High expectations were set, but Singapore-themed musical fails to deliver We first talked about the Filipino-helmed, Filipino-produced, and largely Filipino-starring musical, Singapura, all the way back in January. The musical focuses on the lives of ordinary Singaporeans during the years 1955-1965. “The story of the musical must be about the nameless and faceless heroes of the modern Singaporean economy.” -Ed Gatchalian President; 4th Wall Theatre Company The musical finally started its run last week (19 May), and the reviews have been largely negative, even by mainstream media. Wow, it must be really bad then. What TODAY said Source Mind you, Singapore is only 50 years old. Source 2.5 hours minus 2 hours = 30 mins. So that makes for only a half hour of bearable theatre. Source In short, Singapura: The Musical is your social studies textbook being played out in reel life. No controversies there, and certainly no mention of opposition figures of the past. Source *insert posh fake accent here* “How to go to the kopitiam….lah?” Reviewer Karin Lai did however reserve some praise for the theatrical set-up. She ended her review by commenting that as Singapore moves past 50 years, we should all be more prepared to face the ugly parts of our […]
10 years ago
