Huayi Festival 2019: The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by Li Liuyi Theatre Studio (Review)

Tragedy seems written in the stars in this lengthy production as the cosmos themselves bid our sweet prince goodnight.  Ranking among Shakespeare’s best works, it’s little surprise that Hamlet has seen countless productions and interpretations over the centuries. Opening the Esplanade’s Huayi Festival 2019, director Li Liuyi’s latest production of the piece sees the moody protagonist played by film star Hu Jun (Red Cliff, East Palace West Palace), … Continue reading Huayi Festival 2019: The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by Li Liuyi Theatre Studio (Review)

Crazy Poor Sita: An Interview with Sharul Channa On Her Newest Show

Comedian extraordinaire Sharul Channa may be better known for her acid-tongued acerbic wit and jabs, but last year, surprised us with a series of dramatic monologues presenting the stories of various women in the Indian community at Kalaa Utsavam 2018. Now, Sharul is back to kickstart her 2019 season with a brand new show that continues to build on that craft, with Crazy Poor Sita premiering in … Continue reading Crazy Poor Sita: An Interview with Sharul Channa On Her Newest Show

Preview: Esplanade presents Huayi Festival 2019

There’s already plenty to get excited about for the 2019’s arts season! Esplanade – Theatres by the Bay, has launched their 2019 Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts lineup, and we couldn’t be more excited for this 17th edition. Taking place from 15th to 24th February 2019, Huayi 2019 builds on the success of last year’s five new commissioned works, working together with both local … Continue reading Preview: Esplanade presents Huayi Festival 2019

Kalaa Utsavam 2018: Bali by Adishakti Theatre (Review)

Adishakti Theatre delivers both monkey business and human emotion in equal amounts in this surprisingly powerful fringe show. The Hindi epic The Ramayana is an account of the heroic deeds performed by the hero Rama, often considered a ‘champion of dharma’, or righteous deeds. But as we all know, morality exists in shades of grey, and when put to close examination, one comes to realise … Continue reading Kalaa Utsavam 2018: Bali by Adishakti Theatre (Review)

Kalaa Utsavam 2018: Disco Sheela and Other Indian Superwomen by Sharul Channa (Review)

Not all superheroes wear capes – sometimes they wear a sari.  While we’re very much used to hearing Sharul Channa let loose her signature pottymouth, in a changeup from her usual style of comedy, Sharul attempts to break new ground with Disco Sheela and Other Indian Superwomen. Distinct from her previous performances, Disco Sheela sees the leading female comedian take on brand new characters across four monologues, highlighting the … Continue reading Kalaa Utsavam 2018: Disco Sheela and Other Indian Superwomen by Sharul Channa (Review)

Kalaa Utsavam 2018: Parasu – The Story of An Ultimate Warrior by Avant Theatre (Review)

A collection of tales about the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu In Hindu mythology, the warrior sage Parasu is best known for being the sixth avatar of the god Lord Vishnu, maintainer of balance in the universe. Blessed with immense power and war sense when visited by the god Shiva one day, Parasu is simultaneously cursed with a seemingly unending anger that both feeds his … Continue reading Kalaa Utsavam 2018: Parasu – The Story of An Ultimate Warrior by Avant Theatre (Review)

Preview: Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts 2018 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

This November, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay returns with the 17th edition of the annual Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts. From 16th to 25th November this year, watch as the region’s top Indian artists gather to present revolutionary modern versions of traditional art forms, with artists such as sitar maverick Niladri Kumar, alternative rock band Avial, dancer/choreographer Leela Samson and chitravina artist Vishaal Sapuram … Continue reading Preview: Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts 2018 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Licha Stelaus Productions: An Interview with Founder Richard Chen and Oboist Quek Jun Rui

This November, Licha Stelaus Productions is bringing in the renowned Saint-Marc Children’s Choir (Les Petits Chanteurs de Saint-Marc) as they present an evening of family-friendly tunes from various Disney films. But as a French choir, of course they’ll be presenting them not in English, but French! Best known for appearing in the 2004 Academy-award nominated movie Les Choristes, the choir will also be presenting a medley of Christmas … Continue reading Licha Stelaus Productions: An Interview with Founder Richard Chen and Oboist Quek Jun Rui

Preview: Southern Charms – An Evening of Cantonese Classics by Ding Yi Music Company

Ding Yi Music Company returns this November with Southern Charms: An Evening of Cantonese Classics. Playing for one night only at the Esplanade Recital Studio, Southern Charms will feature Ding Yi Music Company’s concert master Chin Yen Choong and huqin musician Fred Chan, in an evening of traditional Cantonese music. They will be joined by qin qin musician Chua Yew Kok, dizi musician Ng Hsien Han and yangqin musician Yick Jue Ru, performing their rendition of classic Cantonese … Continue reading Preview: Southern Charms – An Evening of Cantonese Classics by Ding Yi Music Company

Preview: National Theatre Live 2018 presented by Esplanade – Theatres on The Bay

On 29th September, the National Theatre returns to the Esplanade – in film. For one Saturday only, the Esplanade has set aside its Theatre to become a temporary cinema, where audiences will be able to enjoy gloriously filmed performances of the National Theatre and Young Vic’s 2017 co-production of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies and the Bridge Theatre’s 2018 modern dress production of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.  With critical acclaim and … Continue reading Preview: National Theatre Live 2018 presented by Esplanade – Theatres on The Bay