We pick seven performances and workshops you should catch or join
What happens when you gather a team made up of only women to put together a creative public project? Would it be very different from any other project that involves men? These are the questions that prompted Noorlinah Mohamed to design N.O.W., a three-year season presented by TheatreWorks that shines a spotlight on women creators and change-makers, and the work they do.
"I wanted to experiment with the idea of how it would be like to play with women, entirely women," Noorlinah, who helms the project as the Artistic Director, shares. "What would change in terms of the set-up of the work, is there a different working style or voice? It's an experiment to raise questions for ourselves as women, whether there are more things we can talk about besides motherhood, for example."
It is the first female-centric project by TheatreWorks, a long-running Singapore performing arts company. Women are leading not only the team of collaborators and key presenters, but also the production and administrative crew. Furthermore, Noorlinah tells us that N.O.W. is also the first all-women project in the nation, for an entirely Singapore-run and operated project. It should not have had to take this long, but we're glad it's happening now (pun intended). N.O.W. celebrates the Not Ordinary Work that women and the women-aligned in Singapore are creating. The three-year season launches this July 2019, for three weeks from 10 to 28 July.
We are particularly excited about the diversity of the project's team and content. The collaborators and crew come from varying ethnic and creative backgrounds, lending their voices to an interdisciplinary programme. There's stand-up comedian Sharul Channa leading a comedy writing workshop, a series of film screenings, a staged reading of Akshita Nanda's novel, panel discussions, and more. All events are held at TheatreWorks (72-13 Mohamed Sultan Road). If you're as excited as us to support this vital project, the following are some of the highlights in the programme to look forward to. Check out the full programme and register for events at the official N.O.W. website.
3. Sharul Channa’s 10-Part Stand-Up Comedy Writing Workshop
Realise your potential for comedy by taking part in Sharul Channa’s stand-up comedy writing workshop! If you have ever wanted to do comedy, or simply explore the funny side to yourself, you’ll want to do it with the guidance of veteran stand-up comedian Sharul Channa. Participants will learn about public speaking, how to inject humour into public speaking, the thin line between tragedy and comedy, and more. And on top of that, you get a chance to perform in front of an audience at the end! All are welcome, women and men of all backgrounds and ages.
For the hesitant, Sharul emphasises that the workshop is essentially a journey of self-exploration, to help you find out more about who you are and what you find funny. “Give yourself an opportunity to find out more about what is important to you!” she says. “I think Singaporeans are very scared of public speaking, so come and experience why and how to get over your fear of public speaking. Every story has something funny about it, so it’s all about changing the lenses, like changing your glasses to your sunglasses. So put your funny glasses on and come explore more about yourself!”
The workshop begins on 24 June. Tickets are $400 if you book early, before 7 Jun (U.P.: $500). Register here!
Support the participants of the workshop as they perform their works at the stand-up comedy show hosted by Sharul Channa, on 26 and 27 July. Get your tickets here.
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