★★★★☆ Review: Vilangkuppannai (Animal Farm) by Agam Theatre Lab

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Since it was first published in 1945, George Orwell’s Animal Farm has become one of the most renowned allegories in the English language, still studied in schools to this day, and ever relevant with its hard-hitting truths about the fallibility of humans and the difficulty of subverting established power systems. Receiving countless stage adaptations, the … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Vilangkuppannai (Animal Farm) by Agam Theatre Lab

Preview: The Studios 2022 – Nervous System by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Change is coming to the Esplanade, and before that happens, the the final season of The Studios in its current format will be taking its last bow. Themed Nervous System, The Studios 2022 is a product of reflecting on the past, as it examines how it relates to the strange “new” world we find ourselves in. Perhaps it is similar to how our nervous systems respond to … Continue reading Preview: The Studios 2022 – Nervous System by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

A Legacy Through Song: An Interview with Julian Wong, writer of Wild Rice’s ‘Don’t Call Him Mr. Mari Kita’

Before National Day comes around and we once again celebrate the nation, have a think about one of the nation’s most enduring symbols – our national anthem. How many of us really know about its composer – Zubir Said, and only refer to him as ‘Mr. Mari Kita’? This July, Wild Rice is here to change that forever, with Don’t Call Him Mr. Mari Kita, … Continue reading A Legacy Through Song: An Interview with Julian Wong, writer of Wild Rice’s ‘Don’t Call Him Mr. Mari Kita’

Preview: Kwa Geok Choo by Toy Factory Productions

Everyone knows her as the wife of Lee Kuan Yew and mother of Lee Hsien Loong. But what do we know about Kwa Geok Choo? This monologue follows her from girlhood and early romance to life as political wife and mother; and top conveyancing lawyer and main breadwinner of the Lee Family. It explores how it might have felt to be, as Lee Kuan Yew … Continue reading Preview: Kwa Geok Choo by Toy Factory Productions

★★★★☆ Review: project SALOME by Ong Keng Sen / T:>works (SIFA 2022)

Unpacking and reimagining the complexities of Salome through a modern lens. Princess of Judea, villainous exotic dancer, or vengeful femme fatale? The historical figure of Salome’s claim to fame lies in her request to see the head of John the Baptist as reward for performing a dance for her step-father. But one thing that is never made clear is her intentions for doing so, with … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: project SALOME by Ong Keng Sen / T:>works (SIFA 2022)

★★★★☆ Review: Only Bones by Kallo Collective

Dancing to the beat of the body. Kallo Collective’s Only Bones has a deceptively simple set-up – onstage there is only performer Thom Monckton, limited to a small red circle lit by a single bulb. But by sheer virtue of a boundless imagination and complete control over the body, Only Bones ends up as a wildly entertaining fringe show that exemplifies a class act in … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Only Bones by Kallo Collective

Preview: Don’t Call Him Mr. Mari Kita by Wild Rice

How much do you know about Zubir Said, besides the fact that he composed our national anthem? This July, Wild Rice’s latest production will ensure you know enough about the great man that you’ll no longer refer to him as ‘Mr. Mari Kita’. Don’t Call Him Mr, Mari Kita is a sensational new musical tribute to Zubir Said, who, besides the National Anthem, is also … Continue reading Preview: Don’t Call Him Mr. Mari Kita by Wild Rice

★★★☆☆ Review: Devil’s Cherry by Kaylene Tan and Paul Rae (SIFA 2022)

The outback becomes both nightmare and dreamscape for a couple running from their own problems. The name ‘devil’s cherry’ brings to mind a great many things – ideas of temptation, of evil, and perhaps, the loss of innocence. The moniker itself is an alternative to its more common name ‘deadly nightshade’, a poisonous plant and invasive species to Australia, bearing black, cherry-like fruit. Just a … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Review: Devil’s Cherry by Kaylene Tan and Paul Rae (SIFA 2022)

★★★★★ Review: Bangsawan Gemala Malam by Teater Ekamatra (SIFA 2022)

Shakespeare’s classic comedy lends itself perfectly to the bangsawan form. In Malay culture, the bangsawan is a traditional opera form performed by theatre troupes, regaling its audiences with epic tales, its scenes both melodramatic and comedic, punctuated by song and dance. While no longer as common in modern day Singapore, the form has found new life during the 2022 Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA), … Continue reading ★★★★★ Review: Bangsawan Gemala Malam by Teater Ekamatra (SIFA 2022)

★★★★☆ Review: Sylvia by Pachyderm Theatre

Man’s best friend counters the dog days of life. How much do we love our pets? For one man, it might just be a relationship that’s unnervingly close to a romance, much to the chagrin of his wife. Written by A.R. Gurney and directed by Pavan J. Singh, Sylvia is a modern romantic comedy that follows middle-aged ‘empty-nesters’ Greg and Kate (Sean Worrall and Susie … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Sylvia by Pachyderm Theatre