Singapore’s literary arts space with a multidisciplinary platform
12 & 01 two thousand twelve & two thousand thirteen
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Our Spaces BLUE ROOM
Chamber
Play Den
Originally blue, the room keeps its moniker as a reminder of its Gallery rich history.
The former Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Room was used as a lounge for Members of Parliament to eat, drink and discuss issues in a more relaxed manner in between debate sessions.
In the 1950s, the adjoining Old Select Committee Room, now called the VIP Room, was the venue of a secret meeting between then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and the underground Communist chief, Fong Living Room Chong Pik aka ‘The Plen’ (for plenipotentiary). This was also where Mr Lee discussed strategies with his Old Guard ministers to take on the opposition Barisan Socialis in debate.
The room is now a versatile space used both for performances and corporate functions, including press conferences, product launches and receptions.
For more information about our spaces, Screening Room please visit theartshouse.com.sg/Visit/AllVenues contents
02 Director’s Message
03 literary arts
11 Festival
13 Film
21 Music
27 Theatre
29 Visual Arts
32 Event Listings
32 Box-office
36 Shop & Dine At The Arts House
37 About The Arts House
cover: film still from Wit’s End (aka G.I. Executioner) Director’s Message
Di rector’s M essage
It’s the time of the year again when we both look forward to and fret about the year ending soon and a new one starting. We may experience a paradoxical mix of consternation (where has all the time gone to?) and excitement (new resolutions, new travel plans!). It’s a time for both celebration and introspection, and what better way to do it than through stories?
Join us as we gather and evoke a multitude of Singapore stories -- the strike that shut down The Straits Times (page 9); tales of the supernatural (Spectre, page 10) and homecoming (Balik Kampung, page 10); new poetry from young poets that expresses their current state of mind (Red Pulse & This City is a Strange Song, page 6); and of course films that make us all laugh and cry Watch( Local, page 15; I Have Loved, page 14).
Children can also unlock the storyteller in them and let their imagination soar through the Script to Stage workshop by Act 3 Theatrics (page 9).
And what better way to wrap up the year than by attending the Verve Festival? Organised by students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Verve (page 12) promises to be a feast of music, dance, theatre, text and visual arts. It’s organised by the young for the young and young-at-heart!
In January, we open the new year by looking back into our past. A glorious slice of the swinging sixties in Singapore will burst forth out of our screen in the form of Wit’s End (aka G.I. Executioner). A significant but forgotten moment in Singapore film history, Wit’s End (page 20) is the first American film made in Singapore, even before Saint Jack. Wild, farcical, bizarre -- and that only begins to describe the film on the surface. Like Saint Jack, it offers a fascinating, ethnographic look at life in Singapore back then. Never shown in Singapore until now, don’t miss this chance to catch a slice of our past, as well as meet the producer Marvin Farkas, who will be launching his memoir about working on the film.
Happy holidays!
William Phuan Director, The Arts House
37\2 Director’s Message literary arts
3\37 literary arts WORLD VOICES ADITYA KRIPALANI
THE ARTS HOUSE Meet Indian screenwriter and author Aditya Kripalani as he shares about his career in screenwriting, the rewards of self-publishing and Living Room where the drive and tenacity to get his stories out there comes from. 6 Dec (Thu), 7.30pm His 2008 debut novel, Back Seat, was placed in the top 10 against Free admission 300 other titles in the 2009 Hollywood Book Festival and was amongst the 152 winning novels at the 2008 Kala Ghoda Book Competition.
This session will be moderated by Derek Judge, a freelance screenwriter who is also Secretary of the Singapore Screenwriters Association.
About Aditya Kripalani A prolific screenwriter in his native India, Aditya Kripalani has worked on various films, including Bend It Like Beckham and Monsoon Wedding.
A programme initiated by The Arts House, World Voices features writers from around the world and provides a platform for these talents to discuss their critically acclaimed works and interact with local readers. If you wish to be featured, please email [email protected].
37\4 literary arts
WORLD VOICESnts DR KIRAN SHINDE
Discover the growing trend of religious tourism in India and the THE ARTS HOUSE impact such tourism development places on the environment of these sacred sites through the eyes of architect Dr Kiran Shinde. Find Living Room out, too, what religious tourism means from an urban planning and 31 Jan (Thu), 7.30pm environmental standpoint and how sacred geography affects our cultural landscapes. Free admission
This session will be moderated by Andrea Marion Pinkney, an Assistant Professor in the South Asian Studies Programme at the National University of Singapore.
About Dr Kiran Shinde Dr. Kiran A. Shinde’s research interests include spatiality of tourism, urban planning and cultural heritage. Besides authoring a book, he has published over 25 scholarly papers on various aspects related to religious tourism, sacred landscapes, and environmental issues in pilgrimage sites.
5\37 literary arts NEW WORD ORDER PRESENTS RED PULSE & THIS CITY IS A STRANGE SONG
THE ARTS HOUSE Hot off the press are the fruits of labour by two groups of young poets from the National University of Singapore University Scholars Living Room Programme (NUS USP). 5 Dec (Wed), 7.30pm Red Pulse is an anthology of selected poems from students by Prof. Free admission Shirley Geok-Lin Lim’s course – Chapbooks and Digital Poetry: Poetics Mash–Up.
This City is a Strange Song is one of the end fruits from the recently concluded Creative Writing Programme with Jay Bernard.
This session is moderated by Dr. Lo Mun Hou, who teaches classes in writing and critical thinking, literary studies, and gender theory at the University Scholars Programme, where he is also Deputy Director (Academic Matters).
A programme initiated by The Arts House, New Word Order seeks to discover emerging talents in the literary arts scene and give a voice to new Singaporean writers and artistes who are exploring new ways of approaching the written word. If you wish to be featured, please email [email protected].
37\6 literary arts NEW WORD ORDER PRESENTS STEPHANIE CHAN
Inspired by absurdity, by things that make her angry, by things that THE ARTS HOUSE make her absurdly angry, as well as her family and the random people she has met along the way, Stephanie Chan digs into her past to see Living Room how she got into performance poetry and ends up performing around 10 Jan (Thu), 7.30pm the world. Free admission Stephanie will uncover her wild ride on the rise of the spoken word, on performance opportunities in the UK and how to get involved with poetry in Singapore and abroad.
This session is moderated by Marc Nair, an educator by day and a slam poet, artist extraordinaire by night.
About Stephanie Chan Stephanie Chan is a performance poet based in London. She was the Singapore slam champion 2010 and represented Singapore in the Indian Ocean Slam in Reunion Island that same year. She has also performed in the US and Canada and most recently premiered a solo spoken word show Foreigner Go Home (With Me) at the Edinburgh Free Fringe Festival 2012.
She has been described as ‘surreal’ (Sabotage Reviews), ‘compelling’ and ‘a very clever lady’ (Broadway Baby).
7\37 literary arts PUBLISHER WRITERS NETWORK PRESENTS MAHITA VAS National Book Development Council of Singapore
This December, the Publisher Writers Network will present the author and publisher of the new book Praying to the Goddess of Mercy. First time author Mahita Vas will discuss her struggles with Bipolar Disorder. Her book offers insights into an illness for which there is no known cause, no cure and no immunity. It will inspire those who also struggle with mental disorders as well as to enlighten others about the illness. Her publisher, Phil Tatham of Monsoon Books will talk about the popularity of ebooks and its impact on publishing today.
About Mahita Vas Singaporean Mahita Vas was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder at the age of 41. After nearly 30 years of working in advertising and the hospitality industry in Singapore with global industry leaders, Mahita moved to Bali in 2010. Her memoir Praying To The Goddess Of Mercy is her first book.
About Phil Tatham British Phil Tatham established Monsoon Books in 2004 and is on a mission to find new talent and put publishing in Asia at the heart of the literary world.
Earshot Café \ 4 Dec (Tue), 7pm \ Free admission Register at prayingtothegoddessofmercy.eventbrite.com AFCC BOOK CLUB The Arts House and NBDCS
The AFCC Book Club presents David Seow’s latest book If I were a Blue Kangaroo which is a tender story of friendship told by an author who refuses to succumb to the mould that comes with being a stiff, more-boring-than-thou grown-up.
The book begins with the promise of fantastic travels afforded to a blue kangaroo but ends with the most reassuring realisation that no adventure is greater than that of having a friend. David will read from and discuss the themes raised in the book.
About David Seow David Seow is the author of twenty-three well-received children’s books, including The Sam, Sebbie and Di-Di-Di Series (12 books), which feature his young niece and nephews as the main characters.
Blue Room \ 5 Dec (Wed), 7pm \ Free admission Register at ifiwereabluekangaroo.eventbrite.com
37\8 literary arts “FROM SCRIPT TO STAGE” WORKSHOP ACT 3 Theatrics
This holiday season Act 3 Theatrics is partnering The Arts House to present two programmes: the From Script to Stage workshop, and The Magic Story Bag performance. Suitable for children from 8 – 12 years old, the From Script to Stage workshop will inspire creativity in participants through writing and acting exercises, as they work towards a mini-concert at the end of it.
Blue Room \ 6 Dec (Thu) – 8 Dec (Sat), 10am – 1pm For 8 – 12 years old \ $300 (15% off siblings and groups of 4 or more) Tickets are available on www.bytes.sg THE MAGIC STORY BAG ACT 3 Theatrics
The Magic Story Bag contains trinkets which, when revealed, will weave exciting tales that will whizz the audience along. Both children and parents are set for an entertaining time conjured up by actor/ director/writer R. Chandran and host/actress Anna Belle Francis!
Play Den \ 9 Dec (Sun), 11.30am, 2.30pm & 5pm $18 (15% off for groups of 4 or more) Tickets are available on www.bytes.sg THE LAST GREAT STRIKE BY CLEMENT MESENAS The Arts House and Marshall Cavendish
Join veteran journalist Clement Mesenas at the launch of his first book, The Last Great Strike. This book looks back on eight eventful days in 1971 when a group of young reporters staged a historic strike that shut down The Straits Times, a company that had the proud tradition of never being off the streets in its 120 years of existence, not even during the Japanese occupation of Singapore.
About Clement Mesenas Clement Mesenas started his career in The Straits Times in 1968 as a young crime reporter. He retired in 2011 and now works at developing social media platforms.
Living Room \ 7 Dec (Fri), 5pm \ Free admission
9\37 literary arts Readings from Spectre & Balik Kampung The Arts House and BooksActually
For an evening of sheer literary pleasure, come listen to various authors read from two recently-launched collections of short stories. Be spooked by the supernatural and fantastical tales from Verena Tay’s Spectre and let the stories of local Singapore from Balik Kampung charm you.
About Verena Tay Verena Tay has acted, directed and written for local English theatre for more than 25 years. Her plays have been published in three collections - In the Company of Women: Selected Plays, In the Company of Heroes and Victimology.
Living Room \ 10 Dec (Mon), 7.30pm \ Free admission WRITING WORKSHOP WITH HSU-MING TEO The Arts House
Find out the process of creating believable characters that readers will care about at this writing workshop from novelist and historian Hsu-Ming Teo!
In this workshop, Hsu-Ming Teo will guide participants to create story arcs – the beginning, middle and a plausible and satisfying ending – and the importance of hooking readers and keeping them interested.
Participants will also examine how artwork, photographs and films can be used to develop character and to ‘frame’ and ‘film’ your plot.
About Hsu-Ming Teo Hsu-Ming is a novelist and historian. Her first novelLove and Vertigo (2000) won The Australian/Vogel Literary Award and her second novel Behind the Moon (2005) was shortlisted for the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards.
Blue Room \ 26 Jan (Sat), 2pm – 5pm \ $15 \ $12 (Concession for students, senior citizens and The Arts House members) \ www.bytes.sg
37\10 literary arts festival
11\37 festival VERVE 2012
Ngee Ann Come 15 December, Verve 2012 will set The Arts House buzzing Polytechnic with a plethora of performances, exhibitions, workshops and post- (Arts Business show dialogues by emerging and established Singapore artists that Management) would be sure to whet your taste buds!
Various Venues, The Arts House Taking place over a period of 12 hours, Verve is an emerging arts 15 Dec (Sat), 10am – 10pm festival that is for and by the young and young at heart. Presenting a new way of experiencing local artistic works, audience can pick and $12 \ $10 Group bookings of choose their own arts itinerary for a day, from a whole spectrum that 4 and above) ranges from music, theatre and dance, to literary and visual arts. Festival passes are on sale at www.verveartsfest.com Conceptualised and organised annually by Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Arts Business Management students, Verve 2012 brings together local artists ranging from indie bands and dance collectives to improvisational actors, photographers and poets with the theme of Crossroads.
All proceeds from Verve 2012 will go towards The Business Times Budding Artists Fund to support less privileged children in their arts training at The Little Arts Academy.
For more information on the programme line-up, purchase of festival passes and updates, please visit www.verveartsfest.com
37\12 festival film
13\37 film FRAME Frame x Frame is a new film series initiated by The Arts House to showcase and explore the different dimensions of Singapore cinema. The quarterly programme will feature first-run screening of upcoming
films as well as retrospectives of noted filmmakers.
RAME F BUT IS THE BOOK BETTER?
THE ARTS HOUSE I HAVE LOVED Screening Room Directors/Writers: Elizabeth Wijaya and Lai Weijie 9 Dec (Sun) – 16 Dec (Sun), Cast: Glen Goei, Eryn Tett, Amarin Cholvibul, Laetitia Gangotena 7.3 0 p m 2011 \ Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia \ 75 mins \ Rating: M18
9 Dec (Sun), 15 Dec (Sat) & What does it mean to declare or even whisper, I Have Loved? 16 Dec (Sun), 3.30pm The feature debut of co-directors Elizabeth Wijaya and Lai Weijie, Post-show Q&A with directors: I Have Loved is an exploration of human consciousness, time and 8 Dec (Sat), 9pm memory. In Siem Riep, a young woman, haunted by loss, mourning, & 15 Dec (Sat), 7.30pm and the imperfections of memory, dances with two men – one of $9; $7.50 (Concession for whom is a writer she is married to, while the other is engaged to students, senior citizens, be married. The Arts House members and Objectifs members) Against the breathtaking beauty of Siem Reap I Have Loved employs a non-linear narrative to capture the lingering sense of melancholia. Tickets are available at The architecture of the Angkor temples and the landscape also figure www.bytes.sg as characters in the film which, together with the hordes of transient tourists, serve as a metaphor for the frazzled yet searching and hopeful minds of the characters.
The film was nominated for Best Cinematography at Silver Screen Awards 2011.
37\14 film
Dec Watch Local 2012 This November and December But Is The Book Better? walks down memory lane and is watching local. We will present a series of films BUT IS and TV works that were adapted from local literature. Time to dust off that Teenage Textbook and relive your days of Army Daze! There will be post-screening dialogues and guest appearances by the writers THE BOOK and directors for selected screenings.
The A rtsBETTER? House Screening Room \ Free admission EATING AIR
About the joys and pangs of teenage love, Eating Air seeks the delirious madness that makes 18-years-olds invincible to low fuels, fists and oil puddles on the road. The feature directorial debut of Jasmine Ng and Kelvin Tong, Eating Air is about a boy, a girl, a motorbike and no brakes. In an unusual twist, instead of a regular adaptation from book to film, the film has been adapted into a book by author, Ng Yi-Sheng in 2008.
1 Dec (Sat), 3pm (Followed by post-screening dialogue with co-director, Jasmine Ng and author, Ng Yi-Sheng) Directors: Jasmine Ng Kin Kia, Kelvin Tong \ Writer: Kelvin Tong Cast: Benjamin Heng, Alvina Toh, Michelle Chong 1991 \ 100 mins \ In Chinese and Hokkien with English subtitles \ PG TATSUMI
Inspired by A Drifting Life, the 800-page autobiography of Japanese manga artist Tatsumi Yoshihiro, the film interweaves both biographic elements about the fiercely independent artist and anime versions of five of his short stories from the 1970s. Selected as the Singapore entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards in 2011.
1 Dec (Sat) & 5 Dec (Wed), 7.30pm Director/Writer: Eric Khoo \ 2011 \ 138 mins \ Animation & Documentary \ In Japanese with English subtitles \ M18 (Sexual scenes) SING TO THE DAWN
Based on the award-winning novel by Ho Minfong, Sing to the Dawn is a coming-of-age story of a girl, Dawan, who fights for her right to a basic education and for her dream to leave the village for the bright lights of the city. She has to go against local tradition where school is deemed unnecessary for girls. Meanwhile, her village is under threat from an unscrupulous landlord.
2 Dec (Sun), 3pm Followed by post-screening dialogue with author Ho Minfong. Director: Philip Mitchell \ Writer: Philip Stamp \ Voices: Lim Kay Siu, Neo Swee Lin, Eunice Olsen \ 2008 \ 80 mins \ PG
15\37 film ARMY DAZE
Based on the popular 1987 theatre play of the same name by Singapore writer Michael Chiang, Army Daze is about a group of 18- year-old teenagers from different classes and cultural backgrounds as they undergo their Basic Military Training (BMT) in the army. The film wrings comedy and pathos in equal measure from this mandatory rite of passage for all Singaporean males.
6 Dec (Thu), 7.30pm Director: Ong Keng Sen \ Writer: Michael Chiang Cast: Sheikh Haikel, Edward Yong Ching Tah, Deanna Yusoff 1996 \ 87 mins \ Singapore \ In English, Malay, Hokkien and Mandarin with English subtitles \ PG COME DRESS IN ARMY OVERALLS AND RECEIVE AN ILOVEBOOKS.COM VOUCHER!
THE TEENAGE TEXTBOOK
An adaptation of Adrian Tan’s bestselling 1988 novel, The Teenage Textbook follows the life of female student Mui Ee and her best friend Sissy Song at the fictitious Paya Lebar Junior College, as she discovers boys and love through Singapore’s public school system. Featuring the film debuts of a very young Melody Chen, Caleb Goh and Randall Tan, the film topped the Singapore box-office for four weeks during its release. The soundtrack was also all-Singaporean, featuring the sounds of singers like Ger Ho (My Special Angel) and John Klass (Falling in Love), a first for English-language Singapore films.
7 Dec (Fri), 7.30pm (Followed by post-screening dialogue with director, Philip Lim and author, Adrian Tan) Director: Philip Lim \ Writers: Philip Lim, Haresh Sharma, Edmund Tan Cast: Melody Chen, Caleb Goh, Lim Hwee Sze 1998 \ 90 mins \ PG
COME DRESS IN A SCHOOL UNIFORM AND RECEIVE AN ILOVEBOOKS.COM VOUCHER!
37\16 film ALTERASIANS II AlterAsians II is a trilogy of screen adaptations from short stories written by Singaporean authors. Featuring The Man in the Cupboard, Child’s Play, and Catherine Listening to the Rain adapted from works by Colin Cheong, K K Seet and Simon Tay respectively, the series received international critical acclaim during its telecast, including winning the Best Telemovie Award at the Asian Television Awards in 2000. THE MAN IN THE CUPBOARD
After 15 years of marriage, Timothy Wong has had enough of his wife. He has it all planned out as he hides in a cupboard in their house, waiting for her to return from her San Francisco vacation – he is going to sneak into the bedroom after she has fallen asleep and suffocate her with a pillow.
Adapted from the novella of the same title by Colin Cheong.
8 Dec (Sat), 3pm Director/Writer: Lee Thean-jeen \ Cast: Ivan Heng, Karen Lim, Pamela Oei 2000 \ 51 mins \ TBA CHILD’S PLAY
A couple’s seven-year-old has an imaginary friend who has a dark secret. Things start to change when the mother realises her son’s imaginary friend could actually be the spirit of her aborted child.
Adapted from Death Rites: Tales From A Wake by K K Seet.
8 Dec (Sat), 5pm Director/Writer: Lee Thean-jeen \ Cast: Amy Cheng, Jerry Hoh, Tan Beaurphys 2000 \ 46 mins \ TBA CATHERINE LISTENING TO THE RAIN
Catherine is a homemaker who has to deal with two major setbacks in life – her husband is cheating on her and her mother is dying. Afraid to burden her mother with her troubles because of her declining health, Catherine suffers in silence, listening to her mother as she tells her stories from her childhood.
Adapted from the novella of the same title by Simon Tay.
8 Dec (Sat), 7.30pm (Dialogue with Lee Thean-Jeen and Simon Tay at 6pm) Directors: Lee Thean-jeen, Melissa Charis Ong \ Writer: Lee Thean-jeen Cast: Bernie Chan, Edmund Chen, Nora Samosir \ 2000 \ 54 mins \ TBA
17\37 film
Jan FANTASTIQUE LIT 2013 A time of fresh starts and new beginnings! The New Year is the perfect time to let your dreams run wild and imagine a world that could be. BUT IS This January But Is The Book Better? will look at films heavy on fantasy and high on imagination for the dreamer and visionary in all of us.
THE BOOK Screening Room \ Free admission
The A rtsBETTER? House ALICE IN WONDERLAND
This fantastical version of Alice in Wonderland sees Tim Burton shape a story from the original novel which he compared to as a series of events where Alice wanders from one crazy character to another. In a story filled with talking animals, villainous queens and knights, and frumious bandersnatches that is the surreal “Underland”, Alice has to embark on a quest to conquer the horrific Jabberwocky and restore the rightful queen to her throne. A refreshing reinvention of a children’s classic that retains the classic nature of the original book.
Based on the much beloved Alice in Wonderland books written by Lewis Carroll.
14 Jan (Mon), 7.30pm \ 19 Jan (Sat), 3pm Director: Tim Burton \ Writer: Linda Woolverton Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter 2010 \ 108 mins\ United States \ PG STARDUST
Tristan Thorn’s adventure in the magically kingdom of Stormhold beyond the Wall uncovers flying pirates, warring princes, three wicked witches and a star. Tristan will have to hold his own in this magical world of swords and sorcery to find his one true love.
Like Tristan Thorn, the writers were faced with difficulties of their own; adapting an adult fairy tale where sex and violence are presented unflinchingly and with over 10 hours worth of material to adapt on top of budgetary concerns. Understanding that a film should not attempt to be loyal to its novel and in the process, disappoint its audience, Neil Gaiman gave the greenlight to have the novel compressed, with whim and humour injected to lighten the script in bringing the novel to screen.
Based on the 1998 novel of the same name written by Neil Gaiman.
15 Jan (Tue), 7.30pm \ 18 Jan (Fri), 7.30pm Director: Matthew Vaughn \ Writer: Jane Goldman, Matthew Vaughn Cast: Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Sienna Miller 2007 \ 127 mins \ United Kingdom, United States & Iceland \ PG
37\18 film WIZARD OF OZ
Made in the age of Technicolor, this is the film that changed Dorothy’s ruby red slippers from the novel’s original silver shoes to take advantage of colored film.
In this well-known charming film based on the popular L. Frank Baum stories, Dorothy and her dog Toto are caught in a tornado’s path and ended up in the Land of Oz. Here she meets some memorable friends and foes in her journey to meet the Wizard of Oz, who everyone says can help her return home and possibly grant her new friends their goals of having a brain, heart and courage.
Based on the 1900 children’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.
16 Jan (Wed), 7.30pm \ 20 Jan (Sun), 3pm Director: Victor Fleming Writer: Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, Edgar Allan Woolf Cast: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger 1939 \ 101 mins \ United States \ PG WHAT DREAMS MAY COME
An ambitious adaption from Richard Matheson’s powerful 1978 novel, the film traces the story of Chris as he journeys through Heaven and Hell to reunite with Anne, his loved one and soulmate. Spotting significant differences from the novel, the film holds its own by exchanges various elements such as astral projection, telepathy and séance from the novel with its own afterlife imagery based on paintings and a Hell filed with ships, thunderstorms, fire and a sea of human faces.
Based on the 1978 novel of the same name by Richard Matheson.
17 Jan (Thu), 7.30pm \ 19 Jan (Sat), 7.30pm Director: Vincent Ward \ Writer: Ronald Bass Cast: Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr., AnnabellaSciorra 1998 \ 113 mins \ United States & New Zealand \ PG
19\37 film WIT’S END (aka G.I. Executioner)
THE ARTS HOUSE Director/Writer: Joel M. Reed Cast: Tom Keena, Victoria Racimo, Angelique Pettyjohn Screening Room 1975 \ 86 mins \ US & Singapore \ M18 23 Jan (Wed) – 30 Jan (Wed) Weekdays: 7.30pm; Made in late 1969, Wit’s End tells the improbable tale of Dave Sat: 3pm & 7.30pm; Sun: 3pm Dearborn, a jaded American Marine and journalist who runs a ‘groovy’ nightclub on a boat called The Junk, moored a short hop $10; $8 (Concession for from Clifford Pier. The bizarre plot features mobsters, prostitutes and a students, senior citizens and mysterious substance called ‘anti-matter’. The Arts House members) Tickets are available at The madcap genre-bending film is an idiosyncratic mix of thriller, farce and www.bytes.sg spy pastiche, offering a glorious slice of the swinging sixties in Singapore.
Book Launch - Wit’s End: Six And The Sixties Hit Straight-Laced Singapore By Marvin Farkas The Arts House and Make-Do Publishing
Earshot Café \ 26 Jan (Sat), The new book from acclaimed An Eastern Saga author Marvin 5pm \ Free admission Farkas is a hilarious tale of how the sixties finally caught up with Singapore after it became the location for one of the wildest films ever made, Wit’s End (aka G I Executioner).
37\20 film music
21\37 music l ivi ng with PETRINA SARAH AND HER YOUNG PIANIST FRIEND
The Arts House and Come swing to thrilling Mozart’s Sonata with principal music educator Immanuel Music Petrina Sarah and nine-year-old pianist Ong Zi Ru as they perform together in a night of jazz, new age and classical music. Living Room 3 Dec (Mon), 8pm Like many of his young counterparts who spend hours practising on the piano to perfect each note with timing and precision, Ong Zi Ru’s $10 special talents are hidden from the world. Yet even at a tender age, Tickets are available from Ong’s interpretation of classical pieces is animated and his playing of The Arts House Box Office romantic pieces is lyrical and sweet sounding.
About Petrina Sarah Chew Petrina Sarah Chew is the principal music educator at Immanuel Music Studio, an innovative music studio which prides itself in educating and nurturing the young in the art of piano playing.
The longest running series programmed by The Arts House, Living with is a series of one-hour performances held on the first Monday evening of each month centreed around the piano or around piano music. It is aimed at featuring both established and aspiring musicians who are looking for an intimate space to perform to an audience of 75.
37\22 music l ivi ng with JASPER AND TOMMY
Join flutist Jasper Goh and pianist Tommy Peh in a musical adventure The Arts House and and discover the beauty of flute and piano music! Jasper Goh
With a variety of light and dark music that ranges from baroque to Living Room contemporary, expect a diverse programme featuring the different 7 Jan (Mon), 8pm tonalities of the instrument as well as a virtuosic show! $10 About Jasper Goh Tickets are available from Jasper Goh was named the Winner of the Open Division Competition The Arts House Box Office organised in conjunction with the Flute Festival 2010.
About Tommy Peh Tommy Peh graduated from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts with a diploma and is currently studying privately with Tedd Joselson.
23\37 music
A collaboration between The Sing Song Club and The Arts the House, The Alphabet Series is a showcase of a series of 26 recitals based on every letter of the alphabet to promote the ALPHABET genre of art songs. series
The Arts House and The Sing Song Club LETTER C – C IS Living Room FOR CHILDREN 19 Jan (Sat), 8pm CANTILLATING $20; $15 (Concession for students, NSFs, senior citizens Our quintet of performers may have long outgrown their kindergarten and The Arts House members) and playgroup, but that will not stop them from channelling their Tickets are available at inner-child this coming January. www.bytes.sg Hum to the music as they present a wide-ranging programme of songs about children and childhood; songs of innocence and wonder, nostalgia and loss at the first Alphabet Series in its 2013 season.
This concert is performed by Joanna Paul (Soprano), Anna Koor (Mezzo-Soprano), Adrian Poon (Tenor), William Lim (Baritone) and Shane Thio (Piano) and features the works of Cultural Medallion recipient Kelly Tang.
37\24 music GRATITUDE The Sacred Music of Gamelan
Look forward to an evening of centuries-old gamelan music as The Sacred Music of Gamelan regales you with a wide-ranging repertoire from the interludes of duets and trios and chamber-style Javanese gamelan music, to full ensemble presentations with vocals, as well as Sundanese and Balinese gamelan music.
Gamelan music is often an accompaniment to dance, wayang kulit and drama, and is performed at occasions such as festivals, baptisms, weddings, rituals, funerals, birthdays, and even general elections.
The evening’s music surrounds the theme of Gratitude, which was researched and collected by the group’s artistic director Amran Ahmad. Some of the classical repertoires were rearranged by Amran to highlight the young talents amongst the members who have learnt to play various intricate instruments within the gamelan family.
Chamber \ 1 Dec (Sat), 8pm \ $15; $12 (Concession for students, NSF, senior citizens) \ Tickets are available at www.bytes.sg A NORMAL CONVERSATION The Arts House with Brent Tan, Elias Arun and Teh Jiexiang
Conversation can take the form of two friends talking, a text message from a loved one, or a wave goodbye. It also can be something more intangible, in the unsaid connection we make when listening to a piece of music.
This recital seeks to explore the role which conversation plays in the music-making process – ranging from counterpoint to the exchange of melodic lines between soloist and accompanist.
Join clarinetist Brent Tan, saxophonist Elias Arun and pianist Teh Jiexiang for a night of discovery as they engage your hearts and minds with the music of Bach, Ibert, Chopin, Brahms and Debussy.
Chamber \ 5 Dec (Wed), 8pm \ $10 For ticket enquiries, please contact Elias at 91084513
25\37 music THE MAGNIFICENT SEASON: MAGNIFICATS BY BACH AND ZELENKA The Orchestra and Voices of the East Indies
Stir up your senses for an evening of festive music by The Orchestra and Voices of the East Indies! Under the direction of Ng Tian Hui, this performance is a juxtaposition of Johann Sebastian Bach’s scintillating Magnificat and Czech composer Jan Dismas Zelenka’s rarely-performed Magnificat with a delightful new premiere by award-winning composer Emily Koh.
The ensemble will be joined by a stellar cast of voices including Wendy Woon (Soprano), who was described by the American Guild of Organists as a singer of “elegance and poise”, Melvin Tan (Tenor), Yap Shing Min (Soprano) and emerging talent Ong Shu Chen (Alto).
Chamber \ 23 Dec (Sun), 8.15pm \ $25; $20 (Concession for students, NSF, senior citizens) \ Tickets are available at www.bytes.sg PROJECT LAKSA The Arts House and Song Ziliang
What does Singaporean food have in common with western classical music? Join Singaporean pianist Song Ziliang for a gastro-musical journey through time as he presents you with an evening of western classical music infused with local flavours, featuring a specially commissioned work by local composer Chen Zhangyi.
Entitled Laksa Cantata, the work finds its idea in Bach’s Coffee Cantata written to popularise coffee. Translated into Singaporean context, Laksa becomes the subject of squabble between a couple in the build up to their wedding. Singers Rebecca Li and Kiat Goh take central roles.
Other works on the menu include Milhaud’s exuberant trio for Clarinet and Schnittke’s Suite in the Old Style that revives antique art-forms.
Living Room \ 25 Jan (Fri) & 26 Jan (Sat), 8pm \ $25; $20 (Concession for students, NSFs, senior citizens and The Arts House members) Tickets are available at www.bytes.sg
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27\37 theatre 12 A M Avant Theatre and Language
Inspired by Reginald Rose’s Twelve Angry Men, an acclaimed stage play which attempts to depict the reality of the American legal/jury system, 12 A M is an Audience Mediated Play performed in Tamil where audiences become directors and mediates who play their favorite roles from the play Twelve Angry Men.
In 12 A M, the defense and the prosecution have rested and the jury is filing into the jury room to decide if a young Spanish-American is guilty or innocent of murdering his father. What begins as an open and shut case of murder soon becomes a mini-drama of each of the jurors’ prejudices and preconceptions about the trial, the accused and each other.
Tamil adaptation by Ms Umayal Thiru. Concept, transcreation and direction by G Selva.
About Avant Theatre Avant Singapore is a Public Company Limited by Guarantee under the Non-Profit Organisation entity set up in 2011. The emergence of Avant Singapore was timely as there was a strong desire to expand and explore the theatre craft in Southeast Asia with many collaborative partnerships.
Play Den \ 6 Dec (Thu) – 7 Dec (Fri), 8pm 8 Dec (Sat), 3pm & 8pm $22 \ For ticket enquiries, please contact Avant hotline at 9380 3780
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29\37 visual arts I AM SPECIAL – THE WORLD OF AUTISM
The Arts House and In conjunction with Voilah! Festival 2012, The Arts House together Institut Francais with Institut Francais are proud to present I Am Special – The World of Autism, a photography exhibition that aims to raise the awareness supported by of autism in Singapore. The event is also supported by the St Andrews Saint Andrews Autism Centre. Autism Centre The exhibition comprises two concurrent photography shows that Print Gallery capture the lives of autistic people in both France and Singapore. 26 Nov (Mon) – 16 Dec (Sun), Antonin, A Life With Autism is a collection of photographs 10am – 10pm documenting an autistic boy’s life for the past 18 years by acclaimed French journalistic photographer Olivier Coulange. To address the 1 Dec (Sat), 11am - 12pm issue of autism, Olivier has been photographing Antonin since 1994 (Panel discussion) – moments with the family; at the hospital; during leisure or moments Free admission of tension. The black and white photos record intimate instants that are spontaneous but which also question the notion of “normality” and difference.
The exhibition is a simple yet powerful look at love, that one love, which, as Olivier says, “consists of taking care of the other, in being concerned about him, in respecting him and in always trying endlessly to get to know him better”.
Accompanying Antonin is another exhibition that offers a local perspective, as a Singapore photographer trails the inhabitants of the St Andrews Autism Centre, capturing stills of their everyday lives within and outside the centre. From their travels to their daily routines, the joy and struggles of the many children, youths and adults at the centre reflect their embrace of the different “colours of life”. Artworks ranging from paintings to crafts created by the students will also be showcased.
As part of the I Am Special exhibition, there will also be a panel discussion on autism.
37\30 visual arts BEYOND THE BORDER, BEHIND THE MEN Beyond the Border, Behind the Men
Beyond the Border, Behind the Men is a photo exhibition by three Singaporeans that uncovers the lives of the many migrant workers that dot our Singaporean landscape and seeks to dispel the deeply entrenched stereotypes of them as low cost economic digits or cogs in our industrial machine.
Film Gallery and Screening Room \ 18 Dec (Tue) – 2 Jan (Wed), 10am – 10pm \ Free admission BEING HUMAN The Arts House and Alexander Stephan
By shedding light on the similarities of Being Human, this photographic exhibition by Singapore-based US photographer Alexander Stephan implores viewers to come to terms with their own humanity and relate to images that are testament to the fact that we’re all stitches of the same fabric.
Print Gallery \ 3 Jan (Thu) – 13 Jan (Sun), 10am – 10pm Opening Reception: 3 Jan (Thu) \ Free admission INTROSPECTION: THE HERO OF OUR STORY The Little Arts Academy and supported by The Business Times Budding Artists Fund
What matters to me as an individual? What drives me to speak up?
10 young and talented artists, aged 13 to 18, from The Little Arts Academy (LAA) are holding their debut exhibition and will share their take on the worries, fears and ironies that life sometimes throws at them. Titled Introspection: The Hero of Our Story, this exhibition is a culmination of their journey of self-discovery as an artist and the discovery that they can create their own masterpieces for an audience.
The young artists are beneficiaries of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund and are currently receiving arts training at LAA under the JP Morgan arts programme.
Gallery \ 27 Jan (Sun) – 2 Feb (Sat), 10am – 10pm \ Free admission
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Event Listings
December 2012 26 Nov – 16 Dec, 10am – 10pm I Am Special – The World of Autism 1 Dec, 3pm But is the Book Better?: Eating Air 1 Dec & 5 Dec, 7.30pm But is the Book Better?: Tatsumi 1 Dec, 8pm Gratitude 2 Dec, 3pm But is the Book Better?: Sing To The Dawn 3 Dec, 8pm Living With Petrina Sarah And Her Young Pianist Friend 4 Dec, 7pm Publisher Writers Network presents Mahita Vas 5 Dec, 7pm AFCC Book Club 5 Dec, 7.30pm New Word Order presents Red Pulse & This City Is A Strange Song 5 Dec, 8pm A Normal Conversation 6 Dec & 7 Dec, 10am – 1pm “From Script To Stage” Workshop 6 Dec, 7.30pm But is the Book Better?: Army Daze 6 Dec, 7.30pm World Voices presents Aditya Kripalani 6 Dec – 7 Dec, 8pm 12 A M 8 Dec, 3pm & 8pm 12 A M 7 Dec, 5pm Book Launch Of The Last Great Strike By Clement Mesenas 7 Dec, 7.30pm But is the Book Better?: The Teenage Textbook 8 Dec, 3pm But is the Book Better?: The Man In The Cupboard 8 Dec, 5pm But is the Book Better?: Child’s Play 8 Dec, 7.30pm But is the Book Better?: Catherine Listening To The Rain 9 Dec, 11.30am, 2.30pm & 5pm The Magic Story Bag 9 Dec, 15 Dec & 16 Dec, 3.30pm Frame X Frame: I Have Loved 9 Dec – 16 Dec, 7.30pm Frame X Frame: I Have Loved 10 Dec, 7.30pm Readings from Spectre & Balik Kampung 15 Dec, 10am – 10pm Verve 2012 18 Dec – 2 Jan, 10am – 10pm Beyond The Border, Behind The Men 23 Dec, 8.15pm The Magnificent Season: Magnificats By Bach And Zelenka
Box-Office
The Arts House Box Office
1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429 T 65 6332 6919 F 65 6339 9695 E [email protected] W www.bytes.sg www.bytes.sg
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Event Listings
january 2013 3 Jan -13 Jan, 10am – 10pm Being Human 7 Jan, 8pm Living With Jasper And Tommy 10 Jan, 7.30pm New Word Order presents Stephanie Chan 14 Jan, 7.30pm & 19 Jan, 3pm But is the Book Better?: Alice In Wonderland 15 Jan, 7.30pm & 18 Jan, 7.30pm But is the Book Better?: Stardust 16 Jan, 7.30pm & 20 Jan, 3pm But is the Book Better?: Wizard Of Oz 17 Jan & 19 Jan, 7.30pm But is the Book Better?: What Dreams May Come 19 Jan, 8pm Letter C – C Is For Children Cantillating 23 Jan – 30 Jan, Weekdays: 7.30pm; Wit’s End (Aka G.I. Executioner) Sat: 3pm & 7.30pm; Sun: 3pm 25 Jan & 26 Jan, 8pm Project Laksa 26 Jan, 2pm – 5pm Writing Workshop With Hsu-Ming Teo 26 Jan, 5pm Book Launch - Wit’s End: Six And The Sixties Hit Straight-Laced Singapore 27 Jan – 2 Feb, 10am – 10pm Introspection: The Hero Of Our Story 31 Jan, 7.30pm World Voices presents Dr Kiran Shinde
Free admission Ticketed
Box-Office
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri 10am - 8pm Sat 11am - 8pm Sun & PH Closed (For events on Sundays and Public Holidays, Box Office opens 1 hour before showtime till 30 minutes after the show starts)
All tickets (except for films) are subject to a ticketing fee of $2 each. Please note that once a booking has been confirmed, no amendments, cancellations or refunds are permitted. All information correct at time of printing. Please refer to our website at www.theartshouse.com.sg for updates. The Arts House is managed by the Old Parliament House Limited.
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Support The Arts House!
As the literary arts space in Singapore, The Arts House is committed to developing and promoting Singapore writers and our literary works. We believe in supporting Singapore writers and artists and works from and about Singapore. To that end, we have initiated a series of programmes that showcase our writers and artists, as we give them the space and platform to create works and reach out to Singapore audiences.
Your gift of a donation will help make our programmes possible, and keep them free and accessible to all communities. The impact of your gift will go a long way towards boosting the Singapore literary and arts community and can be a wonderful way to honour or memorialise someone. For a donation of $100 and above, you could enjoy tax deduction of 2.5 times the donated amount.
How You Can Support Us 1. Online via give2arts.sg (search for The Arts House) 2. Cheque All cheques should be crossed and made payable to THE OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE LIMITED. Mailing Address: The Old Parliament House Limited, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
Thank you for your gift!
For enquiries, please contact us at [email protected] or +65 6332 6900. Singapore C reative C al Writi l for ng Resi appl dency ications! 2013
Calling writers of all stripes and nationality! Are you an emerging published writer looking to complete your story? Do you like mentoring young talents? APPLY NOW FOR THE SINGAPORE CREATIVE WRITING RESIDENCY 2013!
Co-organised by the National University of Singapore University Scholars Programme (NUS USP) and e Arts House, the Singapore Creative Writing Residency aims to provide:
– time and space for the writer to complete, or make substantial progress with a written work in English; – mentorship for students.
e completed work, or, part of a work, can be in any of the following forms: prose; verse; stage play; radio play; or screenplay. e Residency will last for 6 months from July to December 2013. e selected writer is required to reside at NUS, and will receive a monthly stipend.
WHO MAY APPLY e programme invites applicants of any nationality. We are looking for emerging writers in particular. Applicants must: a. Be a published writer; b. Not be enrolled as a full time student in an undergraduate or graduate programme or fully employed by any organisation at the time of appointment of the Residency.
HOW DO I APPLY Download the application form and FAQ from www.theartshouse.com.sg
DEADLINE e application materials must arrive in one package, and must be postmarked no later than 18 January 2013.
For more information, please email [email protected].
35\37 Shop & Dine at The Arts House Shop & Dine at The Arts House
THE SHOP Mon – Sat: 11am – 8pm (closed on Sun & PH) Start your Christmas shopping early at The Shop! With designer items ranging from jewellery to apparels and home décor to paintings, The Shop is the place for you to buy unique gifts for that special someone.
From 19 Nov 2012 to 31 Jan 2013, • Spend $50 in a single receipt and get a free Fabric Arts Magnet and a 10% discount voucher. • Spend $100 in a single receipt and get a free Hand puppet and a 10% discount voucher. EARSHOT CAFE Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 6pm (closed on weekends & PH) \ Happy Hour from 3pm – 6pm Earshot Cafe is a concept space that is fully dedicated to promoting Singapore books and music while having a great cup of coffee. We hold book launches, writers’ talks, literary cocktails and music performances here. Please contact us at [email protected] if you are interested to organise events at Earshot. VIET LANG Sun – Thur: 11.30am – 10.30pm \ Fri, Sat & PH: 11.30am – 11pm Viet Lang is derived from Vietnam’s present name, Vietnam, and its historical name, Anh Lang.
Viet Lang’s menu offers a good presentation of Vietnamese cuisine with a touch of Franco-Asian influence. It serves a repertoire of authentic Northern, Central and Southern Vietnamese cuisine ranging from the popular spring rolls wrapped in rice paper. 1 Old Parliament Lane #01-01 \ +65 6337 3379 \ www.vietlang-artshouse.com TIMBRÉ @ THE ARTS HOUSE Mon – Thur: 6pm – 1am \ Fri & Sat: 6pm – 2am (closed on Sun & PH) Situated just by the Singapore River within a beautifully restored gazetted monument (The Annexe to the Old Parliament House), Timbré is a music enclave that combines elegant casual dining with a lively music scene. Enjoy a wide range of pizzas and tapas, all while listening to the live music performances. 1 Old Parliament Lane #01-04 E: [email protected] \ +65 6338 8552 Reservations
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About The Arts House
ccupying the almost 200-year-old building that was Singapore’s first Parliament House, The Arts House Osince its opening in 2004 has been offering its visitors a broad spectrum of activities, ranging from contemporary arts and entertainment events to lifestyle options, while at the same time playing an active role in the Singapore arts and creative scene.
Since 2011, The Arts House has been focusing on the development of literary arts, while supporting and presenting programmes and festivals that aim to give our audiences a wide and multidisciplinary experience.
PARLIAMENT RD
ST ANDREW’S RD
CONNAUGHT DR E N A L T N E M IA L VICTORIA R A THEATRE P
D & CONCERT HALL L
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EMPRESS PLACE ANDERSON BRIDGE
ESPLANADE DRIVE
CAVENAGH BRIDGE FULLERTON RD
SINGAPORE RIVER
BOAT QUAY
CHULIA STREET BONHAM STREET BATTERY ROAD
General Information Address: 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
General Enquiries T 65 6332 6900 F 65 6336 3021 E [email protected] W www.theartshouse.com.sg
How to get to The Arts House By MRT 7-minute walk from City Hall and Raffles City MRT stations By Bus Victoria Concert Hall: 100, 107, 130, 131, 75, 167 www.theartshouse.com.sg The Treasury: 51, 63, 80, 124, 124A, 145, 166, 174, 174e, 197, 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, 5N, 6N Fullerton Sq: 10, 10e, 57, 70, 100, 107, 128, 130, 131, 162, 196, 196e, 75, 167, 531 By Car Carparks available at Parliament House, The Adelphi and www.facebook.com/theartshouse Funan DigitaLife Mall
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The Arts House is managed by The Old Parliament House Ltd.
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