to W!LD R!CE:
Reading a critical article in Singapore Theatre reminded me of reading a review in a University newspaper. Not unlike most articles in The Arts Magazine here, it brings back memories of young critics who are insecure brainiacs. They seem to want to show how smart they are by using big words to put others down. To me the tone of this article says more about the reviewer than the shows. People and institutions alike are not built up by being recklessly torn down. Unless, of course, it truly is a hopeless case where demolition is necessary.
In the case ANG TAU MUI, this is certainly NOT the case! Though I missed MEDEA, I thought nearly every element of the W!LD RICE show was well finessed and artistically captivating.
Yes, there is much room for growth in Singapore Theatre. There are precious few plays in Singapore which leave me feeling like my money and evening were well spent. And even fewer that are so good I leave only thinking about the message. W!LD RICE consistently delivers, and ANG TAU MUI was another good story, well told.
If this website is, as you claim, truly dedicated to improving Singapore Theatre, how do you hope to accomplish that through harsh, almost mean spirited critiques? Granted, reviewers will be hard pressed to find positive elements worth illuminating in some productions; and it is easy, and even fun, to pick apart another’s work and impress others with an apparent understanding of the art form. However, I believe it is so much more empowering to point out and learn from examples of what is GOOD in our work. I believe many Asians have a hard time getting this, because we have never experienced it.
It astounds me that artistic spirits in this culture continue to survive and plough forward against such seemingly insurmountable odds. How anyone dares to give theatre a go, when even well crafted works will be blasted, is beyond my comprehension.
