Arts of Malaysia: An Interview with playwright Adriana Nordin Manan, director Ghafir Akhbar and star Putrina Rafie of new play ‘Fault Lines’

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – A fault line refers to the geographic phenomenon of fractures in the Earth’s crust, potentially leading to earthquakes. Metaphorically speaking, this would then refer to cracks in the relationship between two parties, and perhaps if left unresolved, potentially result in disaster. That happens to be the issue at the heart of new play Fault Lines, which makes its premiere this Thursday … Continue reading Arts of Malaysia: An Interview with playwright Adriana Nordin Manan, director Ghafir Akhbar and star Putrina Rafie of new play ‘Fault Lines’

Kalaa Utsavam 2023: An Interview with choreographer Aditi Mangaldas on feminine desire in her solo dance show ‘FORBIDDEN’

Sexism has been a problem since time immemorial, and one of the most problematic perceptions that continue to dog women everywhere is the gatekeeping of their sexuality, where society feels the need to dictate the way a woman’s desires should be expressed or contained. And one of the most prominent countries where this continues to remain an issue is India. Realising how these taboos and … Continue reading Kalaa Utsavam 2023: An Interview with choreographer Aditi Mangaldas on feminine desire in her solo dance show ‘FORBIDDEN’

Kalaa Utsavam 2023: An Interview with Shiv Tandan, creator of ‘Fistful of Rupees’

When he was still based in Singapore, Shiv Tandan was a rising star in the local theatre scene, having penned the hit play The Good, The Bad and the Sholay back in 2011, when he was still an undergraduate at the National University of Singapore. Since then, he went on to become an associate artist with Checkpoint Theatre, assisting across various projects and productions, received … Continue reading Kalaa Utsavam 2023: An Interview with Shiv Tandan, creator of ‘Fistful of Rupees’

An Interview with comedian Sam See on the comedy scene, moving to the UK, and his critically-acclaimed show ‘Government Approved Sex’

After spending almost all of his life in Singapore, Sam See is finally ready for a more long-term change of environment. As a last hurrah to the country, the critically-acclaimed stand-up comedian is bringing his hit show Government Approved Sex to the Drama Centre Theatre for one night only, before moving to London to fully embrace and explore his career in comedy. “Government Approved Sex … Continue reading An Interview with comedian Sam See on the comedy scene, moving to the UK, and his critically-acclaimed show ‘Government Approved Sex’

Kalaa Utsavam 2023: An Interview with co-directors Subramanian Ganesh and Karthikeyan Somasundram on Agam Theatre Lab’s ‘Twin Murder In The Green Mansion’

In 2012, Britain’s The Mischief Theatre Company struck gold with a little theatre production – The Play That Goes Wrong. An incredibly clever comedy that sees an amateur drama club putting on a murder mystery play, things quickly go awry as the set falls apart, actors forget cues, and essentially, everything that can possibly go wrong, does. Riotous and receiving international acclaim, the play quickly … Continue reading Kalaa Utsavam 2023: An Interview with co-directors Subramanian Ganesh and Karthikeyan Somasundram on Agam Theatre Lab’s ‘Twin Murder In The Green Mansion’

Kalaa Utsavam 2023: Kumar spills the tea on new show ‘The Great Indian Mix’

Kumar may be Singapore’s top comedian, unfiltered and ready to comment about everything Singaporean with his observational humour, where in the spirit of equality, everyone is equally susceptible to a joke or two. But this November, Kumar will be taking his comedy in a more focused direction, as he performs a brand new show for Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s Kalaa Utsavam – Indian … Continue reading Kalaa Utsavam 2023: Kumar spills the tea on new show ‘The Great Indian Mix’

Music Is: The Music & Drama Company Celebrates 50 Years with a Six-Track Commemorative Album

The Music & Drama Company (MDC) have launched their six-track 50th anniversary album, together with a music video for “Warriors” – the first single inthe album. The songs are a tribute to MDC’s roots and a show of appreciation to all National Servicemen. The six tracks were released as singles from May this year. The Album Tracks 1. Warriors – A powerful pop-rock anthem paying homage to National Servicemen and their … Continue reading Music Is: The Music & Drama Company Celebrates 50 Years with a Six-Track Commemorative Album

Art What!: Thai artist Pratchaya Charernsook wins 42nd UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year

Thai artist Ms Pratchaya Charernsook’s artwork “Chumphon Estuary”, which poignantly depicts the environmental devastation wrought by microplastics, won the 2023 UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year (SEA POY) award. Ms Pratchaya’s masterpiece rose above the outstanding winning pieces from the 2023 UOB POY competitions held in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and for the first time, Vietnam. Crafted over the span of two months, “Chumphon … Continue reading Art What!: Thai artist Pratchaya Charernsook wins 42nd UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year

A new lease on life: Koh Chieng Mun stars in lead role as a 70-year old bride in SRT’s ‘Por Por’s Big Fat Surprise Wedding’

Back in the 90s, actress Koh Chieng Mun became a household name in every Singaporean family for her iconic role as Dolly Tan on Mediacorp’s hit sitcom Under One Roof. Ever since that star turn, Koh has remained mostly booked and busy, continuing with television and film work (including 2018’s Crazy Rich Asians), and even venturing into stand-up comedy at one point. Now, at the … Continue reading A new lease on life: Koh Chieng Mun stars in lead role as a 70-year old bride in SRT’s ‘Por Por’s Big Fat Surprise Wedding’

Preview: Fall & The Music Lovers — A Double Bill by Intercultural Theatre Institute

This November, Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI) presents Fall & The Music Lovers — A Double Bill, in collaboration with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, directed by award-winning Australian director, Aarne Neeme, and performed by the ITI graduating Class of 2023, comprising Abinaya Jothi, Cheng Kam Yiu (Yolanda), Choy Chee Yew, Mika Oskarson Kindstrand, and Swathilakshmi Perumal. The ITI Professional Diploma in Intercultural Theatre (Acting) … Continue reading Preview: Fall & The Music Lovers — A Double Bill by Intercultural Theatre Institute