The second show to open as part of the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) brings plenty of colour, confusion and chuckles, says Gwen Pew as she ventures into the wonderful world of Mystery Magnet. 15 Aug 2014: If you go into the show expecting a logical plot, you will no doubt leave with a crushing … Continue reading Time Out Singapore: ‘Mystery Magnet’ Review
With his signature muted colour palette, local artist Safaruddin Abdul Hamid’s layered paintings depict iconic buildings and characters. Gwen Pew takes a closer look. 31 Jul 2014: At first glance, Safaruddin Abdul Hamid’s art looks almost digital, as though a bunch of photographs had their contrast level jacked up to 100 and flatly re-coloured with just … Continue reading Time Out Singapore: Safaruddin Abdul Hamid
As Dick Lee celebrates his 40th anniversary in the entertainment scene this month with a revival of his 1997 musical, Hotpants, Gwen Pew chats with him to look back at his glittery career. 30 Jul 2014: Forty years is a long time, and a lot can happen during that period. For showbiz veteran Dick Lee, who … Continue reading Time Out Singapore: Dick Lee
An actor, singer, producer and director, 29-year-old Tim Garner founded his eponymous production company last year and made his well-received debut withTake Me Out, a play by Richard Greenberg about an American baseball player who deals with coming out from the closet. This month, he’s following up with another ‘gay play’ in the form of … Continue reading Time Out Singapore: Tim Garner
As the beloved story of Maria and the Trapp family arrives in Singapore, Gwen Pew finds this charming production – which stars six locally-selected children alongside a largely South African cast – an absolute delight. 19 Jul 2014: There’s an unofficial rule in theatre that one should never work with children, because it’s difficult to get things right … Continue reading Time Out Singapore: ‘The Sound of Music’ Review
Liu Xiaoyi’s latest work, Fluid, sets out to question what theatre is. While the prospect of such a mammoth task sounds daunting, Gwen Pew instead finds a beautiful, whimsical performance that takes the audience on a child-like journey of rediscovery. 8 Jul 2014: Saturday night’s performance of Fluid began with an announcement. ‘Hello everybody,’ says … Continue reading Time Out Singapore: ‘Fluid’ Review
Founded just over a year ago, Couch Theatre may be a young company, but they’re showing that they’re not afraid to take on difficult works. Gwen Pew speaks to artistic director Jasdeep Gill before their production of Martin McDonagh’s award-winning play The Pillowman his the stage this month. 3 Jul 2014: Founded by five friends who … Continue reading Time Out Singapore: ‘The Pillowman’ Preview
With everything going online these days, art is no exception. Gwen Pew rounds up a few new initiatives to log on to. 3 Jul 2014: There’s no shortage of galleries and art fairs both in Singapore and worldwide – but while not all of them are impenetrable fortresses of artspeak and designer outfits, it’s not surprising … Continue reading Time Out Singapore: Singapore Virtual Art Galleries
Locally-based Chinese playwright and director Liu Xiaoyi’s latest work hopes to challenge notions of theatre. Gwen Pew finds out more. 1 Jul 2014: Liu Xiaoyi could have left Singapore for good and lived the life of a proud inn owner in Yunnan, China. But fortunately for us, after spending a couple of years entertaining visitors at … Continue reading Time Out Singapore: ‘Fluid’ Preview
With the Media Development Authority planning to launch a Term Licensing Scheme in July (with has been met by opposition from 45 local arts groups on the grounds that it promotes self-censorship), Gwen Pew speaks to Chetra Sinnathamby, the Director of Content and Standards for Films, Video Games and Arts at MDA, to get a … Continue reading Time Out Singapore: Chetra Sinnathamby
GWEN PEW 