A language of their own

This is the Chinese version of the play written by Chay Yew.  The theme of this play may seem a bit dated, though the cast generally held it together.  The director chose not to have any actions in certain scenes, choosing instead to enact them via words on the projection screen.  It thus placed the pressure on the actors to deliver the production. 

The director may have wanted the character of Oscar to be distant and cold initially, but it resulted in actor Nelson Chia giving the impression that he was just reciting the lines.  The chemistry between him and Loo Zihan seemed to be missing, in particular in the exchange of conversations. Chia however had good rapport with Robin Goh's Daniel, and Loo Zihan with Timothy Nga.

Overall it was a ok performance for me, though the audience in general seemed to enjoy it.

A Chorus Line, Marina Bay Sands, 4 - 27 May 2012

A bare stage.  17 actors vying for 8 slots in a chorus.  And they had to share their live stories at the audition.  This in short is the storyline of A Chorus Line, one of the longest running Broadway production.

This would be my third time watching the musical, the first was when the musical came to Singapore in the 80s.  While certain references made in the production may be unfamiliar with the audience, due to locality and changing landscapes, the theme of this musical (or drama) would still resonate with most.  While everyone has a story to tell, at the end of the day, they have to show that they have the ability to come as ONE to be in the chorus line. 

Patterns of Trade, Asian Civilisations Museum

Patterns of Trade: Indian Textiles for Export, 1400 - 1900 is a temporary exhibition held at the ACM.   As the name suggests, it showed the art of Indian textile through the period.

Melodies from the Temple Courtyard

The concert by the Nanyin Ensemble of Stone City from Fujian Province, China took place on 29 Apr 2012 at the Esplanade Music Studio.  It was part of the Tapestry of Sacred Music Festival.  To most unfamiliar with Nanyin,  this concert was a good introduciton to the ancient music dated back to the Han Dynasty.  While it had its origin from court music, it later emerged from the Fujian province as a more "community" music.