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

Coffee with Rishi Budhrani: Cannot Means Cannot

Even though comedian Rishi Budhrani has been on the comedy scene for several years now, certainly one of the fastest rising stars, he admits he still feels a little trepidation about his upcoming show. “I still get scared,” he says over a cup of coffee at Stamping Ground. “Thinking about it sometimes, it lights a fire under my ass lah.” He continues: “I look at … Continue reading Coffee with Rishi Budhrani: Cannot Means Cannot

A Childhood Dream Come True: A Conversation with Writer Akshita Nanda

“I remember when I first came to Singapore in 1995 on a scholarship, my parents told me to eat the food in this country,” Akshita Nanda comments offhand, as we wait for our dinner to arrive at Kogane-Yama. “Food is how you really get to know a country and its culture, and the act of eating itself bonds.” Akshita is perhaps best known as an … Continue reading A Childhood Dream Come True: A Conversation with Writer Akshita Nanda

Review: Sharul Channa Is A Pottymouth

Sharul Channa fully embraces her title in this no holds barred, completely unfiltered performance. Sharul Channa occasionally receives a request from her father for jokes he can share at the temple. We can only hope that he’s never tried, because just about all of them would be far too inappropriate to tell there. From making light of mourners at a funeral to unflinchingly talking about … Continue reading Review: Sharul Channa Is A Pottymouth

Coffee with Sharul Channa: Still A Pottymouth In 2018

Sharul Channa was once accused of being a pottymouth by the mainstream press and has never looked back. Proudly wearing the name like a badge of honour, she’s bringing back her infamous pottymouth for another round of laugh out loud jokes and relatable stories this year in an all new show, and we decided to speak to her about it and catch up on how … Continue reading Coffee with Sharul Channa: Still A Pottymouth In 2018

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

Kalaa Utsavam 2017: Sharul Weds Sharul by Sharul Channa

Sharul Channa is a riot. Or at the very least, she could probably start one easily if she tried, with almost no topic too taboo to tackle. Now, Sharul is happily married (to fellow comedian Rishi Budhrani), but as a strong, independent woman, has her hangups about the deeply misogynistic nature of some Indian traditions. So naturally, in her newest ‘comedic monologue’ (‘so it sounds … Continue reading Kalaa Utsavam 2017: Sharul Weds Sharul by Sharul Channa

Kalaa Utsavam 2017: Khwaab-Sa – Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream by The Company Theatre (Review)

Khwaab-Sa opens with a spotlight on lithe, petite dancer Ronita Mookerji as the iconic spirit Puck. In the background, a musician clad in a unicorn mask assaults our ears with loud electronic music, as Mookerji writhes and vibrates. Grinning madly, she laughs silently before impishly back-flipping across the stage, a moon projection making her lunacy obvious. This is Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as you’ve never seen … Continue reading Kalaa Utsavam 2017: Khwaab-Sa – Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream by The Company Theatre (Review)

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