laremy.sg

Robbie Williams’s take on Human by The Killers. The link here if you can’t see the embedded video.

You can find them here. Just click on the link on the right-hand side of each row.

P.S. I know you might think this ultra-nerdy, and I make no bones about the bookishness of this exercise.

From past experience, however, ‘mugging’ for concerts does have its payoffs. If you can remember the lyrics to all the songs, you can sing along/mosh while the band plays. It’s a heightened experience, and it gives you more bang for your buck. And with ticket prices in the three-digit range for this particular gig, I’m sure you’ll want as much bang for your buck as you can get.

1. How is it like working with each other?
   Great! Jon and I have learnt a lot from each other over this production and the last. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to work with him, as he’s very committed to the craft and is always working to get the best out of the text: whether it is in terms of using the best line to convey a certain meaning, or in terms of putting the actors through their paces in order for them to convey the best emotion.
2. What changes were implemented from the previous run of OTOT in 2008?
   The main consideration has always been giving the customers what they want, so we’ve listened to audience feedback when revising the plays. We wanted to make the play a better experience for audience in terms of entertainment and artistic value, so I’ve made changes to the action and the dialogue. For example, there were some concerns that last year’s version of Full Tank! was draggy and heavy-handed; I’ve gone through the script again to cut out repetitive lines and reduce clumsy expressions.
   
   At the same time, I actually experimented with a few different scenarios, character motivations, etc. while making revisions to the script that was used during the OCBC Singapore Theatre Festival 2008. However, I’ve returned to the original plot that made Full Tank! a success, because I realised the stories that were told were what endeared the play to the audience. All that was needed was a bit of tweaking to the mechanics of the plot and it’d be good to go.
3. Did you join any Arts clubs/Theatre societies when you were an undergraduate?
   I was a hostelite through and through so I participated mainly in activities within Kent Ridge Hall. I co-wrote and edited two Hall Productions and contributed three short plays for an Inter-Hall Drama Fest in 2008 (one of which – The Last Political Animal – was censored by the Media Development Authority).
   
   However, I think it wouldn’t be wrong to say that participating in activities outside of clubs and societies might have had a greater part to play in helping me hone my writing abilities. I read two modules taught by Huzir Sulaiman – EN2271: Introduction to Playwriting and EN3271: Advanced Playwriting. It was during that period that an early draft of Radio Silence, an absurd play about National Service, was read by Ivan Heng. This resulted in Ivan nominating me to participate in World Interplay 2007, an international playwriting festival held in Australia. My participation in this festival was co-funded by grants from the University Scholars Programme.
4. What led to your decision to pursue a career in the Arts?
   Unlike the others, I’m not working in the Arts full-time. I’m actually teaching the General Paper at Saint Andrew’s Junior College, but I still enjoy writing as a means through which I can take part in the Singaporean conversation about things that aren’t always very easy to talk about in the mainstream.

From: Victor Chen
Date: November 3, 2009 1:19:14 PM SST
Subject: Blues in November

Hi folks,

It gives me great pleasure to inform all of you about the latest development in the blues scene. Louis and myself, together with Danny Loong and Francis Chan of Ublues as well as Crazy Elephant veteran Ray Aziz, are now playing at Timbre Mobile @ East Coast Park from 5pm – 8.30pm every Sunday.

Keeping in line with our dear leader’s policy of grooming the next generation of leaders, we are now working on grooming the next generation of blues musicians. The Sunday gig will also be a jam session where upcoming blues players, hobbyists and old birds (lao jiao) alike will be featured. Any of you who are keen to take the stage to jam are most welcome to do so, especially if you already have a full band line-up. Above all, this is the perfect excuse to have a beer on a Sunday evening and the meet the folks in our little blues scene.

In other news:

• Shameless plug #1: Double-bill at the Esplanade.
  DATE: Fri, 6 Nov 2009
  TIME: Evening
  VENUE: Esplanade
  TICKETS: $25 from the Esplanade or 4 for $20 each.

  I have been roped in to play with the Stray Dogs for their upcoming reunion gig at the Esplanade on Nov 6, a double-bill with Pest Infested. These 2 bands were the pioneers in Singapore’s nascent blues and rock and roll scene back in the 60s and our setlist includes some John Mayall, CSNY, Deep Purple and Cream among others and of course, a Stray Dogs original recorded back in the 70s.

• Shameless plug #2: Gigs at the Old Brown Shoe.
  1. Sat, 21 Nov will herald the inaugural edition of The Black Room Sessions at The Old Brown Shoe, where I will be singing (*gulp*) and playing solo for 2 sets of acoustic blues. The setlist will draw from some of the Malted Milk and Medium Rare repertoire, but will include more slide guitar on songs from Robert Johnson, Tampa Red and the like. I will also be playing some of my own songs, since no one else wants to play them. (Ed: LOL!)
  2. Sat, 14 Nov and Sat, 28th Nov will feature Medium Rare.
  3. These 3 gigs will start at 8.30pm.

As always, do check the gig listings for any changes.

Cheers,
Victor

I’d like to say I cut my teeth volunteering for W!ld Rice, but unfortunately, the truth ain’t so spectacular. I did use to volunteer previously when I was in junior college/high school because I wanted to chalk-up Community Service hours (did not particularly like going to homes for the aged) and preferred to do something I enjoyed.

The perks? Getting to watch really good shows for free (think Animal Farm).

So go for it if you haven’t tried it before – it’ll definitely be worth your while.

~

Dear Theatre Volunteers,

We are looking for volunteers to assist at the FRONT-OF-HOUSE (FOH) for BEAUTY & THE BEAST!

The world’s favourite love story gets turned on its head in true W!LD RICE style this festive season. From the same team that brought you last year’s runaway hit Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, BEAUTY & THE BEAST is a spellbinding musical comedy filled with laugh-out-loud jokes, fabulous song and dance routines, stunning costumes and sets… and singing utensils!

The volunteers for FRONT-OF-HOUSE (FOH) will be required to:

• Welcome patrons,
• Sell show programmes and merchandise, and
• Collect feedback forms from patrons after the show.

If you are able to commit at least four (4) weekdays (Tuesday to Friday) OR a weekend (Saturday & Sunday), please call Ellen @ 6292-2695 or email ellenng@wildrice.com.sg before Fri, 13 Nov 2009 with the dates you wish to commit for.

Please take note that the following dates are the only ones available for volunteers:

• 3 Dec, 7.30pm
• 6 Dec, 7.30pm
• 8 Dec, 7.30pm
• 9 Dec, 7.30pm
• 10 Dec, 730pm
• 11 Dec, 7.30pm
• 12 Dec, 7.30pm
• 13 Dec, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
• 15 Dec, 7.30pm
• 17 Dec, 7.30pm
• 19 Dec, 2.30pm & 7.30pm

I’ll need your personal particulars:

• Name:
• Mobile:
• NRIC No:
• Email address:
• School/Workplace:

Thank you for your continuous support and dedication!

Looking forward to meeting you again.

Cheers,
Ellen