M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2019: precise purpose of being broken by Koh Wan Ching (Review)

but precisely what is the purpose of this piece? Adapted from a collage of texts by Haresh Sharma, precise purpose of being broken presents 9 excerpts from the award-winning playwright’s most obscure texts, some of which have never been published or even performed. Directed and conceptualized by Koh Wan Ching, the multi-lingual movement work presents a collection of varied characters who are each broken in their own … Continue reading M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2019: precise purpose of being broken by Koh Wan Ching (Review)

M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2019: ANGKAT – A Definitive, Alternative, Reclaimed Narrative of a Native by Nabilah Said and Noor Effendy Ibrahim (Review)

A Definitive, Alternative, Reclaimed Narrative of a Native? In a decidedly different version from the one staged by Teater Ekamatra in 2016, Nabilah Said’s ANGKAT gets a new lease of life with this brand new script and production directed by Noor Effendy Ibrahim. ANGKAT retains two characters from its previous rendition – tudung makcik Mak (Moli Mohter) and her adopted daughter, the beautiful and distinctly ‘ang moh’ Salma (Shafiqhah … Continue reading M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2019: ANGKAT – A Definitive, Alternative, Reclaimed Narrative of a Native by Nabilah Said and Noor Effendy Ibrahim (Review)

Review: 过年 The Nutcracker by The National Ballet of China

The Nutcracker gets a Chinese New Year makeover. Presented by MyChinaChannel, the National Ballet of China put a Chinese twist on all-time favourite ballet The Nutcracker when it premiered at the Esplanade Theatre last week. Re-titled 过年: The Nutcracker, the traditionally Christmas tale gets an update as its gets a recontextualization, set during Chinese New Year instead of the Yuletide season, while still maintaining Tchaikovsky classic, iconic soundtrack. … Continue reading Review: 过年 The Nutcracker by The National Ballet of China

Preview: “The Best Day” with Loco Motive Trio (presented by Singapore Symphony Orchestra)

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra presents sunny string ensemble Loco Motive Trio’s first concert of the year – “The Best Day”. Comprising award-winning local violinist and Loco Motive Trio founder Kam Ning, Orchestre de la Monnaie Orchestra principal cellist Sébastien Walnier, and Belgian double bassist Lisa de Boos, watch as the three friends come together to present a lineup of non-traditional music this March! Don’t expect your usual … Continue reading Preview: “The Best Day” with Loco Motive Trio (presented by Singapore Symphony Orchestra)

M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2019: Above the Mealy-Mouthed Sea by Unholy Mess (Review)

Memory can be a fishy thing. Let’s get this straight right off the bat – Above the Mealy-mouthed Sea is an odd kettle of fish. The premise is simple enough – emerging from a four panel frame with a hole resembling a black silhouette (perhaps representative of the holes in our memories), performance poet Jemima Foxtrot plays herself, recalling going up to a pub in Somerset, taking … Continue reading M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2019: Above the Mealy-Mouthed Sea by Unholy Mess (Review)

Museum Musings: Introducing ARTitude Galeria – The First Colombian Contemporary Art Gallery in Singapore

Dedicated solely to introducing Colombian artists to Asian audiences, the launch of ARTitude Galeria marks an exciting new addition to our local arts scene, bringing with them not only the introduction of established artists collectors and art enthusiasts would automatically take an interest in, but also brand new names and young, up and coming artists to look out for, connecting Colombia with Singapore and vice versa. … Continue reading Museum Musings: Introducing ARTitude Galeria – The First Colombian Contemporary Art Gallery in Singapore

SSO Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

On 18th January, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) marked its 40th year with a concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall, where Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was guest of honour. The programme was led by Music Director Lan Shui, and recalled the orchestra’s inaugural concert in 1979, with Ives’ The Unanswered Question and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 performed by Singaporean pianist Lim Yan. The SSO also performed Dayong Sampan Overture – … Continue reading SSO Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

Season in Preview: Drama Box 2019 Season

  In 2018, local theatre company Drama Box has created some of the most poignant productions both in and out of the conventional theatre space. From reflections on death to a self-directed return to one’s past, a collaboration with The Necessary Stage to a  surprisingly powerful theatrical tour of Chinatown,  2019 will see the company continue to develop some of the themes raised in 2018 through brand new … Continue reading Season in Preview: Drama Box 2019 Season

M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2019: An Interview with Loo Zihan, Creator of Catamite (Preview)

For most readers, the word ‘catamite’ is likely to be an unfamiliar one. To unpack its meaning, one would have to go all the way back to ancient Greece, where it originated. The archaic word comes from ‘Ganymede’, a word that doubled as the name of the most beautiful mortal man in Greek mythology. With its original meaning referring to the pubescent boys involved in … Continue reading M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2019: An Interview with Loo Zihan, Creator of Catamite (Preview)

Preview: Five Programming Hubs To Enjoy While Admiring i Light 2019 – The Bicentennial Edition

The end of the month will see the return of i Light Singapore – Bicentennial Edition, bringing with it a curated mix of over 20 programmes alongside 33 light art installations. As an anchor event to kick-start the Singapore Bicentennial commemoration in 2019, the Festival is set to connect people across generations through shared experiences, delectable food, delightful music and immersive play, while promoting awareness about sustainability and … Continue reading Preview: Five Programming Hubs To Enjoy While Admiring i Light 2019 – The Bicentennial Edition