Review: Pissed Julie (茱莉小解) by Nine Years Theatre

Strindberg’s classic is re-appropriated to complicate issues of identity and the mutability of class in this new adaptation. In watching Nelson Chia’s adaptation of August Strindberg’s Miss Julie, there’s a scene from late animator Satoshi Kon’s film Paprika that came to mind: in the opening sequence, we see the title character’s reflection split across multiple mirrors, each displaying a different expression. In a similar way, Nelson has made the unusual choice … Continue reading Review: Pissed Julie (茱莉小解) by Nine Years Theatre

Toy Factory’s Masters of Comedy: An Interview with Judee Tan and Sugie Phua

As part of the Singapore Chinese Culture Centre’s Cultural Extravaganza, local theatre company Toy Factory has been specially commissioned to create opening show Masters of Comedy 《天才谐星》, premiering this week! Directed by Goh Boon Teck and written by Johsen Ong, the 90 minute show will be performed in Mandarin, and pay tribute to some of our most iconic local comedians, from Bai Yan all the way to Jack … Continue reading Toy Factory’s Masters of Comedy: An Interview with Judee Tan and Sugie Phua

Review: Underclass《贱民》by The Necessary Stage and Drama Box

Disclaimer: The following review contains plot information for Underclass The Necessary Stage and Drama Box present a rich script about the poor and destitute, discomforting as it shines a spotlight on the invisible people we turn a blind eye to. How often do you have to think about whether you can afford your next meal, or how much you can save by taking a series … Continue reading Review: Underclass《贱民》by The Necessary Stage and Drama Box

Preview: 7th French Animation Film Festival (Singapore)

The annual French Animation Film Festival returns at the end of the month! From May 25th – 27th, head on down to Alliance Francaise for a taste of new French animation, from feature length worlds to lose yourself in to bite-sized shorts showcasing the endless imagination of French animators. This year, a total of 7 screenings will be held. Opening the festival on the evening … Continue reading Preview: 7th French Animation Film Festival (Singapore)

NYFA 2018: Last Chance to Submit Your Film For A Shot At Greatness

The lead up to the final submission date of the National Youth Film Awards (NYFA) 2018 draws ever closer, with the last chance to submit your film ending this Friday! Organised by *SCAPE, and supported by National Youth Council (NYC) and Sinema, NYFA is now in its fourth edition, and over the past few years, has firmly established itself as the premier platform and awards ceremony … Continue reading NYFA 2018: Last Chance to Submit Your Film For A Shot At Greatness

Review: Sides 2018 by Frontier Danceland

A triple bill of original, contemporary choreographies.  Last weekend, local contemporary dance company Frontier Danceland presented their annual mid-year showcase of works, with a triple bill of new, original choreographies titled SIDES 2018. In SIDES 2018, audiences spectated upon the three vastly different styles by various international choreographers – English Richard Chappell and local company artist Faye Tan’s The colour of there seen from here, Israeli Shahar Binyamini’s PARADISO, and French … Continue reading Review: Sides 2018 by Frontier Danceland

SIFA 2018: Concluding Thoughts on A New Director and A New Festival

Nobody likes change. Humans are very much creatures of habit, and when things get shaken up, we naturally feel a little uncomfortable. So it comes as no surprise that when Gaurav Kripalani was first announced to take over as the new Festival Director of the Singapore International Festival of the Arts (SIFA) from 2018-2020, many reflected upon his appointment with a little hesitation and some … Continue reading SIFA 2018: Concluding Thoughts on A New Director and A New Festival

EUFF 2018: A Meeting with Paavo Westerberg, Director of The Violin Player (Finland)

It’s not everyday one gets invited to Finnish Ambassador Paula Parviainen’s own residence for lunch. Arriving at the brightly lit apartment in the afternoon, we were impressed by the gorgeous view and aptly decorated walls with paintings by Finnish artists. During lunch itself, plates bearing Moomin characters were even used, very appropriate, considering how they’re some of the most popular and recognisable characters originating from Finland. … Continue reading EUFF 2018: A Meeting with Paavo Westerberg, Director of The Violin Player (Finland)

The Esplanade Celebrates Mother’s Day with Concert for 1,600 Beneficiaries

Last Sunday, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay celebrated Mother’s Day with a special by-invitation-only concert for 1,600 beneficiaries from 40 Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs). Supported by the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation for the second year, the one-hour concert was held at the Esplanade Concert Hall and featured some of the biggest hits from yesteryear, performed by popular singers such as veteran getai singer Josephine Lam, … Continue reading The Esplanade Celebrates Mother’s Day with Concert for 1,600 Beneficiaries

Preview: Pissed Julie (茱莉小解) by Nine Years Theatre

Fresh from a successful premiere at the 2018 Macau Arts Festival, Nine Years Theatre (NYT) is flying back to Singapore to present their newest production Pissed Julie.  Initially proposed by artistic director Nelson Chia as an interesting project to embark on with Macau and performed in both cities, Pissed Julie went from a festival commissioned play featuring Macanese actors directed by Nelson, to an all new co-production between … Continue reading Preview: Pissed Julie (茱莉小解) by Nine Years Theatre