Drama Box announces change of leadership; Kok Heng Leun steps down as Co-Artistic Director

After 32 years in the position of artistic leadership, Kok Heng Leun is stepping down with effect from 1 April 2022 as co-artistic director and board member of Drama Box, and will continue his practice in the company as an Artist, Founder. Present co-artistic director Koh Hui Ling will be steering the artistic direction of Drama Box alongside Han Xuemei, who was appointed as co-artistic … Continue reading Drama Box announces change of leadership; Kok Heng Leun steps down as Co-Artistic Director

★★★★☆ Review: Opposition 对峙 by The Necessary Stage and Drama Box

Learning to accept the inevitability of change. Change has never been easy. This is especially so the longer the status quo has been in play, whether in terms of a relationship, or a place one calls home, when routines and habits so firmly set in place, the very idea of change fills one with fear at what the future holds. Yet change is inevitable, and … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Opposition 对峙 by The Necessary Stage and Drama Box

Preview: Tracing Origins by Christopher Choo, Philip Chan and May Choong

In a fit of fury, a mistress is murdered Under the moon and stars, a man pursues a rare talent To show his loyalty, a general sacrifices himself  These scenes tell the story of the laosheng’s artistry Song Jiang Kills Yan Xijiao is startling and suspenseful; Xiao He Pursues Han Xin is full of earnest vigour; and General Yang’s Sacrifice is tragic in its desolation. These … Continue reading Preview: Tracing Origins by Christopher Choo, Philip Chan and May Choong

★★★★★ Review: The Crab Flower Club by Toy Factory Productions

Literary pursuit as a means to liberation. In the modern age, book clubs are often played for comedy and portrayed as frivolous affairs, an excuse for members, often bored housewives, to gather and drink, rather than seriously discuss work of literary merit. But underneath the mirth and laughter often lies an undercurrent of camaraderie, where members of a club find in such spaces a rare … Continue reading ★★★★★ Review: The Crab Flower Club by Toy Factory Productions

Preview: Molière’s Tartuffe – The Imposter by Wild Rice

In celebration of the 400th anniversary of iconic French playwright Molière’s birth, Wild Rice has commissioned a new adaptation of Tartuffe: The Imposter. Featuring a new script by critically-acclaimed playwright Joel Tan, this bold, thought-provoking update on Molière’s satirical classic will be directed by Wild Rice’s Co-Artistic Director, Glen Goei. “Joel has written a bitingly funny adaptation of a world classic that Glen and I … Continue reading Preview: Molière’s Tartuffe – The Imposter by Wild Rice

Preview: Gallery of Secrets – The Lost Lily by The Theatre Practice and National Gallery Singapore

Over the pandemic period, The Theatre Practice (Practice) has been taking a deep dive into the world of digital theatre, resulting in works such as hybrid murder mystery The Bride Always Knocks Twice. This April, they’ve progressed once again, and are set to present a brand new multi-platform treasure hunt for you to embark on – Gallery of Secrets: The Lost Lily. Co-presented with National … Continue reading Preview: Gallery of Secrets – The Lost Lily by The Theatre Practice and National Gallery Singapore

Preview: The Crab Flower Club by Toy Factory Productions

For the first time since premiering as part of the 2009 Singapore Arts Festival, Goh Boon Teck’s The Crab Flower Club finally receives a restaging, more than a decade on. Performed for the first time in Mandarin in Singapore, the drama-opera set in the late Qing dynasty follows five daughters from the respectable Wu household, as they reunite on the eve of their father’s 60th … Continue reading Preview: The Crab Flower Club by Toy Factory Productions

Against All Odds: An Interview with Alvin Tan, Haresh Sharma and Kok Heng Leun on ‘Opposition 对峙’

In any arts scene, you’re bound to find a sizeable number of big personalities, with headstrong artistic directors and scriptwriters who believe themselves the best and insist on a ‘my way or no way’ approach. It is for that same reason that collaborations between companies tend to be complicated affairs, and require not just a common vision, but also an open-minded creative team willing to … Continue reading Against All Odds: An Interview with Alvin Tan, Haresh Sharma and Kok Heng Leun on ‘Opposition 对峙’

Preview: NUS Arts Festival 2022 – Shades of Light(ness)

As we emerge from the chaos of the past two pandemic years, it finally seems that there is light on the horizon. But as to whether that light is one of searing hope, or just a faint glimmer still remains to be seen. Whichever it is, it’s certain a beam of light that the annual NUS Arts Festival returns this March, with a slate of … Continue reading Preview: NUS Arts Festival 2022 – Shades of Light(ness)

★★★★☆ Review: Rindu di Bulan (明月千里寄相思) by Rupa co.lab

Faith and beliefs collide in a tale about adoption in the Malay-Muslim community. What does family mean? Is it the people we are related by blood to, or is is simply a matter of choice as to who we bond with? The traditional idea of a family is called into question with Rupa co.lab’s latest show, Rindu di Bulan (明月千里寄相思), as they examine the issue … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Rindu di Bulan (明月千里寄相思) by Rupa co.lab