5 August 2015                  Issue three

You are receiving

the avenue for creative arts

because we know  - or suspect - you have an interest in the arts.
We have a distinct bias for literary arts, performing arts and visual arts, but we're open to promote all creative arts, whether for practitioners, students or just art lovers! 
While our focus is primarily on Singapore arts and events, we are open to spreading the word on art and artists further afield. 
 
"Hotel" Featuring at 
Singapore International Festival of Arts

 

Seven Weeks to Absorb the Arts: 6 August - 19 September

 

What comes after the empires from which we have emerged? 

So ask the organisers of this year's Singapore International Festival of Arts. 

The answer? A feast of acts - music, drama, dance - which show that empires past, present and future populate time and space in Singapore for this truly international array of entertaining arts. 

Highlights? Nanyang the musical, plus Dance Marathons (even at the disused Railway Station?), Hotel (a drama that strongly suggests the famous Raffles) and - as if to test the theme completely - Six Characters In Search Of An Author, a French play which asks fascinating questions about the ever-shifting relationships between authors, characters, actors and audiences. 

Don't miss: Kumar's Living Together, a series of live stand-up comedy performances rooted in Singapore's multi-racial and multi-national housing landscape. SIFA event information and booking. 

Upstaged: Theatre Headliners

 

A feast in store for theatre-goers

 

The LKY Musical

Naeem Kapadia - himself an actor - reviews this outstanding musical for the TODAY newspaper. "Adrian Pang carries the show as Lee (Kuan Yew), capturing the man's fears, frustrations and unwavering tenacity in pushing for change." The musical is the work of a collection of very talented, experienced people: Dick Lee (music), Stephen Clark (lyrics), Meira Chand (story), Tony Petito (book) and Steven Dexter (director).  The LKY Musical runs until 16 August at the MasterCard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands. 

 

 

The Caucasian Chalk Circle
Singapore Repertory Theatre presents The Caucasian Chalk Circle by The Young Company 14 - 16 August. Adapted from Bertolt Bercht's most celebrated play, it follows young servant girl Grusha who, in the throes of civil war, must make a choice, save her own skin or sacrifice everything to rescue an abandoned child. Support the talented youths from The Young Company as they present this classic play as part of their graduation showcase. Go to SRT.  
 
The Globe Comes to The Capitol
Shakespeare comes back to the Capitol in the form of the Globe Theatre's "Hamlet" from 8-12 September. While the renewed Capitol Theatre saw "Singapura, the Musical" - which had a mixed reception - this time it will be putting its stage to the test of a distinguished London acting troupe. For more on the play and the occasion, go to aba-productions. 

 

Singapore Stages A Southern Tour

W!LD RICE and The Necessary Stage go further south than usual to perform at the Brisbane Festival (in Queensland, Australia) 5-26 September, to celebrate 50 years of Singapore's independence and good cultural and diplomatic relations with Australia. Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest is presented by W!LD RICE, with director Glen Goei and an all-male ensemble. Award-winning actress Siti Khalijah Zainal takes centre-stage in her one-woman show - Best Of - specially created for her by The Necessary Stage's playwright Haresh Sharma and director Alvin Tan. More from Brisbane Festival. 

 

Celebrating Seventy Still!

The Stage Club, celebrating its 70th year, held auditions in July for the Singapore premiere of "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo" by Rajiv Joseph.  Directed by Nick Kenny, the play is expected to go on stage at the DBS Arts Centre, home of the SRT, for a short season in October. Read up a little more on the remarkable history of Singapore's oldest theatre group in this feature in Today newspaper written by Mayo Martin at the time of the club's May production of its "Seventy Shades of Play".  For more on past, present and future productions go The Stage Club's website.  

The Esplanade Makes a Concerted Effort 

3 September - The Mad Chinaman

 

Dick Lee returns with his sold out show which recounts his musical journey from his childhood in the '60s to the debut of his alter-ego, The Mad Chinaman, in 1989. Illustrating his story with songs from his 40-year career, the UPSIZED version features a band of Singapore's top musicians and an extended storyline which includes his adventures in Asia as The Mad Chinaman. The event will take place at 3 September 2015, from 7.30pm at the Esplanade Concert Hall. Go here to book.

 

14 October - Vienna Boys Choir

 

The world's favourite children's choir and one of the most celebrated ambassadors of music will perform for one-night-only at the Esplanade Concert Hall on 14 October 7.30 pm. Conductor for the Vienna Boys' Choir Asian tour 2015 is Jimmy Chiang and the programme includes Viennese waltzes, polkas, motets, art songs and folk songs from around the world. 

Presented by Arts Management Associates.

 

For more information and to book go to SISTIC.

 

 

31 October - Tommy Emmanuel

 

Live in concert at Esplanade Concert Hall. A Tommy Emmanuel concert is like no other - he plays sizzling melodies, fills in the rhythm section and weaves in a thumping bass - all on his own on a single guitar! On top of that, he plays the drums on his guitar, sings and entertains with his affable, approachable style. 

For more information and to book go to SISTIC. 

Performances to look forward to

 

 

 











Exhibitionists! Visual Art on Show
 

 

A Social Portrait of Singapore by Loke Hong Seng, Yeo Workshop, Gillman Barracks, until 6 September 2015

 

Loke Hong Seng is a fine art photographer shooting street portraits of Singapore during the period 1963 to 1985. The photographs in this exhibition are a selection of 20 photographs from Loke Hong Seng's extensive body of work depicting scenes of the development of Singapore from the kampong to high-rise apartment blocks, specifically Housing Development Board (HDB) flats. There's a book of his work too, designed by photographer Loke's son, Bryan.

Go to Yeo Workshop for more.

 



The striking ink painting by Chinese artist Mao Zifei is just one of his works being showcased at MAD Museum of Art and Design, at 10 Tanglin Road, until the end of August.  More information here. 

 

 

 

 

Printing the Past on Paper

 

Singapore STories: Then, Now, Tomorrow.
One hundred and seventy years of the Straits Times. Yes, there's art and there's history. 170 years of newsprint with photos and headlines to pay attention to. Yes, there's art in news-making and producing as well as delivering a daily paper for 170 years. And at the ArtScience Museum is a wonderful exhibition - which is free -  to lap it all up without getting your fingers dirty from inky pages. The digital age might have arrived, but aren't we pleased that the Straits Times has stayed in print for so long and it is making an exhibition of itself! Real pages, real photos and real stories. At the 

 

 

 

Showcase: Galleries and Exhibitions to Visit

 

50 years of Art Making

The Singapore Tyler Print Institute, or STPI as every knows it, is located on Robertson Quay and is currently showing "As We Never Imagined: 50 Years of Art Making" until the end of August. Not to be missed, as it shows quite clearly that this is "the best place in the world for a printer to be", according to Eitaro Ogawa, STPI master printer and brought Lui Thai Ker - a normally conservative gentleman and distinguished architect - to claim at the exhibition opening that "this makes Singapore the world's print capital"! More on STPI. 
  

 

Spiritual, social & aesthetic dialogues

This group show at Sundaram Tagore Gallery at Gillman Barracks features paintings and photographs that transcend cultural boundaries. The diversity of content, technique and medium is a testament to the gallery's long-standing mission, which is to spark cross-cultural dialogue. Artists include Thai painter Chatchai, Indian-born artist Sohan Qadri and Japanese-American metal artist Miya Ando. Exhibiting until 18 September. Go to Sundaram here. 
 

 

Nothing Private about this Gallery

Influences and friendships: a Chua Ek Yay estate collection. Exhibition until 22 September. The Private Museum in Waterloo Street, Singapore. In celebration of Singapore's 50th anniversary of independence, The Private Museum is proud to present this collection - a special body of works offering a glimpse into Chua Ek Kay's lesser-known art collection of prominent artists and friends. With 21 artworks in Chinese ink and Calligraphy, Oil and Woodcarving, the exhibition reflects the inspirations and the artists that influenced Chua in his artistic practice. Go to The Private Museum. 
 WRITE ON.....Literary Events

        Byron Bay Writers Festival

All on for the weekend 7-9 August - if you're quick you can be there -  but as a lead up Five Writers over five days visit five towns in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia.  That's spreading the word! What a good idea. See who's there and who you can meet - and buy the books! You can catch internationally-bestselling American author David Vann who has featured in 65 international literary festivals. Now it's your turn to see him at BBWF! For more go to Byron Bay Writers Festival.

 

                                                             

  1. Another Big Read Meet
  2. The Big Read might have the Straits Times and National Library Board to thank for keeping it going for two years - in print and as a book club - but how about giving Cheong Suk-Wai an extra big clap. Journalists don't usually get much more than a by-line (and paid mainly!) for what they do, but Suk-Wai is there every month in person leading a lively group of locals - and the odd foreigner - in a discussion on and about authors and non-fiction books. June it was a special session with brilliant writer/commentator Margaret Heffernan. July looked at the controversial composer Philip Glass.  The Big Read meet on 26 August is a special session with the editors, co-authors and stars of the official SG50 book, Living the Singapore Story. For more on the past and the next Big Read.

Where Writers Shop

 

So says the sign and bookseller Anthony Koh makes sure he keeps to his word. Many words in fact. Located in City Link Mall - walk from Suntec City to the Esplanade and you'll find it. Booktique is certainly a book store with a difference. No flashiness. Mostly plain wooden pallets without fancy shelving. But even local self-published authors get displayed with covers showing. And the best Singapore selection of wonderful words and books to help writers refine and/or refresh their craft. For more, go to Booktique on Facebook. 


 

Twilight Tales

Josephine Chew had everyone under her spell. Kampong days, toilets, library books, school, etc. Twilight Tales in July was a wonderful way to get up close and personal with writers and publishers in Singapore. Hosted by the National Book Development Council in the private apartment of Monica Li, first time author of "The Dragon Phoenix Bracelet".  The next Twilight Tales will be 10 October in a different location, with different featured writers. You'll hear more from the Book Council so keep in touch here. 


 

World Lit by SJ Watson

His journey from being an audiologist working with hearing-impaired children to a writer of thriller fiction might seem odd, but after reading his debut novel, Before I Go To Sleep, SJ Watson's career change leaves none in doubt that it was an excellent move. The session is moderated by Kenneth Quek, Deputy Director of National Book Development Council (NBDCS).  On Friday 28 August 2015 at 7.30pm, Blue Room, The Arts House. Its free, but for more info and to book go here. 
  


 

Not Writers Block.....But Block These Dates

30 October - 8 November: Singapore Writers Festival 

The Singapore Writers Festival will be returning to the Empress Place district this year from 30 October to 8 November 2015. Sophie Hannah, one of the first to be confirmed as a visiting writer/speaker,  is the bestselling crime writer published in 34 languages and 51 territories worldwide. Two of her novels have appeared on TV under the series title Case Sensitive. Last year, Sophie published The Monogram Murders, the first Hercule Poirot mystery since Agatha Christie's death, approved by the Christie estate.  For the best of local authors and books, as well as some of the world's best published writers of fiction and non-fiction, poetry and the works, don't miss it. See SWF on Facebook.


   

A digital platform - Writing the City - where writers can read, write, discuss and connect.   Created by the British Council and focusing on writing inspired by city life, this project supports a community of new, emerging and established writers who share their work, give and receive feedback and have access to opportunities to take their writing forward. Sixteen of the mostly new writers are published (in print!) in the little book, Writing the City: Fresh fiction from Singapore, which is available free from all libraries and the British Council.
 

Bookends with Amitav Ghosh

Good to read what Deepika Shetty has to say - and extract from - Amitav Ghosh. Here's a link to the piece in Sunday Times Sizzling Reads 2 August. Ghosh will be in Singapore on 10 August to launch Flood of Fire as part of the India Se & Singapore Writer's Festival Literary Salon at the Singapore Management University. Go here for more info and to book. 


  

Coffee with Books by British Authors Actually!

We all know, don't we, that Kenny Leck - book seller and publisher extraordinaire - does as much as anyone (probably a lot more than most) to promote writing, reading and books in Singapore. So combining great British literature and handcrafted coffee, Costa Coffee and BooksActually are bringing you the best of London. Buy a book - from arguably Singapore's best little (but very busy) bookstore - by one of the selected British authors, and you will get a voucher for a coffee. Conditions apply of course. But go here to find out more. 


 

Extra, Extra, Extra, Read all about it:

 

Publishizer - Did you know Singapore has its very own crowdfunding platform for writers' projects -  of all shapes and size? See what Guy Vincent is up to at The Hub. Go Publishizer.

 

Great articles in Today's Manager magazine, edited by veteran journalist Narendra Aggarwal. An analysis of the Book Trade, which is alive and well and living in Singapore. Read More. 


 

What an insight into the fiction writers scene, as Akshita Nanda wonders why Singaporeans are not winning major literary prizes. Read the ST Life story. 

 

Greatly enjoyed what we saw/heard of it. The South Asia Literary Salon in July in Singapore, featuring some well known - and not so - from numerous Asia countries. A pleasure to meet Romesh Gunesekera from Sri Lanka - a country with a wealth of literary talent - and grab his Booker shortlisted novel Reef. Event organised by the Institute of South Asian Studies. Learn more here. 

 

ANZA Writers Group has another meet coming up so wherever you come from and no matter what you're up to in the writing game, you're welcome. Tuesday 11 August at 7pm. Be at the upstairs lounge of the ANZA Office, 47A Kampong Bahru Rd , Singapore 169361. Calling all novelists, playwrights, biographers, poets, journalists, editors and general wordsmiths. Now scheduled on the second Tuesday of every month at the ANZA office, it is a chance to rid yourself  of writers' block, receive feedback and boost your inspiration levels. Bring along yourselves, your writing and if you want, something to nibble or swill. Go to the ANZA website for more info. 

 

Art Hats in Renaissance City

Yes, I have the book, I've read all about it and it's wonderful to see such a comprehensive survey - with plenty of profiles, contributors and photographs - of arts, artists and cultural leaders in Singapore. It's edited by Renee Lee, with a foreword by Tommy Koh. It's published by World Scientific. Just reading about the wonderful watercolourist Ong Kim Seng is enough to justify getting the book. That story was re-printed in the Sunday Times. To get your copy go to any bookshop worth its salt. Or go to the publisher directly.


 

 

There's a writers event on somewhere in the world practically every week, but  here's two for the really committed:

 

Indonesia Goes to Frankfurt

 

If you can make it to Europe in October, you should plan to attend the Frankfurt Book Fair, with plenty in store for writers and publishers. It runs from 14 to 18 October and the Guest Country of Honour will be Indonesia. For More on the 2015 event. 


Writers & Translators to Manila

 

For those with a literary bent, don't miss the Asia Pacific Writers and Translators Conference, with the theme 'Against the Grain'. It takes place in Manila, 22-25 October 2015, after making a big impression in Singapore last year. Go here for more on this important writers event. 

Special Events for 

Sarcoma Awareness 

in Australia and Singapore

 

Shearing for Sarcoma

Saturday 10 October. Doesn't sound much like art. But tell that to a shearer. Plus there's art on show and even recognition for that wonderful children's book "Where is the Green Sheep?" written by Mem Fox and gloriously illustrated by Judy Horacek.  There's also popular TV actress Jane Turner on hand - best remembered as half of the very funny "Kath and Kim" TV comedy duo.  In a small town in rural Australia, Kick Sarcoma is set to host a very unique event - a Twilight Fair and Dinner Bush Dance. All to help raise awareness for Sarcoma and raise fund for Sarcoma Research. If you can find your way to Corryong, close to the border between Victoria and New South Wales, you won't regret it. To see how to get there, where to stay and what's on the programme, here's where you go.

 

From Singapore with Love

"The name's Bond, James Bond".  If you see yourself as the suave, sophisticated secret agent or one of his numerous Bond girls, or even the mysterious M (played by the wonderful Judi Dench), you should seriously think about the James Bond-themed ball at the St Regis Hotel, Singapore on 31 October, organised to benefit the Sarah Grace Sarcoma Foundation.  All the details are here. 

 














Share the good news about your favourite writers, plays, galleries, theatres and all other creative arts and events you like. This issue is decidedly our take on what's coming up - with a strong focus on the people involved with literary, visual and performing arts - and what we want you to hear about. But it's an avenue of opportunity for you and all arts lovers. We welcome all ideas, events, illustrations, reviews and contributions. Keep your items brief and provide a reliable link for more information, orders or bookings. This is a private enterprise - or more correctly a social enterprise -  so we welcome support, sponsorship and/or advertising.

                                                                              Ken Hickson 
                                                                      editor, the avenue for creative arts