M1SFF08 Sponsors' Report

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M1 SINGAPORE FRINGE FESTIVAL 2008: ART AND HISTORY

FESTIVAL REPORT

CONTENTS

Executive Summary[4]

Performance & Exhibition Details[7]

Sponsors, Supporters & Partners[15]

Publicity & Marketing | Outreach[23]

Audience Feedback[41]

M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2009[52]

Fringe Team 2008[53]

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“For audiences tired of the mainstream, the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival promises to provide

audiences with alternative works that provoke and challenge.”

- LIANHE ZAOBAO 联合早报

Eclipse by The Necessary Stage & 7:84 Theatre Company(Singapore | Scotland)

Photo credit: The Necessary Stage

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The fourth edition of the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival took place from 16 to 27 January 2008, with the theme Art and History. In total, 20 works from 13 countries were featured in 12 different venues, reaching out to about 200,000 people through a variety of ticketed and free events - an increase by about 40,000 people compared to 2007.

Several factors have worked together to contribute to our most successful Festival to date. For one, our chosen theme of Art and History proved to be extremely pertinent to the times, and as a result, resonated with the audience and enabled them to engage with the works presented at the Festival.

In terms of programming, the Festival saw its strongest line-up to date – the works achieved both critical acclaim in their reviews and high audience turn-out. One of the Festival Highlights, The Workers from Samsui by local photojournalist Sim Chi Yin, was exhibited at various bus stops islandwide and captured the attention of audiences who may not frequent galleries.

Another Festival Highlight, The Complaints Choir Project, also garnered a lot of media and public attention because of its resonance to local culture. The subsequent curtailment of public performance due to licensing issues that prohibited foreigners from commenting on "domestic issues" also resulted in much discourse in the public sphere. However, as

observed by The Straits Times Life!, "these incidents show that the Fringe Fest is living up to its name... it is programming arts events that offer alternatives to mainstream fare not only in terms of form and content, but also in testing the boundaries of public regulatory guidelines in Singapore."

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The Workers from Samsui by Sim Chi Yin(Singapore)

Photo credit: Sim Chi Yin

... reaching out to about 200,000 people... an

increase by about 40,000 people compared to 2007.

The final Festival Highlight, Eclipse by The Necessary Stage's and Scotland's 7:84 Theatre Company's, presented 7 performances to an average attendance of 85% with extremely positive responses from the audience.

For the first time, there were two Festival commissions - local artist Zizi Azah bte Abdul Majid’s Above Us Only Sky, which had a sold-out run, and Ming Wong’s photographic and video installation entitled Filem-Filem-Filem. Sonic Fringe, which featured three highly respected musicians, was also sold-out.

Marketing and publicity efforts were also enhanced this year, with several above-the-line media such as our Official Media Arts Central and Gold 90.5FM. For the first time, the Festival worked with Time Out Singapore as Official Magazine. The media also gave more coverage through previews, listings and reviews. The increase in media interest and publicity, which led to higher visibility and prominence, is testimony to the Festival’s rising significance on the Singapore arts scene.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our wonderful sponsors and partners. Without your enthusiasm and support, we would not have been able to achieve this remarkable success for M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2008. We hope that you have found the Fringe experience as rewarding as it has been for us.

In this report, we are honoured to share with you more information and statistics on Fringe 2008. We would love to hear your feedback and comments so that we can make next year’s Festival even more meaningful to us and to our audience.

Here’s to our future partnerships!

Alvin Tan & Haresh Sharma

Artistic Directors, M1 Singapore Fringe Festival

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The Complaints Choir Project featuring the Singapore Complaints Choir

by Tellervo Kalleinen & Oliver Kochta-Kalleinen (Finland)Photo credit: Chok Shin Ni

For the first time, there were two

Festival commissions.

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Sonic Fringe featuring Colleen (France)Photo credit: Pascal Vermulen

“The M1 Singapore Fringe Festival lets you get up close and personal with performance theatre. In fact, this is

where the heart of theatre lives, without show-stopping numbers, huge sets or elaborate costumes...”

- TIME OUT SINGAPORE

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PERFORMANCE & EXHIBITION

DETAILS

Life is Not a Picnic by cieLaroque | helene weinzierl (Austria)Photo credit: Peter Huber

PERFORMANCE & EXHIBITION DETAILS

Dates of Events

PERFORMANCE OR EXHIBITION DETAILS DATES

Festival Highlights

Eclipse 16 – 20 Jan (7 performances)

The Complaints Choir Project

● Workshops :

● Video Installation :

● Performances :

7 – 25 Jan

13 – 18 & 20 – 23 Jan

26 – 27 Jan (4 performances)

The Workers from Samsui 19 Dec 2007 – 29 Jan 2008

Live Fringe - Theatre

Suhobezvodnoie (The Dry Place) 16 – 17 Jan (2 performances)

The Invisible Life of Joseph Finch 18 – 19 Jan (2 performances)

Above Us Only Sky 26 – 27 Jan (3 performances)

Live Fringe – Dance

Relations 21 – 22 Jan (2 performances)

Howl Under the Moon 23 Jan (1 performance)

Life is Not a Picnic 23 – 24 Jan (2 performances)

My Mother 24 – 25 Jan (2 performances)

Shu Shu 25 – 26 Jan (2 performances)

Live Fringe – Live Art

Exercises in Happiness 23 – 27 Jan

Artist Talk by Panther 25 Jan

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PERFORMANCE OR EXHIBITION DETAILS DATES

Sonic Fringe

Sonic Fringe (featuring Colleen, Sylvain Chauveau & Hauschka)

19 Jan (1 performance)

Fringe Gallery

Frozen in Time 10 – 27 Jan

Filem-Filem-Filem 16 – 27 Jan

Masa Lalu – Masa Lupa (The Past – The Forgotten Time)

16 Jan – 23 Mar

A Brief History of the Future 18 – 19 & 25 – 26 Jan

Total Number of Works 20

Total Number of Performances 28

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Above Us Only Sky by Zizi Azah bte Abdul Majid (Singapore)Photo credit: Chris Sylvester Basil


Venues for Events

PERFORMANCE OR EXHIBITION DETAILS VENUES

Festival Highlights

Eclipse Gallery Theatre, National Museum of Singapore


● Workshops :


● Performances :

Chamber, The Arts House

Gallery, The Arts House


The Workers from Samsui Various bus stops islandwide

Live Fringe - Theatre

Suhobezvodnoie (The Dry Place) Esplanade Theatre Studio

The Invisible Life of Joseph Finch Esplanade Theatre Studio

Above Us Only Sky Esplanade Recital Studio

Live Fringe – Dance

Relations Esplanade Theatre Studio

Howl Under the Moon Play Den, The Arts House

Life is Not a Picnic Esplanade Theatre Studio

My Mother Play Den, The Arts House

Shu Shu Esplanade Theatre Studio

Live Fringe – Live Art

Exercises in Happiness Gallery, The Substation

Artist Talk by Panther Gallery, The Substation

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PERFORMANCE OR EXHIBITION DETAILS VENUES

Sonic Fringe

Sonic Fringe (featuring Colleen, Sylvain Chauveau & Hauschka)

Esplanade Recital Studio

Fringe Gallery

Frozen in Time Esplanade Tunnel

Filem-Filem-Filem Print Gallery & Foyer, The Arts House


Atelier, National Museum of Singapore

A Brief History of the Future Screening Room, The Arts House

Total Number of Venues 12

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Exercises in Happiness by Panther (Australia)Photo credit: Emily Hodge


Total Attendance at Free Events

TITLE OF EVENT VENUE ATTENDANCE



● Performances :

Gallery, The Arts House


500

400

The Workers from Samsui Various JCDecaux bus stop posters islandwide

168,000

Exercises in Happiness Gallery, The Substation 148

Artist Talk by Panther Gallery, The Substation 6

Frozen in Time Esplanade Tunnel 28,800

Filem-Filem-Filem Print Gallery & Foyer, The Arts House

1,200


Atelier, National Museum of Singapore

1,200

A Brief History of the Future Screening Room, The Arts House 60

Total Attendance at Free Events 200,314

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Filem-Filem-Filem by Ming Wong (Singapore)Photo credit: Ming Wong


TOTAL NUMBER OF ARTISTS INVOLVED 123

Promotional Poster for Restaurant Bandung by Irwan Ahmett, part of Masa Lalu – Masa Lupa (The Past – The Forgotten Time) by Cemeti Art House (Indonesia)

Photo credit: Irwan Ahmett

TOTAL ATTENDANCE (TICKETED) 3,454

TOTAL ATTENDANCE (NON-TICKETED) 200,314

TOTAL NUMBER OF AUDIENCES FOR THE FESTIVAL 203,758

AVERAGE PERCENTAGE OF HOUSE FOR TICKETED SHOWS 77%

Shu Shu by Cie Efrat Stempler (Germany)Photo credit: Anja Beyer

TOTAL NUMBER OF WORKS CURATED 20

TOTAL NUMBER OF NEW WORKS COMMISSIONED 2

PERCENTAGE OF AUDIENCES FROM OVERSEAS 26%

PERCENTAGE OF AUDIENCES BELOW AGE 40 78%

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Sonic Fringe featuring Hauschka (Germany)Photo credit: Estelle Klawitter

“[The Fringe Fest] is programming arts events that offer alternatives to mainstream fare not only in terms of form and content, but also in terms of

testing the boundaries of public regulatory guidelines in Singapore... [T]hese negotiations

have added an interesting edge to an altogether enjoyable arts festival.”- THE STRAITS TIMES LIFE!

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SPONSORS | SUPPORTERS |

PARTNERS

Suhobezvodnoie (The Dry Place) by The KnAM Theatre (Russia)Photo credit: Valery Syviev

SPECIAL THANKS

M1 SINGAPORE FRINGE FESTIVAL

SPONSORS | SUPPORTERS | PARTNERS

TITLE SPONSOR

IN COLLABORATION WITH

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SUPPORTED BY

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Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan

Embassy of Israel

PARTNERS SPECIAL THANKSNational Trade Union Congress (NTUC) Lu Huen

Passion Card Samuel Wong

Food for Thought Ken Takiguchi

Haato Gelato All the Fringe interns and volunteers

Gryphon Tea The media and press for their

NUS Centre for the Arts continued support

LASALLE College of the Arts

Harry's @ Esplanade

Expat Living

Trevvy.com

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Official Media Official HotelOfficial Magazine Held in

SPECIAL THANKSM1 SINGAPORE FRINGE FESTIVAL

SPONSORS | SUPPORTERS | PARTNERS

M1

ESPLANADE – THEATRES ON THE BAY

NATIONAL ARTS COUNCIL

NTUC INCOME

AMBASSADE DE FRANCE

GOETHE INSTITUT

EMBASSY OF ISRAEL

AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE

THE SUBSTATION

FIRST PRINTERS PTE LTD

GIBSON

ARTS FUND

TAKE NOTE MEDIA

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE – UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS PROGRAMME

POINT OF VIEW MEDIA

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NO. OF SPONSORS, SUPPORTERS & PARTNERS 46

NO. OF REPEAT SPONSORS 16

EMBASSY OF FINLAND

EMBASSY OF AUSTRIA, JAKARTA

AGENCY FOR CULTURAL AFFAIRS, GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN

CONSEIL DES ARTS ET DES LETTRES, QUÉBEC

THE ARTS HOUSE

JCDECAUX

SOUP RESTAURANT

FOMA

FFURIOUS

IDP MEDIA

JETSTAR.COM

AXA INSURANCE

MUSIC FOR GOOD

INFOCUS

FRIDAE.COM

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My Mother by TAIHEN (Japan)Photo credit: Kohji Fugunaka

NO. OF NEW SPONSORS 15

HAATO GELATO

NATIONAL TRADE UNION CONGRESS (NTUC)

PASSION CARD

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

GRYPHON TEA

NUS CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

LASALLE COLLEGE OF THE ARTS

HARRY'S @ ESPLANADE

EXPAT LIVING

TREVVY.COM

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Relations by Quorum Ballet (Portugal)Photo credit: Alceu Bett

NO. OF REPEAT PARTNERS 1

NO. OF NEW PARTNERS 9

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The Invisible Life of Joseph Finch by Les Productions Figlio (Canada)

Photo credit: Chris Randle

“A good alternative to more mainstream fare, Singapore's annual M1 Singapore Fringe Festival offers an interesting and varied programme.”

- THE ECONOMIST.COM

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PUBLICITY & MARKETING | OUTREACH

The Complaints Choir Project, featuring the Birmingham Complaints Choir (video installation), by Tellervo Kalleinen and

Oliver Kochta-KalleinenPhoto credit: Springhill Institute

PUBLICITY & MARKETING

List of Publicity Materials

PUBLICITY MATERIAL / AVENUE DESCRIPTION

Print

Programme booklets

50,000 copies | A5 size | 36 pages

50,000 booklets were distributed to all SISTIC authorised agents, community libraries, M1 stores, secondary schools, international schools, tertiary institutions, arts schools, arts venues, embassies and cultural organisations, cafes, restaurants, clubs, and entertainment and retail outlets around Singapore. The Esplanade also mailed copies of the programme booklets to their mailing list. Singapore Tourism Board also assisted in distributing programme booklets through their regional tourism offices abroad and information desks in Singapore.

Programme leaflets for all productions and exhibitions

50,000 copies | A5 size | 4-8 pages

50,000 copies of in-house designed and printed programme leaflets about each work and artist were distributed at all performances and exhibitions.

M1 bill listings The Festival was advertised on prime spots in all M1 customers' bill print-outs in November 2007 to inform them of the Early Bird discounts.

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Met Leica in de hand komt door het ganse land by Prilla Tania, part of Masa Lalu – Masa Lupa (The Past – The Forgotten Time) by Cemeti

Art House (Indonesia)Photo credit: Prilla Tania


Print

Esplanade Diary All M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2008 events at the Esplanade were included in The Esplanade Diary for January – March 2008, with 160,000 disseminated islandwide from end-November 2007.

National Museum of Singapore programme booklet

Eclipse and Masa Lalu - Masa Lupa were included in the National Museum's programme booklet for January – February 2008, disseminated islandwide from December 2007.

The Arts House programme booklet

All events happening at The Arts House were listed in The Arts House bi-monthly marketing brochures in the October/November 2007 and December 2007/January 2008 issues, and an additional page was allocated for the call for Singapore participants for The Complaints Choir Project.

TimeOut Singapore advertisements

Half-page advertisements in November and December 2007 issues. Full page advertisement in January 2008 issue.

2 Event Maps distributed to hotels that featured the Festival.

2 half page contests for readers to win complimentary tickets in December 2007 and January 2008 issues.

TakeNote Postcards 5,000 postcards for the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2008 and 5,000 postcards for The Necessary Stage and 7:84 Theatre Company's Eclipse were distributed around Singapore through the TakeNote distribution network of more than 45 venues.

Postcards for Filem-Filem-Filem 500 postcards were disseminated to The Arts House, cafés, retail and entertainment outlets, and arts venues to advertise Filem–Filem–Filem.

“Great atmosphere and general buzz around the Festival... genuinely appreciative of what you are doing and supportive of your goals.”

– JAMES GARDNER, 7:84 THEATRE COMPANY

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Outdoor & On-Site Advertising

JCDecaux bus stop advertisements for the Festival

20 bus stop posters advertising M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2008 were displayed at bus stops around the city.

JCDecaux bus stop posters for The Workers from Samsui

10 bus stop posters were displayed in prime locations in the city from 19 December 2007 till 1 January 2008, and 80 bus stop posters were displayed islandwide from 19 December 2007 till 29 January 2008.

Singapore Tourism Board street banners

10 street banners were displayed along St. Andrews Road and Penang Road.

Arts & Heritage District street banners

25 street banners were displayed along Stamford Road and Victoria Street.

Esplanade on-site marketing collaterals

Banners, floor stickers, window stickers and light boxes were displayed at various venues in and around the Esplanade, such as the Box Office, Bus stop, Concourse, Foyer and Tunnel.

The Festival TVC was also screened on on-site plasma screens.

National Museum of Singapore on-site marketing collaterals

2 banners for Eclipse and Masa Lalu - Masa Lupa were displayed outside the National Museum.

There was also a window display outside the Atelier for Masa Lalu - Masa Lupa.

The Arts House on-site marketing collaterals

2 banner flags were erected outside The Arts House.

2 standees were placed outside the main entrance.

The Festival TVC was played on the plasma screens.

“Really great on every level, definitely higher than your average Festival. Particularly appreciated being taken care of at the end of my stay.”

– CÉCILE SCOTT A.K.A. COLLEEN

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Online Advertising & Marketing

Fringe website A dedicated Festival website was created at www.singaporefringe.com

Facebook Group for M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2008

A dedicated Facebook group was created, with regular event invitations, updates and discussions.

Electronic Direct Mailers (EDMs) 4 unique EDMs were sent to a total mailing list of 100,000. The mailing list comprised databases of local and international partners of The Necessary Stage, SISTIC, embassies, sponsors, partners and venues, schools, The Necessary Stage's Volunteer E-Group and the Arts Community E-Group.

Genre-specific EDMs were sent to targeted groups such as educators and students.

Daily What’s-On listings in text were sent via email to arts mailing lists during the Festival.

Online contests were organised via EDMs.

WAP site on M1 Information about the Fringe was available via M1’s WAP site to all subscribers.

Esplanade online support Ad spaces on the Esplanade's dedicated website (www.esplanade.com), which receives 200,000 hits per month, were allocated for M1 Singapore Fringe Festival events that would be held at the Esplanade.

An EDM was also sent to the Esplanade's mailing list of 17,200 people.

National Museum of Singapore online support

Eclipse and Masa Lalu - Masa Lupa were listed on the National Museum's website (www.nationalmuseum.sg).

The Arts House online support The Complaints Choir Project, Howl Under the Moon, My Mother, Filem-Filem-Filem and A Brief History of the Future were listed on The Arts House's website (www.theartshouse.com.sg).

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http://www.singaporefringe.com/

http://www.theartshouse.com.sg/

http://www.nationalmuseum.sg/

http://www.esplanade.com/


Online Advertising & Marketing

TimeOut Singapore online support

Online banners advertisements linked to Festival's site were included on the TimeOut website.

4 EDMs were sent to TimeOut's database.

Broadcast Advertising

Festival video A 20-second Festival video was produced and screened from October 2007 – January 2008 on Arts Central, Singapore Tourism Board's plasma screens, all M1 shops, POV Media elevator screens and on-site plasma screens at arts venues.

Arts Central interstitials A 45-second Festival interstitial was produced and screened from December 2007 – January 2008 on Arts Central.

Arts Central contest advertisements

A contest advertisement for viewers to win tickets to the Festival was produced and screened from December 2007 – January 2008 on Arts Central.

Gold 90.5FM radio trailers, contest giveaways and ad-libs by DJs

A 30-second radio trailer for the Festival was produced and broadcast in January 2008 on Gold 90.5FM.

Radio DJs included ad-lib mentions and ran contests to advertise the Festival on Gold 90.5FM from December 2007 – January 2008.

Others

Press launch The M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2008 staged a successful press launch at the Esplanade which generated several press write-ups immediately after.

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“I would just can say that the organisation was very well done... the dancers said that it was well organised and they felt comfortable and were well looked after.”

– HELENE WEINZIERL, CIELAROQUE


Programme Booklet

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Time Out Advertisements, Calendar & Contests

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TakeNote Postcards

Street Banners

“The promotion seemed also perfect, because the venue was full when we played. So that's another job very well done.”

– SYLVAIN CHAUVEAU

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Esplanade On-Site Collaterals

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National Museum of Singapore The Arts House

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Festival Website & Electronic Direct Mailers

“There was a nice atmosphere and a chance to meet some of the other artists... We loved being in Singapore, having such great support from the Festival and working in a lovely venue such as the Esplanade. It was also fabulous to have the chance to perform for an attentive audience who truly understood and enjoyed the play.”

– ALLYSON MCGRANE, LES PRODUCTIONS FIGLIO

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Workshops of The Complaints Choir Project, featuring the Singapore Complaints Choir

by Tellervo Kalleinen and Oliver Kochta-Kalleinen (Finland)Photo credit: Chok Shin Ni

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK &

MEDIA REVIEWS

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

Festival HighlightEclipse

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Eclipse by The Necessary Stage & 7:84 Theatre Company (Singapore | Scotland)Photo credit: The Necessary Stage

“(Haresh Sharma) has demonstrated a deftness and maturity in scriptwriting, a deeper inquiry into life and humanity, as well as an evident progress in terms of his creations.”

– Lianhe Zaobao 联合早报

“(Umar Ahmed) gives the role his best shot and delivers a creditable performance …. Takes on the multiple characters with great aplomb and despite putting in so much energy and intensity into his performance, he makes everything look so casual and effortless”

– Flying Inkpot

“Excellent work – lovely script and brilliant acting!”

– Subin Sinbaiah, banker

“Simple staging was very effective. Powerful. I was really touched by the performance.”

– Joyce Stin, tourist

“Sensitive, intelligent portrayal of the importance of 'partition'.”– Shagmistea Ray, housewife

“Engaging storytelling, clever staging, educational and thought-provoking story.”– Browyn Gibson, lecturer

“Had me captivated. I never thought a one man show could do that.”– Anne Trads Hansen, marketing director

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

Festival HighlightThe Complaints Choir Project

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The Complaints Choir Project, featuring the Singapore Complaints Choir

by Tellervo Kalleinen and Oliver Kochta-Kalleinen (Finland)Photo credit: Chok Shin Ni

“Sparking this sort of discussion [regarding the licensing restriction for performances of the Singapore Complaints Choir] in the public domain... have added an interesting edge to an altogether enjoyable arts festival.”

– The Straits Times Life!

“Having seen the choir perform, I found the song light-hearted and humorous...”

– Andre Oei, student

"As a foreigner, getting involved in the project was a perfect opportunity to ask myself exactly how much Singapore means to me... I was very touched by the fact every single one of us had the passion to make this society a better place for all - eager to make a difference in a constructive way."

– Chong Wai Lun, conductor of the Singapore Complaints Choir

"As a project it was an interesting social experiment, to find out what people's complaints were and how everyone shares these common experiences despite coming from different backgrounds and generations. As an experience, it was a whole lot of fun to meet new people and be involved in the whole process. the song was entertaining, fun & cathartic to perform."

– Nurul Aziah Hussein, participant of Singapore Complaint Choir

“Coming from a culture fond of complaining (but not doing anything about them), it was a pretty novel way of expressing our gripes about everyday life or even of current or political events.”

– Sheri Ramli, participant of Singapore Complaint Choir

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

Festival HighlightThe Workers from Samsui

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The Workers from Samsui by Sim Chi Yin (Singapore)Photo credit: Sim Chi Yin

“[The exhibition] is effective. In this way, we get to know about the heritage of Singapore. Otherwise, [samsui women] would be forgotten heroes. I consider these Samsui women our founding mothers.”

– Marcus Tan, businessman in The New Paper

“It was an amazing experience to see the people who built our island and to whom we owe so much.”

– Francesca Saverias, student

“Brilliant idea of putting the exhibition at bus stops so that more people can see it.”– Grace Tan, marketing executive

“I felt so sad when I saw the pictures. These women should be looked after, not left to die alone after all they have done for us and the country.”

– Mdm Lim, housewife

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

Live FringeSuhobezvodnoie (The Dry Place)

Live FringeThe Invisible Life of Joseph Finch

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Suhobezvodnoie (The Dry Place) by The KnAM Theatre (Russia)Photo credit: Valery Syfiev

“... surprisingly clever and eloquent at times”– The Flying Inkpot

“... a powerful play capable of stealing your breath.”– The Ridge Online

“The theme and visuals are captivating and thought-provoking.”

– Jean Tsai, manager

“Loved the multi-dimensional, multi-technological approach.”

– Mia Tiara, student

The Invisible Life of Joseph Finch by Les Productions Figlio (Canada)

Photo credit: Chris Randle

“Days after watching it, I still find myself amazed by the luminous lyricism of this heartbreakingly beautiful production. There was poetry in even the littlest details...”


“The actor's work is very touching and you could feel the transitions of the character very distinctly. Great physical work.”

– Joana Prata, actress

“One of my best theatre experiences.”– Constance Langlois, tax manager

“Beautiful physical movement and simplicity in story-telling.”

– Morgane Strobant, student

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

Live FringeAbove Us Only Sky

Live FringeRelations

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Above Us Only Sky by Zizi Azah bte Abdul Majid (Singapore)

Photo credit: Lu Huen

“... solid performances by the cast for the most part and the overall vision of the playwright/ director – well-supported by striking set, lighting and costume designs.”

– The Flying Inkpot

“Zizi is fantastic! Definitely a force to be reckoned with. I lenjoyed the fact that it was written by a local artist and that it showed conflict from a woman's perspective.”

– Sarah Rodrigues, student

“The play was beautifully developed and it's amazing how the actors brought the characters to life.”

– Siti Hazanal, student

Relations by Quorum Ballet (Portugal)

Photo credit: Alceu Bett

“A pair of beautiful and dynamic pieces... a thorough digestion of classical dance into contemporary spectacle, delicious to behold.”


“... astonishing in the technical mastery of ballet and contemporary dance.”


“Fantastic choreography. Excellent dancers and great production choice.”

– Ling Tiong, analyst

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

Live FringeHowl Under the Moon

Live FringeMy Mother

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Howl Under the Moon by TAIHEN (Japan)Photo credit: Yoshida Lieuchi

“... illuminating at times in its incisive commentary on human nature.”


“I was filled with insight and by the end of the performance, I was so proud of her as a fellow woman and the strength of her soul.”

– Pamala Ng, art consultant

“Very poignant and cathartic, intense and expressive.”

– Sonia Kwek, student

My Mother by TAIHEN (Japan)Photo credit: Kohji Fukunaga

“... voking her mother’s personal struggles in images of stark clarity.”


“I admire the performer's spirit and am reminded of how fortunate I am. With spirit, one can do anything. ”

– Joel Yeo, accounts manager

“I could feel the performer's passion and spirit. Perhaps her performance can encourage other handicapped audiences.”

– Yosuke Watanabe, student

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

Live FringeLife is Not a Picnic

Live FringeShu Shu

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Shu Shu by Cie Efrat Stempler (Germany | Israel)

Photo credit: Anja Beyer

“... showed how fragile a sentiment like trust is.”– The Straits Times Life!

“Awesome job! Loved the intensity. Could feel the emotions and could see the significance of surveillance technology with regards to how it affects people so strongly.”

– Valerie Yip, student

“Very engaging, beautiful movements and flow. Well thought through. Food for thought.”

– Hilda Chia, regulator

“An incredibly visceral experience.”– Lim Lung Chiel, student

Life is Not a Picnic by cieLaroque | helene weinzierl (Austria)

Photo credit: Peter Huber

“... a good-humoured jibe at consumerism and a revealing snapshot of the way modern life is organised around commerce and shopping.”


“The choreography relied on the skills of the dancers to maintain tight, precise movement and the ensemble of four sustained their energy well.”


“Very amusing and entertaining.”– Jacqui Watts, teacher

“Audience interaction and fluidity of the choreography was great!”

– Jemima Yong, student

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

Live FringeExercises in Happiness

Sonic Fringefeaturing Colleen, Sylvain Chauveau & Hauschka

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Colleen (France), Sylvain Chauveau (France) & Hauschka (Germany)

Photo credit: Aude Sirvain, Valery Lorenzo & Estelle Klawitter

“... austerely, severely beautiful... In all, it was a triple-bill to remember, replete with moments of experimental beauty.”


“Loved it! The artistes were great!”– Antoinette Tan, student

“A nice alternative.”– Cheryl Chua, Student

“Please bring in more of such talents!”– Ginger Tan, HR executive

Exercises in Happiness by Panther (Australia)Photo credit: Kate McCartney

“Wonderful! Thumbs up for the creative minds!”– Andrea Henseler, crisis coach

“Refreshing and fun.”– Daphne Flynn, designer

“I loved that it was interactive.”– Nathalie Wong, student

“It was interesting that the exhibition tried to capture an emotion which is intangible. I loved

it!”– Joanne Lim, student

“I never thought we'll ever see such a brilliant group of minimalist composers given the limelight here. Kudos!”

– Terence Chua, manager

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

Fringe GalleryFrozen in Time

Fringe GalleryMasa Lalu – Masa Lupa (The Past – The Forgotten Time)

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Once Upon a Time in Malang by Wimo Ambala Bayang, part of Masa Lalu- Masa Lupa (The Past –

The Forgotten Time) by Cemeti Art House (Indonesia)

Photo credit: Wimo Ambala Bayang

“Appealing contemporary artwork. Very palatable.”

– Laura Yeo, design student

“Interesting concept behind this exhibition.”– Damien Teo, NSF

“Refreshing interpretation of history.”– Ameliana Yap, corp comms executive

“Makes a powerful statement about art and how it can be used to encourage reflection on issues.”

– Christopher Chan, manager

Frozen in Time by Nathalie Daoust (Canada)Photo credit: Nathalie Daoust

“... dream-like, full of soft pastel colours, and with smears of white space at the edges.”


“I am amazed at how the images are so simple and yet they contain so much subtle beauty.”

– Jean Bachelor, secretary

“Nathalie's images are spellbinding. I was captivated by each piece.”

– Renee Sequeira, manager

“An eye-opening experience.”– Colin Anthony, IT engineer

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

Fringe GalleryFilem-Filem-Filem

Fringe GalleryA Brief History of the Future

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Optical Sound, part of A Brief History of the Future by Mika Taanila (Finland)Photo credit: Mika Taanila

“Insightful.”– Junior college student

“Profound!”– Dexter Lee, NSF

“Keep up the good work and please bring in more of these kinds of works.”

– Aliff Sufian, engineering assistant

“Great to see a cheeky interpretation of Art and History – we often forget how our past visions of the future never came about.”

– Anton de Rozario, student

Filem-Filem-Filem by Ming Wong (Singapore)Photo credit: Ming Wong

“... the unassuming shots are the result of a painstaking process.”


“The process of this work is fascinating. I can't believe that Ming actually went in search of these cinemas, some of which are no longer on any maps!”

– Kathy Lim, drama educator

“Looking at the prints of the old cinemas is like looking at old family photographs. There's a feeling of nostalgia that washes over you.”

– Joshua Siow, biologist

M1 SINGAPORE FRINGE FESTIVAL 2009ART AND FAMILY

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family:Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”

- Jane Howard

Today, the term “family” extends beyond the biological and other limitations based on the traditional context of what a family constitutes.

Families could refer to anything that provides us with references to and support for our own identity. These can be networks within a geographical region, as well as communities that are focused along specific lines of ethnicity, citizenship, sexuality, age, occupation, language, marital status and so on. Families oftentimes come with their unique set of rules, rituals and icons – some families are driven by the fetishisation of these, others by the destruction of these same identity signposts. Families could now also be expanded beyond the tangible – in this technological age, they include virtual networks where members are as faceless as each decides to be.

Nations are also positioning themselves within “families”. The growth of regionalisation indicates that for political and economic survival, it is imperative that we consider regional families to negotiate and develop socio-cultural understanding with other such entities.

“All humanity is one undivided and indivisible family, and each one of us is responsible for the misdeeds of all the others.”

- Gandhi

By exploring the myriad notions of “families”, we also need to look at what threatens to tear them apart. The fragility of our social fabric can be seen in the uproar that follows bombings and threats in countless cities in recent years. Racial and cultural tensions are quickly brought to the fore, and blame-games result in even more bloodshed, frustration and impasse.

As politicians and economists explore new policies to manage nations and foreign relations, the repercussions of these policies are captured and reflected back to us all through art. Art has the vital responsibility to address how communities inter-relate with the dominant culture or amongst each other; from inter-state to the inter-national.

ART AND FAMILY looks at the concerns of such communities and their struggles to gain respectability and acceptance on their terms. The M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2009 challenges artists to review our long-held principles, and to regard multiple forms of democracies as a necessary move towards addressing the problems in our present global village.

“A family is a place where minds come in contact with one another.” - Buddha

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FRINGE TEAM 2008

Artistic Directors Alvin Tan

Haresh Sharma

Administrative Office

Festival Manager Melissa Lim

International Relations Manager

Averyl Rodrigues

Education & Outreach Executive

Chok Shin Ni

Events Executive Jezamine Tan

Volunteers Coordinator Miskarmalia bte Mohd Ariffin

Production Office

Production Coordinators Juraidah Rahman

Molizah Mohd bte Mohter

Venue Coordinator Joanna Goh

Visual Arts Coordinator Irma Suzanna Ruslan

Fringe Interns Nurhidayah bte Juhari

Kevin Zhang

Nimrta Kaur

Board of Directors Tan Chong Kee

Vincent Lim

Diana Lim-Chong

Haresh Sharma

Ken Takiguchi

Alvin Tan

Christopher Tan

Public relations for the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2008 is managed by Sense Asian Media Marketing Pte Ltd.

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THE NECESSARY STAGE

278 Marine Parade Road

#B1-02 Marine Parade Community Building

Singapore 449282

Contact

Administration: (65) 6440 8115

Production & Artistic: (65) 6440 9274

Fax: (65) 6440 9002

Email: [email protected]

www.necessary.org

www.singaporefringe.com

Documents

M1SFF08 Sponsors' Report