FESTIVAL GUIDE - Squarespace
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
FESTIVAL GUIDE
Septfest returns
after a 6-year hiatus!
SeptFest is The
Substation’s month-
long celebration of art,
culture and community,
held annually to mark The
Substation’s anniversary
(16 Sept). Themed
differently each year,
SeptFest features multi
and interdisciplinary
programmes such as
exhibitions, performances,
films from Singapore
and the region that
highlights the diversity and
experimentation spirit of
The Substation.
Marking the 30th Anniversary
of Singapore's first independent home Themed In The Margins, the 4-week
of the arts, and keeping true to The festival curated by Co-Artistic Director, Raka Maitra,
Substation’s spirit of experimentation takes a closer look at the stories of the marginalised,
and celebrating the alternative, The displaced and forgotten communities who are often
Substation will be highlighting and out of sight. In its abstract interpretation, the festival
redefining the stories of the fringe. also features works that highlight the fragility and
ephemeralness of spaces, or even the relationships we
have with ourselves or the strangers we meet.
foreword
In these unprecedented times, although the
pandemic has resulted in the shift of SeptFest
to March, the festival’s commitment to the
presentation and development of new experimental
work is undiminished. Something positive that came
out of the pandemic is that it has spurred us to take
The end of an era: a closer look at our artists at home.
A SeptFest like no other
I dedicate this SeptFest not only to the rich and
We rarely see what is in plain sight. For the past 30 diverse talents we have amongst us but also as our
years, The Substation has always been here at 45 fond farewell gift to Singapore, with stories from the
Armenian Street. For three decades, it was a place fringe and the margins.
for the arts like no other. While many claim that
there are various arts venues today, I have always I hope all of you will have an enjoyable time at the
stood firm that The Substation is one-of-a-kind. Its festival.
openness to interdisciplinary works, the range of
emerging artists it has supported and developed RAKA MAITRA
over the years, and the issues and concerns of a Festival Director,
Co-Artistic Director,
society that it has highlighted, is unequalled in The Substation
Singapore.
At the end of July, The Substation will be no more,
and what was plainly obvious would disappear. It will
be the end of an era. Nonetheless, this ending will
be marked with a SeptFest like no other.
4 5
festival calendar
WEEK 1 PERFORMANCE THEATRE THEATRE
EXHIBITIONS
4, 5, 6 Mar TEA LEAVES GLOWING WALTZ OF THE FLOWER OEOS
4, 5, 6 PROJEK ORANG ASLI
IN THE WIND Caroline Chin & Lina Yu
Mar Zai Kuning, Ronnie
Tang Da Wu & Zai Tang Marvin Acero Ablao 4–6 MAR | 8.30–9PM
Bahari, Samri A/I Abdul
4 MAR | 6.30–7.30PM 4–6 MAR | 7.30–8.10PM PAGE 8
Rahman
PAGE 8 PAGE 8
4 TO 14 MARCH
12–8PM
WEEK 2 PERFORMANCE LECTURE MUSIC & SPOKEN WORD
SEE RELATED
11, 12, 13 Mar BROWN IS HARAM TABULA RASA
11, 12, 13 PROGRAMMES ON
Mar Kristian-Marc James Paul & Mysara Aljaru Subhas Nair PAGE 14
11-13 MAR | 7–8PM 13 MAR | 2–3PM 11-13 MAR | 8.30–9.30PM
PAGE 9 PAGE 9
MIGRANT WORKERS
COMMUNITY MUSEUM
Alfian Sa'at, Vithya
WEEK 3 MUSIC & STREET DANCE THEATRE PERFORMANCE Subramaniam, Zulkhairi
18, 19, 20 Mar NADA X SCRACH MARCS PARTHENOGENESIS: ALTERNATIVE LESSONS FOR WOMEN
Zulkiflee & collaborating
18, 19, 20, curators
Mar 18-20 MAR | 7–8PM from (a)basement Sonia Kwek & Tan Weiying
PAGE 10 theatre collective 18-20 MAR | 9–10PM
18 TO 28 MARCH
18-20 MAR | 8–9PM PAGE 11
12–8PM
PAGE 10
SEE RELATED
PROGRAMMES ON
PAGE 15
WEEK 4 IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY
25. 26, 27 Mar ISLAND BAR (SINGAPORE): THE LAST CHAPTER GALLERY OPENING HOURS:
25, 26, 27
THE SUBSTATION: A HOME FOR.. Various Artists 12–8PM, TUE–SUN
Mar
Various Artists 25–27 MAR | 7.15–10.15PM CLOSED ON MON
25–27 MAR |10.30AM–10:30PM PAGE 13
PAGE 12
6 7
THEATRE DOUBLE BILL OEOS (30 min) PERFORMANCE LECTURE
programmes waltz of the
flower &
oeos
Created and performed by Lina Yu
Year 2030. The world is a slightly different place brown is
haram
than we knew it to be. It looks and feels much the
OPENING | PERFORMANCE same, but runs differently. The pandemic in 2020
Caroline Chin & Marvin Acero Ablao, Lina Yu Kristian-Marc James Paul & Mysara Aljaru
changed the way the world operates. Research
4, 5, 6 Mar · 7.30pm–9pm · Theatre · $20 11, 12, 13 Mar · 7–8PM · 13 Mar · 2–3PM
tea leaves glowing Inclusive of 20min intermission
and development are at the forefront, and
technology has made many advancements. One Theatre · $20
in the
wind day, a Professor is found dead, and his assistant is
There will be a post-show dialogue on 6 March.
questioned…
Tang Da Wu & Zai Tang
This piece is a continuing exploration of Room
4 Mar · 6.30—7.30PM · Facade 0505, a piece that was presented at The
Substation in 2020. While Room 0505 explored
the human condition through the traditional to
the present, OEOS is an imagination of a possible
future.
MUSIC & SPOKEN WORD
Tabula Rasa
Subhas Nair
11, 12, 13 Mar · 8.30–9.30PM · Theatre · $20 BROWN IS HARAM
An ongoing, collaborative project developed by
Kristian-Marc James Paul and Mysara Aljaru, this
performance-lecture explores Brown narratives in
Walk out of knowing
Singapore, specifically Brown social mobility and
Improvise in uncertainty
masculinity. It is based on Kristian and Mysara’s
In darkness
research and workshops that were organised
Dream with dice
as part of The Substation’s artist residency
programme, Concerned Citizens Programme
Tang Da Wu and Zai Tang create a performance
(2019-2020) and the lived experiences of both
together using sound, sculpture, body and action.
artists and contributors of the project.
This collaboration stems from conversations
TOP: WALTZ OF THE FLOWER
about the value of intuition, chance and the
BOTTOM: OEOS Dramaturg: Alfian Sa’at
unknown in art-making. Improvising in parallel to Dive into the stories of gentrification, language
Director: Myle Yan Tay
one another with their respective materials, they Waltz of the Flower (40 min) theft, racist policies and the resulting
attempt to avoid any predetermined relations or Created and performed by Caroline Chin, together displacement of identities in Singapore as
Issues related to sexual harassment, sexual violence and
generate any specific meaning together. Rather, with Marvin Acero Ablao Subhas Nair introduces his sophomore album, racism will be discussed.
it is a proposal for a performance of multiple Tabula Rasa (also pronounced tak boleh rasa).
possibilities, where instinct and awareness A woman enters. She threads a familiar space— The conceptual album looks at erasure in the city
guide each passing moment. Emerging elements an empty space with nothing but a pot and a and interrogates the power play in writing of our
intersect and interrupt, forming tangents and dying tree; a single leaf dangling. She speaks to narratives, and what the tablet remembers.
tensions between one another, the space and the her invisible audience, at times herself, as she
audience. attempts to reveal a story. She deviates, jokes, Created and performed by: Subhas Nair
Produced by: Jean Hew
confesses, reveals, but struggles at completion.
Suddenly, someone enters. He carries on his
This performance includes mentions of suicide and
routine and waits. Nobody comes. He begins to
intergenerational brown trauma.
dance, uninhibitedly, and he goes.
Inspired by Samuel Beckett’s Footfalls and
Waiting for Godot, as well as Zeami Motokiyo’s The
Damask Drum, this work touches on themes of
loneliness, memories, and longing.
8 9
THEATRE PERFORMANCE DOUBLE BILL The first known female Chinese historian Ban
Zhao wrote Lessons for Women《女诫》, which
parthenogenesis: alternative lessons became a widely circulated code of conduct
(especially during the Qing and Ming dynasty) for
for
women Chinese women, on the virtues they should abide
from (a)basement theatre collective by in society. The book emphasises on women
MUSIC & STREET DANCE to observe humbleness, obedience, devotion,
18, 19, 20 Mar · 8–9PM · SAD Bar · $20 Sonia Kwek & Tan Weiying
talking only about their familial roles of wife/
18, 19, 20 Mar · 9–10PM · Theatre · $20
nada x
scrach marcs daughter/mother/etc. The book seems to teach
women the art of attending to others, but nothing
about pleasing their own desires.
NADA & ScRach Marcs
18, 19, 20 Mar · 7–8PM · Theatre · $20 This double-bill seeks to present an alternative
experience of women, in particular women
dealing with their own inner desires. These two
female solo pieces dig into women stereotypes
and break down the virtues that women have
been told to uphold.
Hymen Instinct (30 min)
Created and Performed by Sonia Kwek
PHOTO: THOMAS BRUNNING PHOTOGRAPHY “Are you ashamed of your desire?” (In the Realm
of the Senses, 1976)
parthenos + genesis = of asexual origin
The maidenly Moon Goddess harbours a dark
secret—she grows a penis every full moon.
Since the late 1800s, the medical profession has
Meanwhile, the dancing Lady of the Night has
diagnosed people who expressed little interest in
a problem—she is unable to orgasm. Can we
sex with ‘sexual coldness’, or ‘sexual anaesthesia’.
embrace our deepest desires without being
a slave to them? Does purity matter in the
parthenogenesis: is one woman’s quest for an
pursuit of satisfying our appetite? Subverting
orgasm—despite not wanting one. It is her self-
the archetypes of the virgin and the whore,
seduction, with love letters addressed to you
Hymen Instinct is a look at the right to an erotic
from the perspective of those like her. Writing
experience of life and sex, where it all begins.
in invisible ink, their thoughts only revealed
through acid and flame. To many, she is merely
What? That's It? (30 min)
an attention-seeking millennial with an ‘internet
Created and Performed by Tan Weiying
orientation’. If she really wanted to, she could
always self-medicate with the ‘right person’,
An elderly lady tries her utmost to achieve an
injected deep inside her.
orgasm, the only way for her to feel closer to her
dead lover.
She isn’t healthy. She isn’t well. She isn’t right.
That's what we all say.
Both pieces feature work by sound artist: Madam Data
TOP: NADA (PHOTO: THROBBING PIXEL)
TOP: HYMEN INSTINCT
BOTTOM: SCRACH MARCS “Because who would invest time and effort into a
BOTTOM: WHAT? THAT'S IT? There will be a post-show dialogue on 18, 19 and 20
relationship that isn't going to get them any sex?” March.
PHOTOS: CHARMAINE POH
In this new collaboration, mythical maestros
NADA and dynamic dance duo ScRach Marcs will Contrary to popular belief, she isn’t alone. Sexual content, references to genitalia and simulated
traverse movement and sound in an exploration violence will occur.
of Singapore’s club culture of the past. Director / Writer: Rebecca Goh
Responding to one another's practices, street Co-creator / Performer: Alia Alkaff
dance and 60s–80s Malay pop, this performance Co-creator / Multimedia Designer: Angeline Glen
Tomara
is a reimagining of a lost cultural era brought to
the contemporary stage.
There will be a post-show dialogue on 18, 19 and 20
March.
Includes frequent use of projection lighting, sexual
references and content, and strong language. Ratings to
be advised.
10 11
DRAWING INSTALLATION CLOSING WEEKEND
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
chonteng: the
Subs (2020) MULTI-DISCIPLINARY
Rizman Putra I land Bar
s (singapore)
:
Assisted by Bud Young and Shawna Chia The Substation: the
last chapter
A Home for...
25, 26, 27 Mar · 7.15–10.15PM
25, 26, 27 Mar · 10.30AM–10:30PM · SAD Bar · $21 The Substation (Various Locations) · $30
After 30 years, The Substation is
now to be returned for renovation works.
Is this a final full stop, a turning point or
a rallying call for change? Could it be a
dying melody that is slowly fading away?
Or is it simply a farewell party, a final
breath of air within this space which has
cradled and nurtured so many artists?
Is this a bittersweet lament, a sigh of
goodbye?
As a homage to The Substation, The
Last Chapter is a final act of solidarity and
creative collaboration before the curtains
go down. A returning and gathering of
artists from different generations led by
What we are saying goodbye to? What collects in Lim Chin Huat, explore and re-discover
the collective memory? the nooks and crannies, characters,
works and memories that are housed in
In the world of IsLand Bar, meet your host who will The Substation.
serve a signature cocktail, a political concoction
of island histories and realities. IsLand Bar brings
Curated and Produced by: Lim Chin Huat
together voices from different places, practices Featuring: Kok Heng Leun, Johnny Ng, Eve Tan,
to share their micro context within global Renee Chua, Wendy Toh, Regina Toon,
interactions. Through an immersive situational Eileen Lee
Chonteng (“to doodle” in English), created performance, you are invited to drink and re-think Creative Production Manager: Tennie Su
using Chinese ink and brush, is a mural drawing about the origins of cultural and social identities; Lighting Designer: Gabriel Chan
that explores the ideas of line and mark-making the notion of home, displacement and care Photography: Tuckys Photography
through an activation of your senses. Surtitlist: Shang Dianjun
based loosely on the method of automatic
drawing. A festival commission, the installation
reimagines elements of The Substation building IsLand Bar is an open-source project first
as a form of homage, while documenting the initiated as an experiment in ADAM* 2017 and
stream of iconography and structures from the commissioned in Taipei Arts Festival 2018 led by
consciousness of the artist. principal artists Scarlet Yu (Hong Kong/Germany),
Chikara Fujiwara (Japan) and Lee Ming-Chen
The concept was also presented at Goethe (Taiwan).
Institute, Labyrinth of Things I (Coda Culture) and
Featuring: ila, Jereh Leung, Norhaizad Adam, Scarlet Yu,
II (Cake Theatre’s Running with Strippers) and
Zarina Muhammad
Greymatter (as part of Teater Ekamatra’s Artist in
residency). The various iterations of Chonteng are
This edition of IsLand Bar is supported by Goethe
a transformation of gesture and forms of various
Institute and Taipei Performing Arts Centre (TPAC).
stimuli, materialising as abstracted forms, and an
investigation of anthropomorphic figures.
PHOTO: TUCKYS PHOTOGRAPHY
12 13
EXHIBITIONS
Projek Orang Asli is a continuation of artist Zai
Kuning's interest in the subject of Austronesian
Projek Orang Asli and pre-Islamic arts and cultures in the Riau
migrant workers Curators: Rubel Fazely, Yulia Endang, May Thu Zin,
Archipelago region. Over 18 years, Zai has Nina Rotelo, Yu Ming, Zhou Zhi Wei
Zai Kuning
documented and created works inspired by the community museum
4–14 March 2021 (Tue–Sun, Closed on Mon) Orang Laut (sea people) and Mak Yong (ancient Facilitators: Alfian Sa’at, Vithya Subramaniam,
12pm–8pm daily · The Substation Gallery Malay opera) in the Archipelago. His observations Zulkhairi Zulkiflee
have been documented in the form of writing, 18-28 Mar (Tue–Sun, Closed on Mon)
Free admission
film, drawing, painting, and sculpture. 12pm–8pm daily · The Substation Gallery With support from migrant worker activists
Collaborating Artists: Ronnie Bahari,
Free admission Jolovan Wham and Stephanie Chok
Samri a/l Abdul Rahman In this exhibition, Zai turns his attention to the
Advisor: T.K. Sabapathy Orang Asli, the aboriginal people of Peninsular
Project Manager: Jezlyn Tan Malaysia. They are the oldest inhabitants of this
area, yet their existence is rarely mentioned in
Singapore’s history. Their disappearance due RELATED PROGRAMMES:
RELATED PROGRAMMES:
to Singapore’s modern
Exhibition Opening
development is also largely Curator's Tour
unknown. Based on Zai’s 21 & 28 Mar · 2PM · The Substation Gallery
4 Mar · 7–10PM
childhood memories, the Free admission via registration
The Substation Gallery
Free admission via registration Orang Asli—who were also
Performance: Migrants Band Singapore
loosely known as the Sakai
21 Mar · 4.30–5.15PM, 5.30PM–6.15PM
Artist Talk: Zai Kuning in people—lived at the hill in
The Substation Theatre
conversation with T.K. Sabapathy Telok Blangah where his own Free admission via registration
7 Mar · 2–3.30PM relatives resided.
The Substation Theatre
Anis – Tabla
Free admission via registration
In the process of Jomiluddin – Dole
documenting the daily life, Munir – Harmonium
Film Screening: Sewang Ne' Asik
rituals, song and dance, Nilsagar – Electric Piano
• 7 Mar · 4PM, 5PM, 6PM, 7PM
traditional dress and Nozrul – Singer
The Substation Theatre
folklore of the Orang Asli, Prodip - Tabla
Free admission via registration
Rana – Singer
Zai conceptualises and
Robiul - Flute
• 5–14 Mar · 7PM daily presents works within a
The Substation Gallery
Rubel – Guitar The Migrant Workers Community Museum begins with a
UNTITLED BY RONNIE BAHARI range of visual art forms:
Shojip – Percussion proposition: what would a museum, designed and curated by
Free admission. Limited to 10 pax. photography, video Subhas Nair – Supporting Role migrant workers, look like? What objects would be exhibited to
documentation, writing and making notations.
A screening of a work-in-progress represent the heritage of such a diverse group of people? What
Zai is interested in discovering ways to present his
docu-film Sewang Ne' Asik by Zai does it mean to create a ‘place’ for those who are often marked
findings as expressions of contemporary art, in
Kuning, which documents Sewang, as transient labour, whose ‘places of origin’ lies elsewhere? What
a Temiar ritual of the Orang Asli the way that he has told the stories of the Orang
does the history of migration to Singapore look like if we take into
community that calls for the spirit of Laut and Mak Yong to an international audience.
account the social history of migrant workers—those who number
the forest to heal and protect members
almost a million and who work in the construction, cleaning and
of the community who are on the move,
maintenance, shipyard, oil refinery and domestic work industries?
travelling in the forest, or between the
forest and the town.
Bringing together a working group
consisting of migrant workers, artists
and activists, the Migrant Workers
Community Museum is an attempt
to create a temporary museum at
The Substation featuring artefacts
contributed by members of the migrant
worker community in Singapore.
MAH MERI MASKS
BY SAMRI A/I ABDUL RAHMAN
THE LAST MALAYAN BREATH
PHOTOS: FACILITATORS OF MIGRANT
BY ZAI KUNING
WORKERS COMMUNITY MUSEUM
14 15LINA YU has been involved in Writers' Festival, speaking at TEDx PnG, Drama and Philosophy graduate TAN WEIYING has been involved currently living in Singapura. His work
Artists
various local theatre productions as and performing at Other Tongues–a from Royal Holloway, University of in theatre ever since she joined the talks about morality and behaviorism
an actor, and is also exploring acting in minority voices festival. Subhas believes London. She has directed, trained, Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Arts & in the Malay Culture, within the context
film and TV after graduating from the active allyship is crucial in dismantling and collaborated with creatives Cultural Troupe (SHHKACT) at the age of post-colonialism and socio-political
Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI) in systems of oppression on all fronts and and organisations from all over the of 5. She conducts drama classes with change. He reimagines and uses
TANG DA WU is a multidisciplinary 2014. Currently under The Substation’s uses his writing as a tool to provoke world—at theatres and conferences in children aged 3-7, facilitates theatre the Malay folk form as a strategy to
artist acclaimed for his public art Associate Artist Programme, Lina hopes dialogue and social change. He also the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, workshops with senior citizens, and navigate society’s systemic structures
projects and performances that raise to find out more about the creative wrote K. Muthusamy. Singapore, and the United Kingdom. acts/directs. Her current practice and stereotypes. Currently, he is the
individual and collective awareness on process, as she explores themes and Her work explores urgent social issues, explores the creation of imagery with Artistic Director of P7:1SMA, a dance
social, environmental and institutional issues of concern. She looks forward to NADA is a visual arts/sound project philosophical dialectics, and critical bodies in space. Weiying is a graduate of performance company that radically
issues through the use of thought- collaborating with fellow practitioners that explores the myth and synthetic museology through site-responsive the Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI) shifts the perspective of Malay and
provoking narratives. Tang co-founded from different disciplines, while history of a fabricated group of the physicality, documentary storytelling, (Class of 2017). dance through intimate and innovative
The Artists Village (TAV) in 1988, a continuing to hone her craft as an actor same name focusing on the excavation and multimedia performance. She is performance experiences. He has
collective that radically shifted the and creator. of the golden era of Malay traditional also embarrassingly passionate about MADAM DATA (A. presented his work in Italy (Venice
possibilities of art-making in Singapore and popular music that spanned from supporting other young artists like International Performance Art week),
towards the contemporary. In 1999, her in all of their diversity. Rebecca
ADHIYATMA) is a Australia (Mapping Melbourne),
KRISTIAN-MARC JAMES the 1960s to the 1980s. A concept musician (composer) and
Tang was awarded the Arts and Culture developed by Rizman Putra and Safuan has been described as a “future star Taipei (Asia Discovers Asia
Prize at the 10th Fukuoka Asian Culture PAUL is a member of SG Climate theatre-maker”, and as a name to
sound scientist who explores
Meeting), France (Paris
Rally and has appeared on numerous Johari, the duo blurs the line between machine and spirit interfaces.
Prize and in 2007, he was one of four fiction and reality by deconstructing look out for—with “cleverly created Summer Academy), Austria
artists who represented Singapore at podcasts and news publications on Their fantasies are about truly
popular Malay songs from the past subtleties and brave staging choices” (ImPulsTanz), Indonesia
the Venice Biennale. Tang’s recent solo behalf of the movement as their press knowing what sacredness
and melding them back together like in her work. (NuArt), and notable
exhibitions include Cunxin Cuntie Cunxin representative. Apart from his work is, echolocating spaces infused
a newly-discovered treasure of long events in Singapura.
(2021) at Comma Space, Sembawang: in climate activism, Kristian is also an with spirits, and begetting ghosts in
associate member of AWARE. Most lost tapes that has aged with time. ALIA ALKAFF is a writer, the technology they create. In finding
The D. D. Land and Sembagraphie (2019) The project made its debut as “A videographer and editor. She believes SCARLET YU is a
and Hak Tai’s Bow, Brother’s Pool and recently, he was a contributing author these things, they seek a liberatory
for white: behind mental health Nada Story”, a mixed media in the power of storytelling, preferring practice that uses sound to return Hong Kong-born Berlin-
Our Children (2017) at NAFA. His work installation and performance to utilise TV, theatre and narrative based dance artist.
They Poach the Rhino, Chop Off His Horn stigma (2019), an anthology bodies to resonance. They work with
on mental health in Singapore. piece at Budi Daya Exhibition videos to translate her messages. In synthesizers, handmade computer Her work navigates
and Make This Drink (1989) featured organised by the Malay the past, Alia has worked full-time as the in-betweenness
in Awakenings: Art in Society in Asia In his day job, Kristian works programs and circuits, field recordings
as a Diversity and Inclusion Heritage Centre and held in a story writer for Channel 5’s longest- and clarinets; they consider these of the politic and the
1960s–1990s (2018-2019) at National conjunction with the Malay running drama, Tanglin. Her previous poetic of listening and
Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; National Programme Coordinator objects to be interfaces with the Divine
at a global software Culturefest 2014. In March acting works include Dwayne Ng’s presence; they work with the sonics of storytelling in human,
Museum of Modern and Contemporary 2015, NADA made a trip to Paris for a Single Mothers (2019) as the character, nature, and things.
Art, South Korea, and National Gallery corporation. stillness, space and brutal intensity.
special exhibition held at Palais de Tokyo Sunitha as well as, appearing in Patch Scarlet makes art as an
Singapore. where they did an artist visitation stint to and Punnet’s debut double-bill 2042 interface to connect
MYSARA rerecord selected songs in French. (2017) as Mother in the piece entitled
ila is a visual and performance artist multiple living realities
ZAI TANG is an artist whose ALJARU is a whose intimate works incorporate
A Mother's Love. She is a graduate from and focuses on the
practice spans sound, drawing, writer, researcher objects, moving images and live
ScRach MarcS (Rach, Singapore Polytechnic’s ‘Creative paradoxical aspect of
animation, and performance. He creates and lens-based performance. Through weaving
Writing for TV and New Media’. memory, the heritage
immersive affecting experiences that practitioner. Marc), a pioneer robotic couple Currently, she is a Communications
imagined narratives into existing
system, the self-narrative
Previously a formed in 2008, represents a new realities, she seeks to create alternative
explore notions of awareness and Studies major at Nanyang Technological dramaturge, the transformative
journalist and ideology and evolution of street art in nodes of experience and entry
connectivity between human and University. identities, subjectivity, and the politics
documentary producer, Singapore and the world. Having both points into the peripheries of the
nonhuman worlds. His process begins of the body in autobiography. Her
she is currently pursuing started out in the classic street dance unspoken, the tacit and the silenced.
with field recordings from wildlife-rich ANGELINE GLEN TOMARA collaborative and solo works have
her Masters in Malay styles, ScRach MarcS is about creative Using her body as a space of tension,
habitats under threat, which are then is a graduate of LASALLE College’s been presented in various contexts
Studies at NUS. Working movement—to look at dance as an art negotiation and confrontation, her
abstracted and visualised using both Diploma of Broadcast Media such as IsLand Bar with ADAM
on the intersections of form, without boundaries and without works generate discussion about
analogue and digital techniques. His programme and is currently pursuing Artist, Temporary Title 2015, For The
art and academia, she explores the labels. The duo are constantly on the gender, history and identity in relation
recent works have been presented a Film Degree, majoring in Production Unfaithful Replica, For Performance
politics of space and power structures lookout for new and exciting works that to pressing contemporary issues.
at the Busan Biennale (2020), NTT Design. She excels as an Art Director, and Still Untitled at Sculpture Projects
in the process of narrative making that push the creative mind and artistic level; Her works have been shown at DECK
InterCommunication Centre (2020), Editor, and Motion Graphics Artist, Münster 2017 together with Xavier Le
cuts across class, race and gender. She as creators; innovators and artists. (2021), National Gallery Singapore
London International Animation Festival given her creative eye and a strong Roy, A Performance curated by Enoch
(2020), Singapore Biennale (2019), has also showcased and performed (2020), The Substation; NTU Centre
grasp of colour. Her works are visually Cheng and solo works such as Read
SGIFF (2019), Yinchuan Biennale (2018), at Objectifs and ArtScience Museum. from (a)basement for Contemporary Art; National Design
stylistic, and her brand of aesthetics MEmory, The Act of Passing and The
Mysara’s writing has been published Centre (2019); Coda Culture, and
Kuala Lumpur Experimental Film Festival theatre collective is has gained her multiple recognitions ArtScience Museum.
Act of Memory. Yu was a jury member
(2018) and Singapore International in Growing Up Perempuan (2018), a critically-acclaimed independent for Tanzplattform Germany 2018,
at both international and local film
Festival of Arts – The O.P.E.N (2017). Zai’s Budi Kritik (2018) and online/print theatre company with an international Rehearsal Director of Arts Fission
festivals, including three Crowbar
latest work, Escape Velocity V is currently publication Karyawan. outlook, made up of a diverse community awards for Goodness, Art Direction and
JEREH LEUNG who is based Company (2000-10) and Artist in
showing at National Gallery Singapore of interdisciplinary theatre-makers. The in Singapore, adopts a constant residency at Hombroich Summer
Music Video. She hopes to continue
until 14 March 2021. MYLE YAN TAY is a writer, collective shares a creative passion for evaluation and redefinition of Fellows and Asia Discovers Asia Meeting
collaborating and creating inclusive
actor, and director. His works include raw, subversive, and thought-provoking patriarchal society and social norms. 2017. In 2015, she obtained a Master
heartfelt stories, which also enlighten
CAROLINE CHIN is a performer Master Race (2018), Overtime: An work, with interests in multidisciplinary Through working with dispositifs of in Choreography at The Hong Kong
and entertain the audience.
from Singapore with a background Original Musical (2017) co-created with and surrealist theatre and with an misc-en-scene, soundscapes and Academy for Performing Arts.
in acting and dance. She graduated Nathaniel Mah, and Lemmings (The artistic focus on multimedia, spoken filmic elements, he creates landscapes
Second Breakfast Company, 2017). word, and movement collaboration. The
SONIA KWEK moves, makes and seals to place viscerality as the
from the Intercultural Theatre Institute and shares through varying mediums. central vehicle of meaning. Combining
ZARINA MUHAMMAD is
in 2018, and later joined Chowk He played Lucas in Zenda Tan’s Eat collective strives to empower creatives, an artist, educator and researcher
Often, she is performer, co-creator and/ strategies of collective memories
Productions as a dancer in 2019. Duck (Checkpoint Theatre, 2019), was and audiences as active specta(c)tors, in whose practice is deeply entwined
or facilitator in projects spanning across and surrealism, he looks into the
Independently, she seeks to create work the Assistant Director for Lucas Ho’s discussions of perspectives unheard and with a critical re-examination of oral
disciplines. Sonia's practice is driven by politics of memory, authenticity and
that finds nuances between forms and FRAGO (Checkpoint Theatre, 2017) and unseen. Creating well-researched work histories, ethnographic literature
a fascination with the body, particularly social construct. He has worked with
culture. was a Citizen’s Reviewer for Centre 42 that excites and debates is in its pith and other historiographic accounts
in examining the material(ity) of the Singapore artists Choy Ka Fai, Daniel
(2017-2019). His first comic book Putu and core, with the ultimate aim to make about Southeast Asia. Working at
body and questioning body politics as Kok, Loo Zihan, Looi Wan Ping, Drama
Piring has been published by Checkpoint social-specific theatre that challenges, the intersections of performance,
MARVIN ACERO ABLAO is Theatre in 2020. inspires, and most importantly, reveals
a women. Sonia seeks to shape space/ Box, Frontier Danceland, T:>Works and
time for intimate encounters and installation, text, ritual, sound and
a dancer, actor and visual artist from suppressed narratives that deserve to The Necessary Stage; internationally
visceral experiences in her work, as a moving image, she is interested in the
Bohol, Philippines. He was trained in see the light of day. with Isabelle Schad(DE), Xavier Le
modern, contemporary and classical SUBHAS NAIR is a rap/hip-hop way to open alternative perspectives Roy(FR/DE), Alexandra Pirici(ROU),
broader contexts of myth-making,
artist from Singapore who seeks to share about the in-between and unspoken. haunted historiographies and role of
ballet at Steps Dance Studio. He is Oleg Soulimenko(AT/RUS),
currently a member of Kasing Sining perspectives of the world around him REBECCA GOH is an Sonia is a graduate of the Intercultural Noa Zuk( IL), Ole Khamchanla(FR) and
the artist as “cultural ventriloquist”
and engage with people from different interdisciplinary theatre/movement Theatre Institute and also holds a who lends multiple voices to spectral
Teatro Bol-anon Ensemble, Bohol Dance Wallie Wolfgruber (USA) .
walks of life through his music and director, collaborator, writer, dramaturg, Bachelor of Creative Industries with matters and speculative histories. In
Project Company and International
lyricism. After releasing his debut album researcher, and workshop facilitator. Distinction from Queensland University addition to presenting her projects,
Dance Council-UNESCO. He is in his final NORHAIZAD ADAM is a Malay
Not A Public Assembly in May 2018, he She currently helms from (a)basement of Technology. Currently, she is an performances and installations at
year at Intercultural Theatre Institute for dancer, dance artist, and performance
brought his work to multiple venues theatre collective as the company's associate artist with P7:1SMA and Singapore Art Museum (Singapore),
a Professional Diploma in Acting. maker who was born, raised, and
including panelling at the Singapore Artistic Director and is an award-winning associate member of Dance Nucleus. ArtScience Museum (Singapore),
16 17NTU Centre of Contemporary Art well as the published play Cooling Off companies, cultural centres and special Blood Ties, Kallang Roar the movie and REGINA TOON is a multi- The Tempest (Singapore Repertory
(Singapore), Objectifs Centre for Day. In 2001, Alfian won the Golden event commissions. A recipient of Singapore Dreaming. As an artist, she disciplinary artist. She is an all-rounded Theatre), The LKY Musical (Metropolitan
Photography and Film (Singapore), Point Award for Poetry as well as the NAC Young Artist Award 2000, NAFA works primarily in acrylic, watercolour performer who acts, sings, dances and Productions), First Fleet (Nine Years
T:>Works (Singapore), Indonesia National Arts Council Young Artist Distinguished Alumni Medal 2019 and and ink. Her works were featured at plays multiple musical instruments. She Theatre), Sometime Moon (Toy Factory
Contemporary Art Network (Indonesia), Award for Literature. He has also been a nominee for the Spirit of Enterprise Coda Culture, Your Mother Gallery, trained professionally in East 15 Acting Productions) and Fluid (The Theatre
Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei nominated for the Singapore Literature Award 2004, Chin is currently heading National Museum and 791 Art Museum School (UK), Intercultural Theatre Practice). Gabriel was also the lighting
(Taiwan), she has also presented her Prize three times, for Corridor (1999, the faculty of movement at Intercultural at Nanchang, China. Institute (Singapore) and has travelled designer for Singapore’s National Day
work and been involved in projects Commendation Prize), A History of Theatre Institute since 2015. extensively in Asia and beyond, learning Parade 2017, 2018 and 2020. Gabriel
across Asia Pacific and Europe. Amnesia (2004) and his translation of RENEE CHUA is an actress, and researching various traditional is also the founder of Linesmith, a new
the novel The Widower (2016). Alfian KOK HENG LEUN is a prominent director, and applied theatre performance forms. While her creative moniker under which he conducts
ZAI KUNING is one of the most has won Best Original Script at the figure in the Singapore arts scene, practitioner. As a stage actress, some work often focuses on story-telling, her Vectorworks drafting training courses
versatile artists working in the region Life! Theatre Awards four times, for having built his artistic career as a of her notable works include Magic personal research and exploration are in Singapore, authorised directly
who resists convenient categorisations. Landmarks (2004), Nadirah (2010), theatre director, playwright, dramaturg Lantern (Paper Monkey, ST Life! usually of the psychosomatic nature, from Vectorworks headquarters in
He has pioneered a practice spanning Kakak Kau Punya Laki (Your Sister's and educator. He is known for engaging Award for Best Production for Young), that is the study and discovery of the Washington.
sculpture, installation, painting and Husband, 2013) and Hotel (with Marcia the community on various issues 11 (Theatre Practice, nominated body-mind complex. Regina is also a
drawing, experimental sound and Vanderstraaten, 2016). He is also the through the arts, championing civic for Best Ensemble), Home Boxes published writer of poetry and prose. TUCKY founded Tuckys Photography
music, video, film, performance art, co-artistic director of the biennial discourse across different segments (Paper Monkey, nominated for Best Recently, she has been involved in in 2002. He had been working with
poetry, dance and theatre. Zai also Singapore Theatre Festival. of society. Having begun his work in Ensemble), and David the Best (Drama scriptwriting for theatre and film. She various performing arts groups in
values collaboration and has performed the theatre almost 30 years ago, some Box). Renee’s directorial draws her inspiration from the beauty creating marketing materials and
and created works with artists of notable directorial works include works include Wonderland of reality. archival of the performances. His
VITHYA SUBRAMANIAM is
diverse practices including Kuning an anthropologist-in-training Drift,Trick or Threat, Manifesto and (Doublebill, M1 works were featured in numerous
Sulaiman, Kuo Pao Kun and Tang Da Wu interested in memory, materiality, and Underclass. His explorations with Peer Plea-sure EILEEN LEE, an associate artist publications—prints and online
in Singapore, and Tetsu Saitoh in Japan. space. Her earlier research had focused multi-disciplinary engaged arts have 2019), The with ECNAD from 2010-2013, has locally and internationally. He has also
on Sikh mnemonic spaces and the produced works like Project Mending Puppet King (NAFA, performed in various productions and been creating impactful visuals for
RONNIE BAHARI was born in work of cartography in remembering Sky (2008, 2009 and 2012), a series Toy Factory), Sex also began her choreography journey the marketing and sales projects of
Gombak, Selangor and lived in Kampar, ‘Punjab’. Vithya is a co-founder of Sikh on environmental issues, Both Sides, Cells (The Voice, with Living Room (2010), BINGO! (2011) corporate and commercial clients.
Perak until the age of 25. A self-taught Heritage Trail; the playwright behind Now (2013, 2014 and 2017-2019), a Science Centre), and Adsum (2012). She went on to
photographer, he worked for Jabatan Sikhs of Serangoon; and has been project that seeks to normalise end-of- The Legend of Nezha work with John Mead Dance Company RIZMAN PUTRA graduated with
Filem Negara Malaysia (National Film a lecturer and tutor with the South life conversations and It Won't Be Too (Paper Monkey (JMDC), Sigma Contemporary Dance Master of Arts (Fine Arts) from LASALLE
Malaysia) from 2007 to 2010, then Asian Studies Programme at NUS. Long, which touched on the dynamics Theatre). Renee and in other freelance engagements. College of the Arts in 2007, and has
became a full-time photographer for Vithya holds degrees in South Asian of space in Singapore. His most recent has founded Her She was part of the choreography been actively straddling between
Politeknik Ungku Omar in Ipoh, Perak. Studies from Columbia University and work Tanah•Air 水 • 土 :A Play In Two Playback Theatre team for NAFA alumni show ‘30 years’ performance, visual arts and music for
He is active in promoting the arts, NUS. She is presently a student in the Parts was about the dispossession in 2018, a company in 2017. BINGO! (2011) was her first the last decade. Winner of the Japanese
crafts and culture of the Semai, an DPhil Anthropology programme at the of the indigenous Malays and Orang made up of only major creative work in The Substation Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Orang Asli community in Malaysia. He University of Oxford, UK, exploring Seletar of Singapore. He is a recipient women to serve as part of Fireball 2011 and she is (JCCI) Singapore Foundation Arts
has worked on illustrated materials for the work of objects in the material of the NAC Young Artist Award (2000) women’s stories. thrilled to be able to return to create Award 2005 (as part of artist initiative
Lenggong (2015), which was published experience and development of 'Indian- and Cultural Fellowship (2014). He She has been part new work in a place that was filled Kill Your Television [KYTV], Rizman is a
by the Perak State Secretariat. His ness' and 'belonging' in Singapore. also served as a Nominated Member of Tapestry Playback with beginnings. co-founder of the now dissolved arts
photography has been exhibited at of Parliament from 2016 to 2018, Theatre since 2006, collective, Kill Your Television (KYTV),
the Ipoh International Art Festival representing the arts sector. working with various TENNIE SU’s experience as well as front man for an indie music
ZULKHAIRI ZULKIFLEE is communities to promote
(2019), Georgetown Festival (2019), an artist-curator based in Singapore. with performing arts is varied group, Tiramisu. Rizman has also
Indigenous Art Festival Johor (2015 JOHNNY NG is the current dialogue and social across Chinese traditional performed and exhibited his works in
His practice explores the notion of
and 2016), a fundraiser for Orang Asli chairman of Sin Feng Xiang Sheng change. Her applied music, modern dance and Australia, Germany, Indonesia, Italy,
Malayness in relation to knowledge
children (2012) and the Kuala Lumpur Society and disciple of renowned theatre projects have contemporary theatre. She Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, the
production, the social agency and
Performing Arts Centre (2011). crosstalk master Jiang Kun. He started broached on issues such feels privileged to have United Kingdom and Vietnam. Rizman
distinction/taste.
doing crosstalk in 1976 and as racism, bullying, civic witnessed the process was one of the four artists selected for
Recent curatorial
won the first Singapore Cross consciousness, inequality from page to stage and the the President’s Young Talents Exhibition
SAMRI A/L ABDUL projects include The
and environmentalism.
Orchid; The Wasp (2021), Talk Contest in 1990 and two development of performers. (2005), as well as being included in the
RAHMAN was born and lives in Best Actor awards within the Renee is a graduate from She is an Associate Fukuoka Triennale (2005). He received
Sungai Bumbun on Carey Island, Gillman Barracks; How to
local theatre industry. A Centre of Playback Theatre Production Manager with the Royal Melbourne Institute of
Selangor. He is Mah Meri, one of the Desire Differently (2020);
trailblazer in Singapore (Dip) and National University of Nine Years Theatre. Credits Technology's (RMIT) Most Outstanding
Orang Asli communities in Malaysia. Lim Hak Tai Gallery, NAFA, and
theatre, crosstalk, film and Singapore (BA). include: It Won't be Too Award 2002-2003. He exhibited
He has been making traditional Mah MAT (2019), Objectifs. Other group
exhibitions include The Body as a television for 40 years, Long: The Cemetery, his works at the inaugural Singapore
Meri masks and sculptures under his
master, Mr. Pion, for 26 years, and is Dream, Art Agenda S.E.A (2021); he has been invited to WENDY TOH is a Dawn by Drama Box; Biennale 2006. Rizman is currently an
Stories We Tell to Scare Ourselves perform in China, Taiwan Singaporean artist with a passion for Descendants of the Eunuch Admiral by Associate Artist with Cake Theatrical
successful and renowned in this art.
With (2019), MOCA Taipei, Taipei, and Malaysia for cultural creating art using different mediums Jeff Chen; The Rite of Spring–A People's Productions.
Since 2006, Samri has been supported
and The Direction I Rub One Matters exchanges. and forms. She has a wide portfolio that Stravinsky by The Arts Fission Company
and invited by Jabatan Kemajuan
(2018), Grey Projects. He advises on ranges from the performance arts to and The Philharmonic Orchestra; M1
Orang Asli (National Department
exhibition-making in the Migrant EVE TAN has filmmaking. As an actor and performer, Contact Contemporary Dance Festival
of Orang Asli Development) to
Workers Community Museum participated in several art she has numerous credits in prominent 2019, New Works Festival 2019 by the
demonstrate, promote and protect
(MWCM). projects and exhibitions, film and TV productions. She is an Singapore Chinese Language Theatre
the traditional woodworking culture
including programme Associate Artist with theatre company Alliance; PheNoumenon by T.H.E Dance
of the Mah Meri people of Carey
managing for Art of GroundZ-0, and has trained and worked Company; Art, Art Studio, Cut Kafka! and
Island at events and exhibitions such LIM CHIN HUAT is a cross- with Jinen Butoh School under Atsushi First Fleet by Nine Years Theatre.
as ECO Print (2019), Karnival Orang disciplinary arts practitioner who Speed and Big Draw
’15 at Playeum, organising the Takenouchi. As an artist, Wendy’s
Asli (2017), Malaysia Cultural Week in has over two decades of experience
6th International Urban Sketchers most recent work was E:den 依：窩, an GABRIEL CHAN, a recipient of
Paris (2015), International Museum in capacities as creative director,
Symposium and curating the installation piece which was showcased the NAC Overseas Bursary, graduated
Day (2012), World Expo in Shanghai choreographer, visual artist, performer,
programmes for My HeARTland in The Substation Gallery. On the film from HKAPA with First Class Honours in
(2010), One Village One Product dancer, production designer, mentor
Carnival on MediaCorp Channel 8. As front, Wendy’s directorial debut - the Lighting Design. He was also awarded
International Exhibition in Bali (2009) and educator. He is known for his
a designer, she specialises in design experimental short film “In Between” the Strand Lighting Scholarship,
and Kraftangan Malaysia’s Handicraft stunning visual creative theatrical
for theatre and festivals, such as 0600 was screened as part of the Isolation funding his training at the Metropolitan
Day (2006). works with multi-disciplinary, site-
(SIFA 2018), It’s a Happy Happy World series by The Substation. Her follow-up Opera, New York (’09 Winter Opera
specific, installation, outreach and
(Silver Arts 2018), The Rubbish Prince was “Vios”, a short documentary which Season). He was recently conferred
ALFIAN SA’AT is the Resident non-conventional nature. Prior to being
(Arts in Your Neighbourhood). She premiered at the Singapore Chinese the Young Artist Award for his artistic
Playwright of W!LD RICE. His published an independent arts practitioner, Chin
was the art director for Studio Disney Film Festival 2019. A proud graduate excellence and contribution to
works include three collections of was co-founder and artistic director of
@Disney Channel and U Pick Live @ of Singapore’s Intercultural Theatre Singapore's performing arts scene.
poetry, One Fierce Hour, A History of ECNAD with the late Tan How Choon
Nickelodeon TV. As a wardrobe stylist, Institute, Wendy hopes to deepen her Signature theatre designs include
Amnesia and The Invisible Manuscript, (1996-2013). Some of his signature
she had worked on theatre productions craft and continue her journey as a Constellations, Shakespeare in the
a collection of short stories, Corridor, and collaborative works were seen
and Singapore films, such as People multi-disciplinary artist. Park: Julius Caesar, Romeo & Juliet,
a collection of flash fiction, Malay and presented locally and overseas
with arts festivals, performing arts Like Us, 7 Letters (Boo Junfeng),
Sketches, three collections of plays as
18 19ticketing All programmes (except for exhibitions and its related Covid-19 safety The health and safety of our audiences, artists and crew are of
programmes) are ticketed individually with free seating. utmost importance to us. Therefore, we seek your support and
information management understanding as we put in place the following measures:
Tickets are available at: thesubstation.eventbrite.com
measures
Programmes IsLand Bar The Last Chapter
(Week 1, 2, 3) (Week 4) (Week 4)
◎ Mandatory SafeEntry via TraceTogether app or token
Single Admission $20 $21 $30 ◎ Mandatory temperature taking before entry. If your body temperature is above 37.5, The
Substation reserves the right to deny entry.
Concession (15% discount) ◎ All audiences are required to wear a mask at all times.
Available for Students (Local/Overseas),
Senior Citizens (age 55 years and above)
$17 $17.85 $25.50
◎ All guests and staff are encouraged to practise good hand hygiene by sanitising their hands
Valid ID required regularly. Hand sanitisers are available at all high-traffic points.
Bulk Purchase (10% discount) ◎ Please avoid agglomeration and intermingling among guests. Limit close contact between
With a mininum purchase of 4 tickets and above $18 $27 individuals in your group.
for the same performance/show
Seating Accessibility
Due to the limited seating capacity, our audience We apologise in advance that due to the design
seatings are fixed for individual seating and of our building, our spaces are not wheel-chair
arranged at least 1m apart to facilitate safe friendly.
distancing measures. We apologise in advance
that you will not be able to be seated with your Ratings
guest/partner/family members from the same Ratings of programmes are to be advised.
household. Audiences are advised to purchase tickets at their
own discretion.
20 21AcknowledgEments
FESTIVAL TEAM
We would like to thank the following donors, sponsors and partners for their kind support and contribution:
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR SPONSORS & DONORS
RAKA MAITRA
PROGRAMMES
KARINE TAN Programmes, Partnerships, Marketing/PR
UZAIR DAUD Programmes, Production, Ticketing
MARILYN GIAM Front-of-House
MARKETING & CREATIVE
LEOW SI MIN Social Media Marketing
BEVERLEY NG Design, Illustration and Identity
HEI STUDIO Creative Partner
PRINTING PARTNERS
OPERATIONS
AIKES LOH General Manager
MUHAMMED ISYAF BIN SABTU Facilities & Technical Manager
JOANNA ROBERT Venue & Admin Manager
NUR ALIFF BIN OSMAN Technician
AZRIL BIN ATHNI Technician
CHUA NG GER Caretaker
FARHAN BIN ABU BAKAR Housekeeping MERCHANDISING PARTNERS (THE LAST CHAPTER)
PRODUCTION
NADIA NOORDIN Festival Production Manager
REES SAFINA Festival Stage Manager
DARYL NORMAN SOH Festival Lighting Designer
VOLUNTEERS
MANDEL YAP MEDIA PARTNER SPECIAL THANKS
ROXANA YEO
ZHANG SHI YUAN
BAKCHORMEEBOY
PLURAL ART MAG
SPECIAL THANKS
Co-Artistic Director, Woon Tien Wei, The Substation's colleagues, Board
Members and friends for their support
177 River Valley Road #05-20 Liang Court Singapore 179030 t . (65) 6339 2811The Substation 45 Armenian Street Singapore 179936 www.substation.org thesubstation the_substation All information stated is correct at the time of printing. The Substation reserves the right to make changes to the programme without prior notice.
You can also read
