Preview: Singapore Writers Festival 2024 – In Our Nature

In a world facing impending climate change and disaster, it makes sense to take a moment to sit back and ponder over where we stand in nature. This year, in its 27th edition, Arts House Limited’s (AHL) Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) is turning the focus to the natural world, and invites us to reflect on what is truly in our nature — as humans, as … Continue reading Preview: Singapore Writers Festival 2024 – In Our Nature

★★★★☆ Review: Lotus Root Support Group (2024) by Impromptu Meetings

Balls to the walls – literally, as play about cyst-ers in PCOS goes wilder and more personal in its reboot. While its title and promo image may look more or less identical to its 2022 version, Impromptu Meetings’ new staging of Lotus Root Support Group is in fact, a completely different incarnation that sees creators Shannen Tan and Miriam Cheong shedding the characters they devised … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Lotus Root Support Group (2024) by Impromptu Meetings

Singaporean artist Liu Xiaoyi awarded the “Global Outstanding Young Leader” Award by Yazhou Zhoukan

Liu Xiaoyi, Artistic Director of Emergency Stairs, has been honoured with the “Global Outstanding Young Leader” award by Yazhou Zhoukan (Asiaweek). He received the award at Yazhou Zhoukan’s 36th Anniversary Gala held on 9th August 2024. “In 1995, contemporary artist Tang Da Wu created a renowned piece of performance art. During the opening of an exhibition, he presented a card to then-President Ong Teng Cheong … Continue reading Singaporean artist Liu Xiaoyi awarded the “Global Outstanding Young Leader” Award by Yazhou Zhoukan

★★☆☆☆ Review: Oleanna by Major Minor Encounters and The Windland Collective

Two-hander pitting professor against student in battle of allegations, yet lacking in power. While revered as among the most dramatic in theatre, David Mamet’s plays have never been easy to stage, often requiring seasoned actors with a certain aura to carry both the weight and length of his dialogue. As such, younger theatremakers tend to struggle to deliver the full extent of the material onstage, … Continue reading ★★☆☆☆ Review: Oleanna by Major Minor Encounters and The Windland Collective

Miss Saigon: An Interview with Singaporean stars Louisa Vilinne and Shannon Cheong

In the ongoing run of blockbuster musical Miss Saigon over at Marina Bay Sands’ Sands Theatre, there’s something very special about the cast that’s to be celebrated – the presence of not one but two Singaporean cast members who take to the stage and show that there is indeed a future for Singaporean performers, if you dream big and work hard for it. In that … Continue reading Miss Saigon: An Interview with Singaporean stars Louisa Vilinne and Shannon Cheong

★★★★☆ Review: Rhapsody in Yellow by Ming Wong

A deeper look at USA-China relations and their respective histories through a musical lens. The relationship between China and America has always been a fraught one, due to their inherent competition as fellow superpowers vying for influence, and their opposing ideologies. But it is when no compromise can be made that softer approaches come into play, that is, through means such as sports and the … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Rhapsody in Yellow by Ming Wong

Film Fanatic: An Interview with director-writer Gavin Yap on teenage fear in ‘Geng Kubur’

It is a truth universally acknowledged that there are several rites of passage teens go through in their life, including going on foolhardy adventures to look back on and laugh. But what if something terrible happens on one of those days? Enter Geng Kubur, or Dead Boys Club, a new Malaysian teen horror flick coming to Netflix this August, written and directed by Malaysian filmmaker … Continue reading Film Fanatic: An Interview with director-writer Gavin Yap on teenage fear in ‘Geng Kubur’

★★★☆☆ Review: Playing with Fire by Checkpoint Theatre

Metatheatrical look at the research process behind a play, and what it means to keep each other safe. Ever since the concept of sustainability and the looming climate crisis entered the public consciousness, the petrochemical industry has risen to become or at least close to, public enemy number one for their continued burning of fossil fuels, and the endless, rising stream of carbon emissions. Why … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Review: Playing with Fire by Checkpoint Theatre

Review: Dick Lee 50th Anniversary Concert

The life and times of Dick Lee in one big concert extravaganza. There are some singers that come and go, and then, there are icons. For Singapore, that icon comes in the form of singer-songwriter Dick Lee. Holding accolades among the likes of being a Cultural Medallion recipient, as well as first Asian Steinway Artist, Dick celebrated 50 years in show business and the music … Continue reading Review: Dick Lee 50th Anniversary Concert

Preview: White, All White by The Necessary Stage

This October, get ready as The Necessary Stage (TNS) presents White, All White, a new play by TNS Associate Artist Deonn Yang, who also directs. Marking TNS’ first main season production helmed entirely by Deonn, White, All White is a life-affirming play that delves into the joys and tensions of family and personal dreams, giving audiences a glimpse into the quiet lives of a family … Continue reading Preview: White, All White by The Necessary Stage