How are the plays similar?
Charged and Nadirah both discuss pertinent social issues in an emotionally poignant way with a tint of humor. I hope this is achieved through acute observations that I made about interactions and daily life in our nation.
Why are these plays pertinent?
Singaporeans usually avoid sensitive issues like sex, politics, race and religion. I think this is pernicious; we should instead engage in proper dialogue to discuss these issues. In fact, when we ignore such issues, that’s when prejudice and antagonism creep in, with serious consequences for the fabric of the nation.
What is Charged about?
Charged is contextualized with a typical Singaporean male coming-of-age ritual: National Service. Using that familiar setting, the cast and crew have explored a no-holds barred, highly physical meditation on sociopolitical issues—primarily race and religion—in contemporary Singapore.
What is Nadirah about?
It is a narrative of how faith is part of an individual’s personal terrain. This is a clever, richly nuanced work that presents a microscopic view on the daily life of the eponymous heroine.
Why are you looking forward to the Man Singapore Theatre Festival?
During the first run of Charged in 2009, I was five months pregnant and wasn’t feeling well two weeks before the premiere. I was stuck at home and couldn’t even direct. I guess the encore for the Man Singapore Theatre Festival gives me the long awaited chance to direct it again.
Catch Charged from Aug 6-7 and Nadirah from Aug 17-21.
The Man Singapore Theatre Festival runs from Aug 3-21.
