Seen.By.Ice.Queen: coming to my senses

As mentioned in my previous post, i was at the press con of The Tempest on 31 March at The Swiss Hotel, Singapore. Anyway, went to watch The Tempest at Esplanade Theatre on 3rd April.

I thought hard. Really hard about how I was going to discuss the experience watching this play. The most straightforward thing you will probably ask me is, "Did you enjoy it?" The simple answer. "Yes"

Why then the difficulty in trying to write this piece? Well, first of all, I din want anyone reading this thinking, "Ya, well, you wanna look arty farty, like you appreciate the sophistication of the literary world, that's why you have to say you enjoyed it." In fact, i am telling the truth. OK, I was not blown away but you know what? I did enjoy the play.

OK, digress to the time when i got the tickets and was trying to find someone to go with me. My usual date for such plays was busy with pre-Easter religious commitments (who am i to fight with the Almighty one :P) and was hence unable to attend the play with moi. So i started going through my mind's list of who I should be asking to the play. Whilst i can go alone, and mind you, i am not someone who needs constant companionship, i did want to have someone to ask for his/her input.

Asked one of my theatre pals to go but he was going to the Friday show so he was out. At the same time, i din wanna just ask anyone. Not that i snoot at the 'non-artistic beings'. Nooo... I am less artsy than you can imagine (if you were imagining me to be a literary queen) It's just that I want the person to at least have a shot at enjoying the play too.

You understand my concern through this excerpt of a typical conversation when i try to ask someone to watch this play with me..
me: eh u free sat nite to watch The Tempest with me?
potential date: har? waddat?
me: ehem... Shakespeare play la.. never hear before meh? The bridge project la. SRT co-commissioned the project blah blah.....
potential date: er.... never hear.. but Shakespeare very cheem (translation: deep/difficult to understand) leh. later i go there sleep how?
me: so u wanna go or not?
and i move on to the next potential date a few more times...

Well, in the end, I asked a girlfriend who's known to appreciate things beyond just popular culture (and i reiterate that i mean no snootiness in this comment).

Fast forward to the play, 10 mins into the play, i caught my date yawning from the corner of my right eye. "Bad news... i thought to myself. It's only 10 mins.. there's another 2 hours to go. How's she gonna last."

But before i knew it, i was too absorbed by whatever was going on onstage to actually worry about my date (sorry babe..)

I remembered Thomas Sadoski's comment about Sam Mendes taking a well balanced approach between literary and visual artistic perspectives in his direction for this play and I tried to find that. To be honest, I did not. The sets were simple and the style of dialogue was kept true to its originator.

But therein lies the beauty of this play. It sucks you in with it's beautifully crafted dialogue, wherein lies the puns and witticism of William Shakespeare. On the flipside, therein lies the pain of being able to appreciate this play. If you go in without the slightest hint of an idea what the play is about, you're in for trouble... or sleepy stupor (like my date haa..).

The thing about The Tempest is that there is just tooooooooo many characters involved. So following the play without prior introduction to the literature is quite a challenge. Also, the play is very heavy on dialogue and not so much of physical representation. Hence, if you are challenged with accents, you may also find it difficult to follow and understand what is going on. Most of the times, the characters were running around a single circular sandy canvas (that's the island).

However, if you've had a pre-empt on the gist of the piece, you will be able to appreciate the simplicity of the set. Honestly, the story is set on the island. How complicated do you want the set to be? If every piece of rock was detailed, it leaves nothing to the imagination.

That is essentially the beauty that theatre can choose to deliver, compared to movies. In a movie, nothing is left to the imagination because it is meant to be a visual stimulant. Theatre on the other hand can choose to be that bridge from text to action. It allows room for your imagination to roam where theatrics chooses to leave it out.

Anyway, back to The Tempest, my suggestion to you, my dear friend, if you are planning on catching it while it runs at Esplanade Theatre, is to do yourself and Sam Mendes a favor. At least get a copy of the program and read it before the play begins.

My fav bits...

• when Stepheno enters and stumbles upon a queer 'monster'.
  
• when Trinculo, Stepheno and Caliban got into a drunken song and dance together.
  
• the wedding celebration of Ferdinand and Miranda

My date's fav bits (yes she did have some)...

• the dance routine at the wedding of Ferdinand and Miranda
• the music

Disappointments...

• Lack of theatrics for the storm that brought the characters to the setting.
• With the traveling crew, I was honestly hoping for more visually spectacular costumes.
• I was expecting the sorcery of Prospero to be played out but sadly, it was almost non-existent.
  

But well, as said very well by Ron Cephas Jones at the press con, everyone has their own theme and interpretation of what The Tempest is. I guess I was expecting a thunderstorm whereas Sam Mendes sought to represent it in tranquility. So tell me what your theme is after you watch it!

The Tempest runs in Singapore's Esplanade Theatre from 2nd to 10th April. Tickets start at $55 and can be purchased at SISTIC.

As i sat down to the start of the press conference in Singapore's Swiss Hotel, for The Tempest, a fellow reporter/friend, asked me how i would write about this. He was concerned that our take on the project will trivialize Shakespeare's literally work and not do it justice. i think his feelings resonate with a lot of us laymen out there. i was a literature student and did my fair reads of Shakespeare's more popular work but i certainly dare not proclaim myself to be the arty farty Shakespearean-spouting being.

However, i surprised myself with my answer to him. That you know what? Many ordinary folks like ourselves will probably appreciate a very simple perspective of this press conference and show.

So here, with this in mind, i present to you as SeenByIceQueen, the press conference of The Tempest, the second edition of The Bridge Project presented by The Singapore Repertory Theatre.


Stephen Dillane
Role: Jaques/Prospero
How else you may know him: Film 44" Chest and in Nine Lives alongside Holly Hunter
Anecdote from the presscon: He showed up a little later than the rest of the cast, unkemptly put together in a long sleeved shirt and bermudas, face full of overgrown beard. sat poker faced throughout the press conference without as much as a twitch and barely spoke except in direct reply to questions directed at him. quiet men like these intrigue me and makes me wonder if he might just be media-shy or simply cannot be bothered.

Ron Cephas Jones
Role: Charles the Wrestler/Caliban
How else you may know him: TV Shows Law and Order and NYPD Blue
Anecdote from the presscon: Appearing almost stern initially, Ron warmed up the moment the project was being discussed for it's literally and technical engagements. Suggests a media-cynic who wants to stay true to his craft. This actor is also extremely appreciatetive of his co-workers, lauding all behind-the-scene crew in contributing to the success of this project. I'm sure he's a lot more popular with his colleagues than with the media.

Thomas Sadoski
Role: Touchstone/Stephano
How else you may know him: TV Shows Ugly Betty and Law and Order (SVU)
Anecdote from the presscon: Between him and Christian Camargo, they talked 50% of the time during the press conference. Bubbly due to youth (he's only 34) or wanting to be a media baby, it doesn't matter but he certainly brought much laughter to the otherwise serious press conference.

Christian Camargo
Role: Orlando/Ariel
How else you may know him: TV Shows Ugly Betty and Law and Order (SVU)
Anecdote from the presscon: There with his wife, Juliet Rylance, he was pretty much the life and comedy of the press conference with many a wise-cracks. When asked how it was working with his wife on the same project, he playfully groused, "We're with each other ALL the time... which is really great!" and then handed the baton to Juliet with a cheeky, "Darling, your turn." Aww.. Do I hear hearts melting now?

Juliet Rylance
Role: Rosalind/Miranda
How else you may know her: More accomplished in theatre than in films, she's been in several other Shakespear plays like The Winter's Tale and Romeo and Juliet
Anecdote from the presscon: The only of the female cast that appeared at the press con, this British lass exude an easy natural beauty that shouts Hollywood sweetheart. It's nice to know that there's a serious and dedicated actor in a pretty package like that.

Quotes from the press con and some reasons why you should be catching The Tempest as directed by Sam Mendes:

• "Film is a visual art and theatre is a literary art... Sam Mendes is able to sit in the middle..." - Thomas Sadoski
  
• "Sam Mendes directs in a very physical style... he is physically abusive... a psychological terror.. but he's just a nice guy to hang around." - jokes Thomas Sadoski when asked his opinion on Sam Mendes.
  
• "... we had one moment..." - Christian Camargo when quizzed on working with real life wife, Juliet Rylance, on the set of The Tempest
  
• "Travelling with Shakespeare... different archetypes and many different angles." - Juliet Rylance discusses the dynamics of performing the same play in different cities.
  

Whether or not we appreciate it, we know the literally value and engagement that will come forth with a Shakespearean play. But what else will I look out for in the play if I were you?

• magic and sorcery (the fascinating theme of which The Tempest is initiated by, in my humble opinion)
  
• costumes, make up, effects (after all, the crew tours with the actors, don't you want to know what is so special about them?)
• the accents (this production is committed to having an equal share of American and British actors, put yourself to the test and see if you are able to identify who's from where)

And that's all folks, I leave you with the trailer and ticketing details. Let me know your thoughts if you catch the play!


Ticket booking and details can be found here >>

I love Selena Tan, Pam Oei and Emma Yong. I also love Hossan Leong, Sebastian Tan, Kumar and Najip Ali. I even love Lim Kay Siu. But I am so so sad. So sad that I had spent my dollar, no, make that dollar$$, on something that I had to force myself to laugh at.


Have you ever seen a person who has great features when you looked at each feature separately, but when you put the features together, the person simply looks.. plain?

Well, this is the equivalent of it.

When you rip the production apart, I find many redeeming factors:

• The cast was made up of really talented and famous actors who can sing, dance, act and overall, entertain.
• The set was beautifully done. Each piece of stage decor, costume and prop had alot of heart and detail in it.
• The songs were wonderfully written. The lyrics are funny and punchy, the melodies were catchy and matching.
• The story and jokes were current and meaningful. When you talk about money issues and the tussle that happens around it, what's not to make for good comedy material right?

Well, if everything seem to be the right ingredient, what went wrong? I can't quite put my finger to it but simply feel that I was not entertained. I feel like most times, I was laughing at very cliche jokes and laughing simply because they were appropriate laugh moments (like when you attend talkshows and they flash applause on the screen to make the audience clap at the right moments).

It was not to say that $ing Dollar was not funny or that it was bad. But perhaps, the problem lies in the fact that it was trying too HARD to make it funny while exploring very real issues and emotions. And also because Selena was trying really hard to match up to Dim Sum Dollies' success. Afterall, this is the production that is filling the gap before the next one, after 6 consecutive years of Dim Sum Dollies.

My notes to you if you are watching $ing Dollar:
You can sleep when:

• Najip Ali's character of Sa'adiah starts 'her' heartwrenching piece on being torn between morals and material.
• Sebastian Tan's character of Valentina Siong Soon Huat talks about anything in general.
• The entire cast get together to discuss what to do with their windfall

Slap whoever is dozing off beside you when:

• The various currencies (British Pound, US Dollar, Indian Rupee, Singapore Dollar) came to life
  
• The boys (Hossan, Kumar, Najip, Sebastian and Kay Siew) do their Michael Jackson thingie in their roles as the infamous people (don't wanna spoil your fun by letting on too much)
• The scene with the merlions (especially if you've been a loyal follower of Dim Sum Dollies)
• Whenever Kumar is in his Syed, the Bangladesh character.

Although I feel like my money could have been better spent buying Dim Sum then on this production, loyalty deems me illogical and I simply would not have forgiven myself if I missed any production written by Selena.

Just a friendly note to Selena and Zahim, you may want to throw in a few kids to give you a bluntly honest opinion of how funny the acts are when you're doing the scripts and rehearsals.

Rating:

It is this dynamism that is seeing Jazz sensation Laura Fygi breaking from her comfort zone, that being a Jazz performer, to join the ranks of being an artsy, Theatre/Musical artiste. This sultry-voiced dynamite herself set foot onto our sunny shores on April Fools' Day 2009 to grace the press conference for the musical she is starring in November 2009, Victor/Victoria.

Without delving into the musical and spoiling the fun for all you musical fans out there, I shall share the funny story that led to Laura's (oh do indulge me in addressing her on a first name basis..) sparkling appearance on our little dot of a country called Singapore.


As Loretta mused, the idea to feature Victor/Victoria had brewed years ago but it was not easy casting the lead character cos you need "not just anybody who can sing but a professional Singer who has lived the life of a Singer", in order to portray the character in its essence.

Laura Fygi sprang into her mind and of course, with Felina Khong's strict fingers over the purse strings, Loretta knew there was no way in hell she'd be allowed to even attempt casting Laura in this production.

However, Loretta being Loretta (read: unconventional, out-of-this-world crazy, no-box-needed-to-think-out-of style), she thought, What's the worse that can happen if she just sends Laura an email? At most, she'd delete it. End of story. So the story goes that Laura, at that same point of time was deliberating her performing career, thinking, nobody's ever going to cast me in anything else but a witch.. blah blah blah in a play. Talk about cosmic telepathy! And just when Laura's manager was about to reject the role on her behalf, Laura decided, wait a minute, I want to explore all possibilities, no matter how small it might seem.

The next thing you know, the email exchanges between Laura and Loretta progressed to SMSes (all these still done behind Felina's back) and before you knew it, Laura called Loretta one night while Loretta was stark naked (hehe.. what a twist eh? and before your dirty minds plays it up, she was getting dressed to go out for dinner!) to chat and before long, Loretta had to confess the 'relationship' to Felina before they could take it to the next level.

And that is how yours truly is seated in Victoria Bar @ Hotel Intercontinental, wolfing down cakes and tea while trying not to choke over the hilarious anecdotes of 'How Laura Came To Be'.

And may I just say that I am totally mesmerized by Laura Fygi's combination of sultry voice and comic-timing (yes , the Jazz Queen is funny!). I am sooooo looking forward to the production of Victor/Victoria.

For more ticketing information, please visit: Zebra Crossing Productions Pte Ltd

I truly applaud SRT in their 'workaholism'. Just within the first quarter of 2009, they are presenting 3 shows!

And thanks to SRT, it appears that hunk-a-dory Ethan Hawke will be visiting our sunny shores soon!

The Bridge Project is a major new trans-Atlantic venture for director Sam Mendes (Academy Award winner for American Beauty), Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and The Old Vic in London, which is run by Kevin Spacey (Academy Award winner for The Usual Suspects and American Beauty).

Sam Mendes will direct The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare in 2009 starring Simon Russell Beale, Sinead Cusack and Rebecca Hall from the UK; and Richard Easton, Josh Hamilton and Ethan Hawke from the US.

Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) is proud to be one of the five co-commissioners of The Bridge Project, which involved investing seed money in the creation of what will arguably be the most prestigious global theatrical event in 2009.

Singapore will be the first – and only Asian stop – on the world-tour in March 2009. SRT will present the Singapore leg in collaboration with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.

Over the past 15 years, SRT has produced high quality theatre in Singapore with a very international edge, benchmarking itself against the best. A testament to its investment in and commitment to quality is a very loyal and rapidly growing audience-base in Singapore. SRT’s strategy of working with the best stage talent from around the world fuels its mission of created a name for itself, and for Singapore, as a leading arts capital. The end-goal is to build a relationship with international producers who will then help tour original Singaporean plays and musicals.

SRT entered a very successful partnership in 2007’s with the Royal Shakespeare Company by presenting their productions of King Lear and The Seagull, directed by Sir Trevor Nunn and starring Sir Ian McKellen which. Singapore’s involvement in The Bridge Project is a direct result of the success of the RSC project.

“It is a major coup for Singapore to be the first stop (and only Asian destination) on this international tour of what is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This will be the most important theatrical event anywhere in the world in 2009. To have Singapore Repertory Theatre listed as one of the co-commissioners on every poster and newspaper ad around the world is incredible,” says Singapore Repertory Theatre’s Artistic Director Gaurav Kripalani.

Commented JP Nathan, Director of Programming, The Esplanade Co Ltd: “We are very pleased to be working in collaboration with SRT again. Last year’s collaboration on the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of King Lear gave SRT valuable exposure in managing productions of such a scale. Working together allows Esplanade to help local companies like SRT shoulder the risks of presenting large productions while deepening their expertise in managing such works to place them more firmly as credible and trustworthy players in the international arts market. Just as we did for the Asian leg of the RSC production, Esplanade will also be lending its technical expertise to the project by overseeing the construction of the sets which will be used for the Singapore and New Zealand productions of The Winter’s Tale. Having the sets built in the region will not only make economic sense but will also help train up local expertise in the area. We look forward to more of such collaborations and knowledge sharing in the future.’

Ticket information
DATES: 26^th to 31^st March 2009
Thursday to Tuesday 8pm/ 3pm matinee Sat, Sun and Tuesday
PRICES: From $40 to $325
VENUE: Esplanade Theatre
TICKETING: SISTIC at 6348 5555 or www.sistic.com.sg
WEBSITE: www.srt.com.sg