With the nation caged in their homes, Singapore’s arts and theatre scene has undoubtedly suffered with live audiences all but disappeared. But that hasn’t stopped one of the darlings of Singapore theatre, Wild Rice, from being the gift that keeps on giving.
Starting April 24, the theatre company will be offering free shows through their Wild@Home series, director residencies, as well as play-writing workshops, all done virtually and in the spirit of bringing thespians and audiences together even as the pandemic isolates everyone.
First, let Wild Rice keep you entertained as they have always done the past 20 years with three of their stagings now available for free viewing on their YouTube channel. Every Friday at 7.30pm from Apr 24-May 8, a different show will be streamed for a week starting with the critically acclaimed Emily of Emerald Hill, followed by the highly relatable comedy Supervision, before ending with Monkey Goes West, a retelling of a classic Chinese folklore.
There will also be a live post-show talkback session held every Thursday (Apr 30, May 7 and May 14) at 9pm for the artists and audiences to share and engage with each other. Remember to tune in.
For aspiring theatre directors, Wild Rice will also be offering a new residency programme where founder Ivan Heng himself will take on the role of your mentor. It is promised to be an intensive and stimulating residency, and the process will see you go from conceptualisation to rehearsals to finally seeing your show be staged at Wild Rice’s Studio Theatre in the future.
Successful applicants will even get a grant of $10,000 to help see their vision become reality, and Wild Rice has also pledged to provide technical support and rehearsal spaces where needed. So if you’ve always wanted to stage your own show, this is the perfect opportunity to do so.
If you’re more inclined towards being a playwright, then let Wild Rice’s Alfian Sa’at become your personal coach. Conducted via Zoom, sessions will see the famed writer help guide you through scriptwriting, dramaturgy and more, all while letting you tap on the man’s controversial genius.
Priority will be given to freelance members of the theatre community, with a $320 fee granting you four 1-hour sessions. Only 10 slots are available, so act fast and apply.
Keep your love for local theatre alive people. We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.
More info on Wild Rice’s various initiatives here.
