Huayi 2020: An Interview with Goh Boon Teck, Director and Playwright of Toy Factory’s 7 Sages of the Bamboo Grove

In Chinese history, there existed a group of seven Chinese scholars, writers, and musicians of the third century CE. As the Jin dynasty came into being, the ‘Sages’ found their lives to be in danger, and their reactions to the changes expressed themselves in new ways. Some wrote poems criticizing the court and the administration, while others tried to negotiate their way through the difficult … Continue reading Huayi 2020: An Interview with Goh Boon Teck, Director and Playwright of Toy Factory’s 7 Sages of the Bamboo Grove

Huayi 2020: An Interview with Star Pianist Tony Yike Yang

At the tender age of 16, Chinese-Canadian pianist Tony Yike Yang took the music world by storm when he became the youngest-ever laureate at the prestigious 2015 Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw. Now, the young prodigy is set to make his Southeast Asian debut at the Esplanade, performing a solo recital as part of this year’s edition of Huayi – Chinese Festival of the arts. … Continue reading Huayi 2020: An Interview with Star Pianist Tony Yike Yang

Preview: Esplanade presents Huayi Festival 2020

As we approach Chinese New Year once again, so does the Esplanade’s annual Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts. Come the year of the Rat, often considered a symbol of wit, imagination and curiosity, Huayi is set to bring these traits to life in its programming, with a line-up of leading Chinese artists from Singapore and beyond between 31st January and 9th February 2020. Presenting a mix … Continue reading Preview: Esplanade presents Huayi Festival 2020

Preview: Xiqu – Chinese Opera Series 2020 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Come 2020, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is set to launch Xiqu – Chinese Opera Series to present different forms of xiqu (Chinese Opera) throughout the year. Literally translating to musical theatre, xiqu is one of the oldest art forms in the world and tells timeless stories deeply rooted in Chinese culture and traditions. The new programme series will present a variety of large-scale and intimate … Continue reading Preview: Xiqu – Chinese Opera Series 2020 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Arts In Malaysia: Catching Up With Sean Ghazi In Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR – The last time we sat down with Sean Ghazi was way back in 2017, after an incredibly busy year in Singapore preparing for An Evening with Sean Ghazi (with Stephanie Reese), and after an acclaimed run on W!ld Rice’s staging of La Cage Aux Folles opposite Ivan Heng. That was the year that Sean seemed to truly revive his connection with Singapore after primarily performing on … Continue reading Arts In Malaysia: Catching Up With Sean Ghazi In Kuala Lumpur

Preview: The Maltese Tenor – Joseph Calleja presented by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra

Superstar tenor Joseph Calleja joins the Singapore Symphony Orchestra for a one-off concert, on 10th January 2020. Conducted by David Giménez Carreras, the concert will include arias from much-loved operas by Mozart, Puccini, Verdi and many more. Among the programme’s highlights are “E lucevan le stelle” from Puccini’s Tosca and “Una furtiva lagrima” from Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore. Blessed with a golden-age voice that routinely inspires … Continue reading Preview: The Maltese Tenor – Joseph Calleja presented by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra

Preview: Of Music and Story – River of Life by Ding Yi Music Company

In collaboration with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Chinse chamber music ensemble Ding Yi Music Company is back with the 2019 edition of their signature Of Music Series, which brings together multiple disciplines with music to create a unique concert experience. This time around, in conjunction with the Singapore Bicentennial, they’ll be uniting Chinese chamber music with storytelling, a concept by Ding Yi Principal Conductor … Continue reading Preview: Of Music and Story – River of Life by Ding Yi Music Company

Preview: The Snowman presented by ABA Productions

As Christmas approaches, it’s time for a flurry of festive shows to come to town once again. And this December, ABA Productions is bringing the beloved tale of The Snowman to Singapore! When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. They meet Father Christmas, dancing penguins, reindeer and crowds of The Snowman’s friends, but will they escape … Continue reading Preview: The Snowman presented by ABA Productions

Preview: Kalaa Utsavam 2019 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Back for its 18th edition, the Esplanade’s Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of the Arts returns this Deepavali season to present another 10 exciting days of the very best artists from across the Indian diaspora, presenting both traditional and contemporary works – and sometimes, a mix of both to keep us both rooted as we move into the future. Much of Kalaa Utsavam’s line-up this year … Continue reading Preview: Kalaa Utsavam 2019 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Review: The Far Side of the Moon by Robert Lepage/Ex Machina

★★★★☆ (Attended 2/11/19, Matinee) A deeply affecting reflection on loneliness, sibling rivalry, and the little triumphs that keep us going, buoyed by a masterful performance from Yves Jacques and Robert Lepage’s ingenious theatrical magic.  The far side of the moon, sometimes known as the dark side of the moon, refers to the side of the moon facing away from Earth, unseen and unnoticed in comparison to … Continue reading Review: The Far Side of the Moon by Robert Lepage/Ex Machina