Kalaa Utsavam 2017: Anjaneyam – Hanuman’s Ramayana by Apsaras Arts

Indian culture and mythology spans centuries, giving birth to hundreds of tales about various gods and goddesses, royals and monsters. So it stands to reason that the 2017 Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts would open with an adaptation of one of the most famous tales of all – the Ramayana.  Focusing on the life and adventures of the monkey god Hanuman (played by Hari … Continue reading Kalaa Utsavam 2017: Anjaneyam – Hanuman’s Ramayana by Apsaras Arts

Artist Spotlight: An Interview with Masachika Ichimura (NINAGAWA: Macbeth)

Masachika Ichimura is one of the most prolific Japanese actors alive today. His career spans over forty years, including roles in Takashi Miike’s 13 Assassins (2010) and for animation fans, the voice of Mewtwo in Pokemon: Mewtwo Returns (2000). Ichimura also happens to be an incredible theatre actor, having made his theatre debut as King Herod in a 1973 production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and will be gracing the … Continue reading Artist Spotlight: An Interview with Masachika Ichimura (NINAGAWA: Macbeth)

#mydurianturns15: Backstage Pass with… Siti K

Without a doubt, we can safely say that Siti Khalijah Zainal is one of our absolute favourite actresses in the local theatre scene. Always armed with a smile and bubbling over with incredible energy, Siti has charmed our socks off, making us laugh and cry in productions as varied as Meena and Cheena and Rosnah. So it’s really no surprise that when we found out she was part of … Continue reading #mydurianturns15: Backstage Pass with… Siti K

Preview: Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts 2017 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Rounding off the year in cultural festivals is the Esplanade’s Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of the Arts. Since its humble beginnings in 2002, the festival has grown to a sprawling 10 day event showcasing an exciting mix of classical and contemporary arts performances from local and international Indian artists. Starting on 17th November, the festival opens with an explosive tale told through bharatanatyam and Javanese dance … Continue reading Preview: Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts 2017 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

da:ns Festival 2017: Benjamin Millepied’s L.A. Dance Project (Review)

Benjamin Millepied’s L.A. Dance Project presented at Esplanade’s da:ns Festival was a riveting performance of perfection, and left audiences in awe throughout the 80 minute show. The show opened with a sequence of three duets from the documentary A Dancer’s world: Martha Graham. Performed on a bare stage, the no-frills presentation of the dance brought the audience’s attention to the detail and shape of the dancers’ bodies, emphasizing the sharp lines … Continue reading da:ns Festival 2017: Benjamin Millepied’s L.A. Dance Project (Review)

#mydurian turns 15: Backstage Pass With…by The Esplanade in Collaboration with A-List

The Esplanade turns 15, and to celebrate, they’ve organized eight specially curated tours led by some of the local art scene’s favourite characters, from celebrated artists who’ve performed well-loved shows at the Esplanade, to unerring, hardworking staff who’ve kept the venue running like clockwork. Starting from this Saturday (28th October), take a walk on the wild side and get an exclusive, insider look at the … Continue reading #mydurian turns 15: Backstage Pass With…by The Esplanade in Collaboration with A-List

Preview: Macbeth by the Ninagawa Company

It is said that to watch a Ninagawa production is a life changing experience. That’s why Singaporeans can rest easy and get cracking with that part of the bucket list, as the Esplanade brings back Ninagawa’s Macbeth this November, 25 years from the last time it was staged here. Giving Shakespeare’s script a Japanese makeover, Ninagawa’s Macbeth transposes the cursed ‘Scottish play’ to 16th century Azuchi-Momoyama Japan, where soldiers … Continue reading Preview: Macbeth by the Ninagawa Company

Preview: da:ns Festival 2017 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

The Esplanade’s 12th da:ns Festival makes a return this month with a whole new programme of some of the very best dance performances from both the international dance scene, and here in Singapore. A grand total of seven ticketed productions will be available to catch this time round, including two festival commissions by Choy Ka Fai and Eisa Jocson. In addition, audiences can also take part in over … Continue reading Preview: da:ns Festival 2017 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Happy Anniversary: #mydurian – The Esplanade Turns 15!

Happy 15th birthday to Esplanade! Titled #mydurian for the endearing nickname many Singaporeans have given it due to its similarities to the iconic King of Fruits, the twin durians of Singapore have played host to over 37,000 local and international art performances and exhibitions since it first opened in 2002, establishing itself as a major regional arts venue and attracting over 92 million visitors. The … Continue reading Happy Anniversary: #mydurian – The Esplanade Turns 15!

Review: Romeo & Juliet by The Stuttgart Ballet

If there’s one performance that’s bound to make you believe in eternal love, it’s Romeo and Juliet. And what better way to experience the timeless story of star crossed lovers than with the Stuttgart Ballet’s production of John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet? John Cranko was artistic director of the Stuttgart Ballet when he choreographed what is now considered the definitive ballet version of the Bard’s tragic … Continue reading Review: Romeo & Juliet by The Stuttgart Ballet