement from her role as Executive Director and Appointment of Flora Yu as new Executive Director
In a world of unusual musical concepts, Aiwei and Singapore Repertory Theatre’s (SRT) The LKY Musical probably ranks among the more unexpected ones. Based on the life and times of Singapore’s first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, The LKY Musical treads a difficult line of having to balance respect for the man’s legacy, chart an accurate and comprehensive enough history of Singapore, and still deliver … Continue reading Staging the Singapore Story: An Interview with director Steven Dexter and actor Adrian Pang on Aiwei and SRT’s The LKY Musical (2022)
September is coming, and we all know what that means – a full moon on the horizon, and the Esplanade’s annual Moonfest, held in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival. Now in its 18th edition, this year’s Moonfest will be celebrated with an array of free performances of traditional Chinese arts, and ticketed workshops for families of all ages. Focused on preserving and showcasing traditional arts, … Continue reading Preview: Moonfest 2022 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
No holds barred production in an all-out performance from these Singapore icons. Ever since they first performed at the Esplanade in 2002, Dream Academy’s Dim Sum Dollies have established themselves as three of Singapore’s most recognizable icons in the local theatre scene. Not only have they dazzled countless audience members over the years with big sets and glitzy costumes, but also daring to address pertinent … Continue reading ★★★★★ Review: Dim Sum Dollies – Still Steam by Dream Academy
A necessary production for a world in want of greater empathy. Actors have a reputation for being dramatic. It’s their profession after all, to perform and to present people and situations that are often exaggerated and emotionally-charged, to entertain and evoke catharsis in paying audiences. But we often forget that actors are far more than just blank slates, morphing and becoming whatever role they’ve been … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Acting Mad by The Necessary Stage
New ending to Orwell’s classic further blurs the line between man and beast. For centuries, humans have evolved from prehistoric creatures to the hyper-intelligent dominant species on Earth today. But in a world filled with constant war and animosity, one can’t help but think if somewhere inside our modern minds, there still lies a hint of that original animal instinct, and whether we truly can … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Animal Farm by Wild Rice
The Council of the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre announced on 22nd August 2022 the appointment of Poon Wai Sum as the company’s sixth Artistic Director, upon the retirement of Anthony Chan at the end of March 2023. Beginning in September, Poon will serve as Artistic Director Designate, planning the company’s 2023–24 season and strategies for artistic development. He will officially assume the position of Artistic Director … Continue reading Arts of Hong Kong 2022: Poon Wai Sum appointed as new HKRep Artistic Director
Bakchormeeboy 