Latest news with #GhafirAkbar
Business Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Times
Shakespeare meets Dune in SRT's futuristic Macbeth
[SINGAPORE] By now, Singapore Repertory Theatre's long-running Shakespeare in the Park series has built a solid reputation for design excellence, and its latest production of Macbeth is no exception. This time, the Bard's famous tragedy is transported from the misty highlands of Scotland to a futuristic desert battlefield, where sand dunes ripple under moody, ochre lighting, and the haunting music of the 'weird sisters' – the three witches that curse Macbeth – drifts through the air. Comparisons with the universe of Frank Herbert's Dune – with its desolate deserts of Arrakis – and Star Wars' planet of Tatooine are entirely justified, as director Guy Unsworth openly cites the films as inspirations. Richard Kent's production design and Gabriel Chan's lighting conjure an atmosphere of raw, oppressive heat – a shimmering wasteland where ambition festers under an evil sun. A Scottish tale more than 1,000 years old has been transported into a futuristic desert landscape for Shakespeare In The Park: Macbeth. PHOTO: SRT As Macbeth, Ghafir Akbar is vulnerable and visibly human – a fresh take that brings surprising tenderness to the role. But for all its emotional nuance, the performance sometimes lacks the volcanic ambition that defines the classic character. This Macbeth feels more like a man swept along by fate than one clawing desperately for power. The primal aggression that makes Macbeth both terrifying and magnetic are tempered, and his rise and fall seem more circumstantial than driven. Julie Wee's Lady Macbeth follows a similar path. Naturally graceful, Wee delivers her lines with her characteristic poise and warmth, but doesn't reach the chilling intensity expected of one of Shakespeare's most bloodthirsty women. Only in her descent into madness does she truly ignite, tapping into the darkness that was previously dormant. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Both leads are ably supported by Daniel Jenkins as Banquo, Andy Tear as King Duncan and Shane Mardjuki as Macduff. The trio of witches – played by Inch Chua, Melissa May Garcia and Vanessa Kee – lend a spectral effect, with singing that's layered with artificial intelligence-generated distortion. Ghafir Akbar and Julie Wee bring out the humanity of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, and downplay their darkness. PHOTO: SRT The production is notable for its experiments with puppets, using them to depict birds that fly ominously around the stage. While elegant in concept, the execution falls short. The puppetry, operated by the supporting cast, lacks the grace and control needed to elevate the production's eerie atmosphere. Overall, Unsworth's Macbeth is a fresh reimagining that succeeds in merging Shakespeare with a sci-fi aesthetic. The world-building is strong and visually striking, replete with its own ancient language, gestures and rituals. But the performances don't always match the ambition of the work. It's a vision of tyranny under a scorching sun – rich and atmospheric, but a few shades shy of greatness. Shakespeare In The Park: Macbeth runs at Fort Canning Park from now till Jun 1. Tickets from
Tatler Asia
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
6 local plays and musical productions to keep your eyes out for in 2025
2. Hotel Above Wild Rice's epic Hotel returns this year (Photo: Wild Rice) Exploring notions of empire, nationhood, migration and identity, this multi-generational epic spans a century and is performed in nine languages. Set in a single hotel room from 1915 to 2015, the epic journeys through 100 years of Singapore's history. This epic first made its world premiere in 2015 and returns to The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre after playing to a full house in 2023. When: From August 14 Where: The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ Wild Rice, Funan 3. Singapore, Michigan Local theatre company Pangdemonium's upcoming play is set in Singapore, Michigan . Located by the shoreline of Lake Michigan, the ghost town was founded in 1836 and was a trade hub before being struck by tragedy in 1875. In 2025, a group of friends comprising two Singaporeans (from the country Singapore) and an American go on a mission to find this town. Throughout their journey, they're faced with multiple challenges, which lead them to question what it means to be Singaporean in the 21st century. When: June 26 to July 11 Where: Singapore Airlines Theatre @ Lasalle 4. Shakespeare in the Park: Macbeth Above Head to Fort Canning Park to catch Shakespeare in the Park: Macbeth (Photo: Singapore Repertory Theatre) Shakespeare in the Park returns to Fort Canning Park as it reimagines Macbeth , the English playwright's tale of ambition, betrayal and power. The tragedy follows Macbeth, a Scottish general who rises to power while haunted by prophecies of three witches. Ghafir Akbar plays Macbeth alongside Julie Wee as Lady Macbeth. When: May 7 to June 1 Where: Fort Canning Park 5. Merdeka / 獨立 /சுதந்திரம் Above Merdeka looks back on Singapore's past (Photo: Wild Rice) This upcoming play looks back on Singapore's past, examining how the nation's history and humanity have been affected by the forces of colonialism. Starring talents from Wild Rice's Young & Wild youth theatre programme, the play sees a youth group, Raffles Must Fall, examine the nation's colonial legacy. When: May 1 to 4 Where: The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ Wild Rice, Funan 6. Partial Eclipse of the Heart This Mandarin musical tells the story of five friends who meet each decade at a seaside chalet. Not just a story of friendship, the musical is a reflection of the nation's journey throughout the years. The jukebox musical will also feature Mandopop hits from local stars including Stefanie Sun, Eric Ng, Tanya Chua and more. When: August 21 to September 7 Where: Drama Centre Theatre
Time Out
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The best things to do in Singapore this May
Pack a picnic, gather your friends, and stretch out on the grass under the stars as Singapore's most anticipated outdoor theatre event is back. From May 7, Shakespeare in the Park returns to the lush grounds of Fort Canning Park, where over 300,000 audience members have revelled in the magic of its live outdoor productions beneath the night sky. And this time, it's bringing you a night of power, and paranoia with the Bard's iconic tragedy Macbeth – but with a bold, modern spin. Watch award-winning actor Ghafir Akbar don the crown as Macbeth, with Julie Wee as the ever-persistent Lady Macbeth. In this reimagining, the king's hunger for power feels unsettlingly familiar, mirroring a world where social media, capitalism, and the relentless chase for success push people to their limits. Will he be able to survive this world? There's only one way to find out. With an epic, futuristic outdoor set, this production promises live cinematic grandeur, puppetry, and enough theatrical sorcery to make even the witches envious. Tickets start from $68. Enjoy an additional free ticket with every five tickets purchased here. here.
