★★★☆☆ Review: National Memory Project by Teater Ekamatra

The future of Singapore is bleak, in a city that is all too willing to archive its past. While across the world, developing and using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in daily life is fast becoming the norm, it’s been especially worrying that local government entities have been leaping onto the AI trend and adopted it as the next big thing. From designing posters to interactive … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Review: National Memory Project by Teater Ekamatra

An Interview with the cast and creatives of Teater Ekamatra’s ‘National Memory Project’

This June, Teater Ekamatra returns with National Memory Project, a quietly devastating, politically astute, and culturally layered play by Jonny Jon Jon. Originally staged in 2012 and again in 2016, this third incarnation marks the play’s first under Ekamatra’s banner, and will be helmed by Mohd Fared Jainal, who directs the two-hander starring Ellison Tan and Fir Rahman. At the helm is Ekamatra’s long-time artistic … Continue reading An Interview with the cast and creatives of Teater Ekamatra’s ‘National Memory Project’

Shaza Ishak appointed Artistic Director of Teater Ekamatra

Teater Ekamatra, one of the longest running ethnic minority theatre companies, has appointed Managing Director, Shaza Ishak, as their new Artistic Director. She succeeds Mohd Fared Jainal, who will step down after a decade in this position. With this new appointment, effective 1 April 2023, Shaza will relinquish her role as Ekamatra’s Managing Director.  “It is with the utmost pleasure that I welcome Shaza as Ekamatra’s new Artistic … Continue reading Shaza Ishak appointed Artistic Director of Teater Ekamatra

★★★★☆ Review: Berak by Teater Ekamatra

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

Esplanade’s The Studios 2022: An Interview with Teater Ekamatra’s Mohd Fared Jainal and Zulfadli Rashid on ‘Berak’

When Chong Tze Chien’s Poop was first staged back in 2010, the new play was a tour de force that firmly cemented The Finger Players (TFP) as a company to watch, with a heartbreaking story about love and loss, told through evocative music, effective lighting, and of course, whimsical puppetry. 12 years on and several restagings later, the contemporary classic is getting a brand new … Continue reading Esplanade’s The Studios 2022: An Interview with Teater Ekamatra’s Mohd Fared Jainal and Zulfadli Rashid on ‘Berak’

Teater Ekamatra leaves Aliwal Arts Centre

After almost a decade of calling Aliwal Arts Centre home, Teater Ekamatra will move out on 28th February 2022. Marking this moment, the company is showcasing a special multimedia installation by local artist Safuan Johari, Packing/Unpacking, as a nod to the company’s history and legacy in Singapore, on show from now till Sunday, 6th February. Teater Ekamatra’s plans for the future are an acknowledgement of … Continue reading Teater Ekamatra leaves Aliwal Arts Centre

Help Teater Ekamatra raise $10k with their AMBOI! fundraising challenge and unlock a Zoom mini theatre festival!

Initially set for a fantastic season, with stagings of plays such as a Malay version of Chong Tze Chien’s Poop!, like much of the industry, Teater Ekamatra was hit hard by the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions on entertainment venues, seeing a near complete cancellation of all their shows for 2020. Now, more than ever, they need your help to get through these tough times, as they … Continue reading Help Teater Ekamatra raise $10k with their AMBOI! fundraising challenge and unlock a Zoom mini theatre festival!

Preview: Berak by Teater Ekamatra + An Interview with the Creatives [CANCELLED]

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Berak has been cancelled.  Originally written by Chong Tze Chien and presented as Poop by The Finger Players, this March, Teater Ekamatra adapts the play into Malay, presenting it as a brand new production at the Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre at W!ld Rice. Berak chronicles the aftermath of a suicide: A grandmother bargains with divine powers to release her … Continue reading Preview: Berak by Teater Ekamatra + An Interview with the Creatives [CANCELLED]

Review: A Clockwork Orange by Teater Ekamatra

Teater Ekamatra drags audiences into a dangerous dystopia where nothing and nobody can be trusted. Across the history of dystopian fiction, there is perhaps none quite as visceral and teetering on the edge of existential dread and horror as the society depicted in Anthony Burgess’ A Clockwork Orange. But even more terrifying than that perhaps is the realisation that such a dystopia is becoming more and more … Continue reading Review: A Clockwork Orange by Teater Ekamatra

Teater Ekamatra’s A Clockwork Orange: An Interview with the Cast and Creatives

British author Anthony Burgess’ seminal novel A Clockwork Orange has seen countless adaptations over the years, from stage plays to its best known iteration – a 1971 film version directed by Stanley Kubrick. But of all these adaptations, one we’ve yet to see is a version created in a Singaporean context. Enter Teater Ekamatra’s newest production – a Malay language adaptation of A Clockwork Orange, set to premiere this September, … Continue reading Teater Ekamatra’s A Clockwork Orange: An Interview with the Cast and Creatives