★★★★★ Review: OIWA – The Ghost of Yotsuya by The Finger Players (SIFA 2021)

A chilling rendition of an age-old horror story where it is humans, not ghosts, that are the true villains. “The Ghost of Yotsuya” is one of Japan’s most beloved and frequently performed ghost stories. As a timeless tale of tragedy and revenge, the classic has gone on to receive countless adaptations, from kabuki theatre to films and television series. With so many versions that already … Continue reading ★★★★★ Review: OIWA – The Ghost of Yotsuya by The Finger Players (SIFA 2021)

Review: The Escape Game by s**t kingz (da:ns Festival 2020)

When we last saw them at FULL OUT! for da:ns Festival 2019, Japanese street dance quartet s**t kingz charmed us with their cheeky choreography and their commitment to fun as they danced their hearts out onstage. While they can’t be physically present this time, the Esplanade has commissioned and co-produced a brand new digital show from them for this year’s da:ns Festival, one that’s sure to … Continue reading Review: The Escape Game by s**t kingz (da:ns Festival 2020)

Food For Thought: Get A Taste of Chiba This February with Seasonal Produce at Kuriya, Singapore

Chiba Prefecture, Japan, along with its vibrant ambassador CHI-BA+KUN, are holding a special promotional campaign of its attractions and healthy produce from 30th January to 28th February 2020, where one can taste Chiba produce at Kuriya Dining, Great World City, with a limited menu crafted by the head chef of Kuriya. The promotion opened with an exclusive showcase held on 1st February at OUE Social … Continue reading Food For Thought: Get A Taste of Chiba This February with Seasonal Produce at Kuriya, Singapore

Preview: Natsu Matsuri – Japan Summer Festival at the National Stadium

Get ready for the largest Natsu Matsuri event in Singapore, as the second edition of the Japan Summer Festival arrives at the National Stadium this September! Taking place over one weekend on 7th and 8th September 2019, Visitors can expect an immersive experience in traditional and popular Japanese culture, through activities such as the Bon-Odori dance, musical stage performances, the Pokémon Carnival and Pikachu Dance Parade, … Continue reading Preview: Natsu Matsuri – Japan Summer Festival at the National Stadium

SIFA 2019: Dionysus by Suzuki Company of Toga & Purnati Indonesia (Review)

Tadashi Suzuki draws out the wicked and the divine from a classic Greek tragedy . Staging a classic Greek tragedy has never been an easy feat for any theatre company – as enduring as these stories are, the true challenge lies in having a production simultaneously bring something new to the tale, while still preserving the essence of message of the original tale. In the … Continue reading SIFA 2019: Dionysus by Suzuki Company of Toga & Purnati Indonesia (Review)

Preview: SIFA 2019 To Present Suzuki Company’s Dionysus and Premiere Lineup of Brand New Singaporean Productions

Following an electrifying first year from new Festival Director Gaurav Kripalani, the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) is set to stun for its 2019 edition, cementing its new place in the arts calendar with an 18-day festival come May. In lieu of its release, the Festival has now officially revealed the first wave of productions audiences can expect, with the Singaporean premiere of a … Continue reading Preview: SIFA 2019 To Present Suzuki Company’s Dionysus and Premiere Lineup of Brand New Singaporean Productions

SIFA 2019 Preview: Tadashi Suzuki’s Dionysus In Rehearsal

In 2019, the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) will return for 18 days in May and June. Marking the second festival helmed by Festival Director Gaurav Kripalani, 2019 promises an even tighter programme of international works and brand new local commissioned works, and perhaps the one show that audiences should save a date for already is none other than SIFA 2019 opening show Dionysus. Presented … Continue reading SIFA 2019 Preview: Tadashi Suzuki’s Dionysus In Rehearsal

Review: Tiger of Malaya by Teater Ekamatra

Interrogating history through a filmic lens. There’s a saying that history is written by the victors, leaving plenty of warped accounts and representations scattered throughout media. Singapore, of course, isn’t exempt from this, with films by foreigners throughout history appropriating both the country and its people to better bring out their own agenda. Given the benefit of hindsight then, if we were to have a chance … Continue reading Review: Tiger of Malaya by Teater Ekamatra

Preview: Inaugural Japan Summer Festival at National Stadium

The first ever Japan Summer Festival will take place next weekend at the National Stadium. Held in conjunction with Sports Hub Community Play Day, the 2-day event will take place on the 8th and 9th of September 2018, and is organised in collaboration with the Japanese Association of Singapore. The festival aims to harness better cultural understanding between both the Japanese and local communities, and will feature … Continue reading Preview: Inaugural Japan Summer Festival at National Stadium

HKIFF Firebird Award Winners Automatically Eligible for Oscar Consideration

The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) has announced that the winner of its Firebird Award will automatically become eligible for Oscar consideration in the Documentary Feature category. This year’s winner, Toda Hikaru’s Of Love & Law, about the trials and tribulations of a Japanese LGBT law firm, will be the first HKIFF entry qualified for next year’s Oscar. This is a milestone leap for the HKIFF. The Academy … Continue reading HKIFF Firebird Award Winners Automatically Eligible for Oscar Consideration