★★★★★ Review: The Death of Singapore Theatre as Scripted By the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore by Alfian Sa’at

Confronting the toxic relationship between state and artist. In the past, Alfian Sa’at was known as Singapore’s enfant terrible, one of only a few who dared to bring up hard truths and criticism of society, often directed at the authorities. But as time went by, with the proliferation of social media giving almost everyone a voice, and years of raging against the machine, Alfian’s work … Continue reading ★★★★★ Review: The Death of Singapore Theatre as Scripted By the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore by Alfian Sa’at

Esplanade’s The Studios 2022: An Interview with Claire Wong and Noorlinah Mohamed on ‘Recalling Mother’

Since they first met on the set of Theatreworks’ production of Beauty World in 1999, fellow theatremakers Claire Wong and Noorlinah Mohamed have remained fast friends to this day. Not only do they frequently hang out to chat over a meal or drink, the two also spend time sharing their innermost thoughts with each other, telling each other the stories of their families, musing on … Continue reading Esplanade’s The Studios 2022: An Interview with Claire Wong and Noorlinah Mohamed on ‘Recalling Mother’

★★★★☆ Review: Berak by Teater Ekamatra

Chong Tze Chien’s Poop! takes on new life for a Malay audience. According to the Islamic faith, a person commits suicide is sent straight to hell. Yet, within Malay culture, there remains the belief in the existence of hantus and lingering spirits that remain earthbound even after death. Does that then suggest there are alternative means to think about what lies after death, and use … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Berak by Teater Ekamatra

★★☆☆☆ Review: Surviving Hope by The Flux Media

Clash of ideas turn a simple family melodrama into overwrought fever dream. Looking at the rising divorce rates in Singapore and around the world, it is all too easy to blame it on flaky couples who lack commitment, precluding the collapse of the institution of marriage and the family unit. But the reality is, relationships are much more complicated than simply signing a paper, and … Continue reading ★★☆☆☆ Review: Surviving Hope by The Flux Media

See You, Anniversary: An Interview with Nelson Chia and Mia Chee on Nine Years Theatre and relationships

In the world of dating, finding your other half is often easier done from within the same industry. And for Nelson Chia and Mia Chee, who’ve known each other for over 20 years now, love came naturally for the two of them over their shared experiences in theatre. “We were actually both in NUS Theatre Studies at the same time, but in different batches, so … Continue reading See You, Anniversary: An Interview with Nelson Chia and Mia Chee on Nine Years Theatre and relationships

Review: Declutter Me! by Grace Kalaiselvi

Letting go and moving on, one object at a time. According to Japanese decluttering consultant Marie Kondo, the key question one must first ask before deciding to keep or toss a physical object is “Does it spark joy?” But often, that is a query that leads to even further doubts – how do we know if it sparks joy or not? That is the question … Continue reading Review: Declutter Me! by Grace Kalaiselvi

Arts of Hong Kong 2022: HKAF Announces Tisa Ho’s Retirement from her role as Executive Director and Appointment of Flora Yu as new Executive Director

The Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF, or the Festival) has announced the retirement of Ms Tisa Ho and the appointment of Ms Flora Yu as the new Executive Director with effect from 14 November 2022. Chairman Mr Victor Cha said: “We are very grateful for Tisa’s leadership and dedication through the years. We accepted her resignation with regret and respect her wish to move on to the next … Continue reading Arts of Hong Kong 2022: HKAF Announces Tisa Ho’s Retirement from her role as Executive Director and Appointment of Flora Yu as new Executive Director

Preview: Moonfest 2022 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

September is coming, and we all know what that means – a full moon on the horizon, and the Esplanade’s annual Moonfest, held in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival. Now in its 18th edition, this year’s Moonfest will be celebrated with an array of free performances of traditional Chinese arts, and ticketed workshops for families of all ages. Focused on preserving and showcasing traditional arts, … Continue reading Preview: Moonfest 2022 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

★★★★★ Review: Dim Sum Dollies – Still Steam by Dream Academy

No holds barred production in an all-out performance from these Singapore icons. Ever since they first performed at the Esplanade in 2002, Dream Academy’s Dim Sum Dollies have established themselves as three of Singapore’s most recognizable icons in the local theatre scene. Not only have they dazzled countless audience members over the years with big sets and glitzy costumes, but also daring to address pertinent … Continue reading ★★★★★ Review: Dim Sum Dollies – Still Steam by Dream Academy

★★★★☆ Review: Acting Mad by The Necessary Stage

A necessary production for a world in want of greater empathy. Actors have a reputation for being dramatic. It’s their profession after all, to perform and to present people and situations that are often exaggerated and emotionally-charged, to entertain and evoke catharsis in paying audiences. But we often forget that actors are far more than just blank slates, morphing and becoming whatever role they’ve been … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Acting Mad by The Necessary Stage