Category: EntertainersPage 1 of 2

Benjamin Josiah Tan: On a Journey of Healing and Filling the Emptiness in His Life

“Over the last year, that sense of emptiness and loneliness was so strong. I didn’t know how to deal with it, so I went on a journey of trying to figure it out.”

Zaihar: Dancer Shows Youths Anything is Possible with Hard Work

“You know, there’s this stereotype that Malays are lazy. So, when I get selected by key figures in the dance industry to represent Singapore at international competitions, I am very proud to show that Singaporeans can make it. It makes me prouder to be Malay as well.”

Calleen Koh: Award-Winning Filmmaker Talks About Boldness in Covering Themes of Sex in Conservative Singapore

“My latest work, ‘To Kill The Birds & The Bees’, is a satirical slice of life film that talks about sex education – or lack thereof – in Singapore. It follows the crazy sexual encounters of four Singaporeans and how they unfold.”

Oon Shu An: Embodying the Role of a Single, Independent Woman in New Play

“Society puts a huge pressure on us to be attached to someone, to want children and to reach other societal milestones. Ann is wondering: ‘Do I really want that? And on what terms do I want that? Is it possible to find what you want, and what does it require of our partners?’”

Al-Matin Yatim: Actor Dives Deep Into the Character of a Husband Yearning to be Father

“I hope audiences who watch ‘The Fourth Trimester’ will have more empathy and compassion for others. Stop putting pressure on and asking people when they’re going to have kids. It’s such a sensitive question…”

Rusydina Afiqah: Actor Gives a Voice to The Difficulties of Starting a Family in New Play

“And to everyone who’s watching this play, I hope you come to realise that it’s okay if your life is turning out differently from what you thought it would be. If you want to remain unmarried until the age of 35, so be it. Don’t want kids? That doesn’t make you any less normal. Go write your own story.”

Hang Qian Chou: Actor Discusses the Role of a Husband and Father in New Play

“I think it’s important to tell this story because often, once children come into the picture, especially in a city as stressful as Singapore, everything becomes about them and whether you, as parents, have enough to provide for them. If we neglect that relationship, then problems may arise and eat into how we feel about parenthood.”

Julie Wee: Actor Embraces the Challenges of Playing a Stay-At-Home Mum

“What convinced me to take up this role were the many cultural touchpoints that I very much identify with. Faith talks about our struggles with work-life balance, societal and self-imposed pressures, and the gender roles that we conform to or rail against.”

Joshua Lim: Actor Sheds Light on Often Overlooked Struggles of First-Time Dads in New Play

“With stories like ‘The Fourth Trimester’ painting a very realistic picture of parenthood, I hope more people understand that dads need help and support too. And if you’re a dad who may not be doing that much right now, I hope this play reminds you that parenting is a team effort!”

Isabella Chiam: The Actor Gets Candid About the Emotionally Demanding Role of Playing a First-Time Mum

“When the audience watches ‘The Fourth Trimester’, I hope they understand that at the end of the day, it’s not about embodying or being an  ‘ideal’. We shouldn’t be so dogged by the idea of perfection that we lose what it means to be in the present.”

Firwan Johan: Singaporean Singer-Songwriter Details Heartbreak of Music Career in Malaysia and Why He Never Gave Up

The Prudent People | “I don’t think you should ever give up on something you love, just because times get hard. After everything you’ve been through, you should have given up a long time ago. So why do you suddenly want to give up now? Keep going!”

Weish: The Singaporean Musician, Composer and Writer on Finding Her Voice Amidst a Pandemic

In Part 1 of ‘People of the Arts: Stories from Singapore to Germany’, Weish talks about finding her voice through theatre in these dire times.

Thambi Natta: Singaporean Rapper Moves on from Life Behind Bars and Toxic Relationship with Ex to Focus on His Music, Career and Happiness

“I do not condone violence towards women, and I understand why the online community reacted the way they did. But, people do not know the full story, and it’s not their business to know any more than what I – or anyone involved – would like to share.”

Azzy Mozerin: From Bullied Student to Aspirational Actor, Writer and Director

“I used to blame myself a lot. Why did you let people bully you? Why did you let people criticise you? You cannot do anything. You suck. But I’ve learnt that forgiveness is very important in life…”

Dream Chasers: Local Band .gif on Not Being Your Typical Electronic Musicians

The indie-electronic band talks about the highs and lows of their journey as musicians and making it in Singapore.

Rizman Putra: Labelled Weird as a Kid, Performer Finds Solace in the Arts

“I’ve been different all my life. As an artist, I’ve had these weird ideas in my head for so long, and when you’re new, people will question why you do things a certain way. But you have to stay true to your craft and to yourself.”

Noorlinah Mohamed: Actress Moulds Thinking Girls Through the Arts

“I’m an actress by training but my work goes beyond that. My passion lies in education and engaging with the public through the arts. And while I don’t have children because I choose not to, I continue to educate the future generations through programmes like N.O.W.”

Greg “Glorious” Ho: Elevating Singapore’s Pro Wrestling Scene Through Grapple MAX

Once they see that we’re not a bunch of people who are trying to emulate what they see on WWE, and that we’re just a bunch of hardworking people training to entertain, they’ll want to come back and be a part of this.

Playwrights Pooja Nansi and Jessica Bellamy Discuss “Thick Beats for Good Girls”

What makes a good girl? And why is hip-hop a great storytelling medium? On Episode 1 of our YouTube series “Upcoming”, Pooja and Jessica offer insights into their brand new play by Checkpoint Theatre.

Shrey Bhargava: The Actor and (Unsuspecting) New Face of Anti-Racism in Singapore

The 22-year-old talks about what transpired during the auditions for Ah Boys To Men 4, his thoughts on being defamed by local blogger Xiaxue, and the police report that was filed against him.

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