PUBLISHED January 28th, 2013 01:45 am | UPDATED July 25th, 2024 03:23 pm
OK, we are almost finished with January and Chinese New Year is looming just round the corner (you can tell by the non-stop Chinese New music being played in supermarkets, shopping malls etc.!) But, it’s still not too late to add a few more resolutions to your New Year list.
Apart from the usual ones of getting fitter, losing weight, getting richer, more beautiful etc., consider adding ‘ catch more local theatre productions’ or ‘spend more time supporting local theatre in Singapore’. You may well be asking ‘why?’ and ‘what’s in it for me?’ Well, here are 10 reasons:
One: It’s great LIVE entertainment and a completely different experience from watching a film in a cinema
Two: It’s another way of socializing – get a group of friends together, watch a play and have fun chatting about it afterwards over a drink or coffee. Plus you will meet other like-minded people while mingling in the foyer before the play starts.
Three: The arts scene in Singapore is packed, vibrant and offers something for everyone – local plays by Singaporean playwrights, masterpieces of literature performed by local and visiting theatre groups and there’s a whole gamut of productions to choose from ranging from comedy to classical to avant-garde. Apart from theatre (and musicals are included under this), there’s also music, ballet, dance, opera. Keep up to date with what’s happening over at City Nomads events listings here.
Four: Apart from entertaining you, theatre also has the power to teach you about life and provoking you into looking at things in a different way.
Five: Support local talent – not only Singapore’s very talented actors and playwrights but all those involved in bringing a show to the stage – musicians, artists, lighting crews, costume designers, front of house staff and more – you help support all of them when you buy a ticket to a show.
Six: For those of you who regularly struggle over buying presents for friends and family, solve the problem by taking them out to see a play. Give someone an experience for a change. Chances are they will enjoy the novelty and remember the event – and there is no ‘re-gifting’ of unwanted presents!
Seven: Some of you may be daunted by the prospect of finding out about what’s going on; buying tickets but it’s a no-brainer! Information on what’s happening in the arts scene is easily accessible (like visiting the City Nomads events listings here). You can book tickets on line (at SISTIC).
Eight: We have heard many opinions expressed about living in Singapore. About how ‘soulless’ it is and ‘boring’. There’s plenty of soul in the arts and if you think that’s boring, well, you must be tired of life!
Nine: Singapore has world-class performance venues – from the Esplanade to the Drama Centre at the National Library, all accessible by public transport. Plus many venues are located near bars, restaurants and coffee places, making it easy to meet friends. It all adds towards a great experience.
Ten: A common complaint is that theatre tickets are expensive. It depends on the production but with a bit of forward planning to take advantage of early bird discounts or if you hold the right credit /membership cards like our Nomad card coming soon, it’s possible to get discounts. Watch this space for more information on discounts!
So there you go, 10 reasons to get to the theatre this year, so no more excuses….you know what to do!
Written by Ms Culture Vulture