Performance Archives

“Jogging” To Survive: Hanane Hajj Ali at M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2019

Metaphors abound in this complex work about living, loving and surviving. The broad canvas is a country at war. Jogging falls short of running full out, and this black clad woman has survived through thirty years of war in her city Beirut. Her storytelling is multi-layered and cleverly scripted, revealing a series of characters that […]

“Jogging” To Survive: Hanane Hajj Ali at M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2019 Read More »

Weekly Picks: Singapore (21 – 27 January 2019)

The Utama Spaceship by Spacebar Theatre, UTown Dance Studio, 22 – 23 January In the not-so-distant future, Singapore sends The Utama Spaceship to colonise a planet in the nearest star, Alpha Centauri. Two space explorers are given the greatest task aboard the spaceship: to not get lost. To pass the time the Explorers tell stories

Weekly Picks: Singapore (21 – 27 January 2019) Read More »

Weekly Picks: Malaysia (14–20 Jan 2019)

Nadir, at No Black Tie, 17 Jan, 9pm Nadir is a band with a diverse lineup, and their music is a big, fun sound that loosely blends rock, jazz and world music with a wide range of local influences. They are best known for their take on Malaysian nursery rhyme Ikan Kekek. Admission fee RM53 (RM43

Weekly Picks: Malaysia (14–20 Jan 2019) Read More »

Dian P Susilaradeya

“Dionysus”: Suzuki Tadashi Brings Vengeance to SIFA 2019

By Kathy Rowland (642 words, three-minute read) Suzuki Tadashi is one of the brand names in the international tour circuit, whose productions have earned critical praise and inspired several generations of audiences. A decade on from his last production in Singapore, Electra at the Singapore Arts Festival 2009, Suzuki Tadashi returns to Singapore in May

“Dionysus”: Suzuki Tadashi Brings Vengeance to SIFA 2019 Read More »

Weekly Picks: Singapore (14 – 20 January 2019)

The Little Prince In The Dark at Singapore Philatelic Museum, 19 Jan Explore unique tactile sculptures of The Little Prince In The Dark Collection by Arnaud Nazare-Aga, with visually-impaired guides from Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Dialogue in the Dark. You’ll be led through a mini-experience of the essential elements of The Little Prince with your sense of

Weekly Picks: Singapore (14 – 20 January 2019) Read More »

ArtsEquator’s Top 10 Picks at the Performing Arts Meeting 2019

Established in 1995, the Tokyo Performing Arts Market (TPAM) was created to be a platform to network Japanese artists with producers and funders. 24 years later, TPAM has expanded in scope and purpose, to include live performance, panel discussions and symposiums. In 2011 it moved to the City of Yokohama, and was renamed the Performing

ArtsEquator’s Top 10 Picks at the Performing Arts Meeting 2019 Read More »

Video: The ArtsEquator End-of-Year Dance Podcast 2018

ArtsEquator held a live recording of its year-end dance podcast at Dance Nucleus SCOPE #4 on Sunday 2 December 2018, 7pm. Watch Chan Sze-Wei, Soultari Amin Farid and Bernice Lee share about the works they have seen this year in Singapore and Southeast Asia, and further questions and responses from the live audience at Dance

Video: The ArtsEquator End-of-Year Dance Podcast 2018 Read More »

Weekly Picks: Malaysia (7–13 Jan 2019)

Merdekarya 6th Anniversary, at Merdekarya, 12 Jan, doors open 6pm This institution for indie music is celebrating its six anniversary with a whole host of performances, no cover charge, and free tuak mixes (until 8pm). Come for the party, stay for the music, bring your friends. More info here. SounDance 19, at RAW

Weekly Picks: Malaysia (7–13 Jan 2019) Read More »

Weekly Picks: Singapore (7 – 13 January 2019)

The Past and Coming Melt by Koh Nguang How, Grey Projects, 12 – 23 January With a focus on environmentally engaged art that speaks to Koh’s early and crucial artistic position on environmental crises, ‘The Past and Coming Melt’ features archival works as well as new recreations of previously destroyed or unavailable work and material.

Weekly Picks: Singapore (7 – 13 January 2019) Read More »

REUTERS/Jorge Silva

Masked dance tradition rises from near extinction in Cambodia (via Reuters)

PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK (Reuters) – Cambodia’s centuries-old tradition of masked dance was nearly wiped out by the Khmer Rouge’s “Killing Fields” regime, but a handful of artists managed to keep it alive and are now working to pass it along to a new generation. Sun Rithy’s father and grandfather were both performers of the Lakhon Khol

Masked dance tradition rises from near extinction in Cambodia (via Reuters) Read More »

ArtsEquator’s Top 10 Articles of 2018

Before we plunge headlong into 2019, here’s a quick recap of some of our most-read articles on ArtsEquator, in ascending order. 10. Nathalie Johnston: Creating a home for contemporary art in Myanmar by Victoria Milko As part of ArtsEquator’s series covering independent spaces across Southeast Asia, Victoria Milko profiles Nathalie Johnston, founder of contemporary art space Myanm/art in Yangon.

ArtsEquator’s Top 10 Articles of 2018 Read More »

Which Singaporean Artistic Director Are You?

Artistic directors of the many theatre companies in Singapore have strong, iconic personalities. Ever wondered who your AD alter ego is? Find out in ArtsEquator’s new personality quiz! Tags: Personality Quiz

Which Singaporean Artistic Director Are You? Read More »

Radical theatre of the difabled (via Inside Indonesia)

Theatre is the art of looking at ourselves (Augusto Boal, founder, Theatre of the Oppressed) The performance took place on a makeshift open-air stage using only simple props, under the roof of a traditional Javanese theatre. The pendopo, as it is known, forms part of a sub-district office in Sleman, on the outskirts of Yogyakarta. The

Radical theatre of the difabled (via Inside Indonesia) Read More »

Film Review: Ten Years Thailand (via New Mandala)

“Will it still be customary for movie-goers to stand for the royal anthem ten years from now?” I wonder, as the familiar ritual compels me to my feet before the start of the feature. Ten Years Thailand invites four Thai directors to imagine what their country will be like a decade from now. It follows the

Film Review: Ten Years Thailand (via New Mandala) Read More »

Weekly Picks: Malaysia (31 Dec 2018–6 Jan 2019)

Malam Sayu Berpuisi: #NewYearNewMe, at klpac, 31 Dec, 8:30pm A night of poetry beneath the banyan tree. No sound systems available, and the performance takes place outdoors, so be prepared for the weather (umbrella, sensible shoes, mosquito repellant, excellent hearing). This edition celebrate’s the wave of resolutions coming in the new year with the theme

Weekly Picks: Malaysia (31 Dec 2018–6 Jan 2019) Read More »

Gloomy outlook for Vietnamese cinema, literature scene: workshop (via Tuoi Tre News)

Attendees at a national workshop held in Hanoi on Wednesday to discuss the multitude of issues plaguing the Vietnamese film and literature industries were not shy about voicing disdain for the current state of literary and cinematic art in Vietnam. Nearly two decades after the Vietnamese government launched a program aimed at exposing a larger

Gloomy outlook for Vietnamese cinema, literature scene: workshop (via Tuoi Tre News) Read More »

What to expect from the Repertory Philippines stage in 2019 (via Rappler)

MANILA, Philippines – Theater junkies of all ages will be happy to know that our local theater scene has some top-notch stage entertainment up its talented sleeve for everyone to enjoy in 2019. Repertory Philippines, one of the country’s leading theater companies, will be celebrating its 82nd season next year with a lineup of 4 incredible

What to expect from the Repertory Philippines stage in 2019 (via Rappler) Read More »

Weekly Picks: Malaysia (24–30 Dec 2018)

Tales of Apocalypse Exhibition by Latif Maulan, at Galeri Titikmerah, 22–31 Dec An exhibition of recent artworks by contemporary self-taught artist Latif Maulan, in the artist-run space Galeri Titikmerah in Publika. A selection of 9 paintings of drenched portrait subjects. Admission is free. More info here. Artist website here. Migration: A Shared Life, at

Weekly Picks: Malaysia (24–30 Dec 2018) Read More »

Asrari Nasir of Paradise Pictures

Walking Alongside “BITTEN: return to our roots”

By Teo Xiao Ting (1,420 words, seven-minute read) Taking a right turn towards Camp Kilo Charcoal Lounge (formerly Sam Tat Building) at Kampong Bugis, I spot a crew member sweeping the rainwater from the late afternoon downpour clear from the path that I will later walk on. To prevent people from slipping, I presume. These

Walking Alongside “BITTEN: return to our roots” Read More »

Asrari Nasir of Paradise Pictures

Traversing Two Divergent Paths in “BITTEN: return to our roots”

By Casidhe Ng (1,320 words, six-minute read) We move through the Kampong Bugis landscape throughout the performance, along patches of grass, the river, and brick-tiled pavements. A residue of dirt, sand, and mud clings to our soles, and the afternoon is afflicted with bouts of rain. The atmosphere invokes a stifling sensation brought upon by

Traversing Two Divergent Paths in “BITTEN: return to our roots” Read More »

Weekly Picks: Malaysia (17–23 Dec 2018)

Mishaps & Mistletoe, at Intunnation, 18 Dec, 8pm Time for some poetry and music with open mic series Jack It, featuring Singaporean spoken word performer Stephanie Dogfoot, and queer band Tingtongketz. Jack It invites all for a premature Christmas celebration of kisses and disses. More info here. Dancing Forward 6: A Round Table for

Weekly Picks: Malaysia (17–23 Dec 2018) Read More »

Weekly Picks: Singapore (17 – 23 December 2018)

Exploring Singapore Art Spaces through Art Catalogues by National Library Singapore and National Reading Movement, 20 Dec, 7pm Join Librarians Nadia Ramli and Kong Leng Foong as they explore early art spaces in Singapore through educational and state-run art institutions as well as independent arts spaces through art catalogues held by the National Library. This

Weekly Picks: Singapore (17 – 23 December 2018) Read More »

Bernie Ng

ITI’s “Extremities”: Routes for Escape and Redemption

By Aditi Shivaramakrishnan (1170 words, five minute read) As I enter the Esplanade Theatre Studio to watch Extremities, I’m already on my guard. The plot synopsis and content advisory in my programme booklet have primed me for what’s to come, and so each move I make seems a tiny, if unconscious, exercise in vigilance. I

ITI’s “Extremities”: Routes for Escape and Redemption Read More »

Weekly Picks: Malaysia (10–16 Dec 2018)

Paranormal, at RAW Art Space, 11 Dec, 8:30pm Award-winning musician Ng Chor Guan performs with Paranormal String Quartet from Germany. The night will showcase repertoire pieces by Paranormal String Quartet, which explores unique soundscapes of classic, jazz and contemporary; and Toccata Studio’s 20:20:Timescaper, a conceptual work of a journeying individual. Admission by minimum donation of

Weekly Picks: Malaysia (10–16 Dec 2018) Read More »

Eleven New Elements from the Asia-Pacific Region Inscribed on the List of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

Meeting in Mauritius until 1 December, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage inscribed eleven elements from the Asia-Pacific region on the Lists of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Among them, two elements have been added to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding while nine elements from

Eleven New Elements from the Asia-Pacific Region Inscribed on the List of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Read More »

Weekly Picks: Singapore (10 – 16 December 2018)

Playfreely presents Invisible Bodies by Playfreely – a new music initiative by The Observatory, at the Projector, 12 – 14 December, 7:30pm Playfreely returns with Invisible Bodies — a miasmic surge of rhythms, trance and the unseen, an undertow of currents within fermented identities. Featuring a robust lineup across 3 nights of genre pushing, discipline-bending

Weekly Picks: Singapore (10 – 16 December 2018) Read More »

Moka Mocha Ink

“Teater Normcore: Stereo Genmai” dan Pengkarya yang Bertengkar dengan Idea

Dan pertengkaran ini berlaku di dalam ruang yang meyakinkan. Dengan ambiens pekat kemimpian yang mengujakan – sangat mengujakan. Malah siapa lagi yang benar-benar mampu mentafsir kontinuum idea-mimpi ini melainkan Ridhwan Saidi sendiri? Saya masih teringat-ingat – dan teruja – dengan set dan prop yang direka dan diguna dengan sangat bijak dalam memaknai drama-drama pendek tulisannya

“Teater Normcore: Stereo Genmai” dan Pengkarya yang Bertengkar dengan Idea Read More »

“Southernmost”: The Politics of Nowhereness

By Felipe Cervera (1400 words, six-minute read) Be future-ready: that seems to be one of the maxims of this country. The meaning of the adage varies. It means having strategic plans in place, contingencies identified ahead of time, having enough resources (or more than enough), educating not to cater to the job market now, but

“Southernmost”: The Politics of Nowhereness Read More »

Weekly Picks: Malaysia (3–9 Dec 2018)

The Edge, at Lot’ng, 8–23 Dec This is a beautiful locally produced musical that explores the relationships and past of a man standing on the edge. Absolutely worth the watch, this award-winning show is now in its tenth anniversary and should not be missed. Seats are limited in this venue, so get your seats booked

Weekly Picks: Malaysia (3–9 Dec 2018) Read More »

Weekly Picks: Singapore (3 – 9 December 2018)

Island Song by The Song and Dance Players (SoDa Players), Centre 42, 7 – 9 December In Island Song, five 20- to 30-something characters navigate their lives the same way they navigate the city: sometimes confidently, sometimes hopefully, and sometimes recklessly As the characters wander in and out of each other’s lives, whatever happens, the city is

Weekly Picks: Singapore (3 – 9 December 2018) Read More »