Latest news with #SingaporeRepertoryTheatre
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
My Perfect Weekend with SRT's artistic director Gaurav Kripalani
Gaurav Kripalani is the artistic director of the Singapore Repertory Theatre. PHOTO: COURTESY OF GAURAV KRIPALANI Who: Gaurav Kripalani, 53, is the artistic director of the Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT). Over his 23 years with the company, he has produced more than 100 plays. The company is now staging Macbeth as part of its Shakespeare In The Park series. Running at Fort Canning Park till June 1, the outdoor production reimagines the Bard's classic tale of ambition, betrayal and the devastating cost of power. Previous runs of SRT's Shakespeare In The Park include Julius Caesar and A Midsummer Night's Dream. 'My perfect weekend would entail watching a good play, enjoying a plate of my favourite chicken rice, spending time with friends and family, and catching up on sleep. Every May, my friends and family organise a picnic for me in the park for my birthday weekend, as my birthday falls on May 8. In true Singaporean fashion, what is on the menu is a major part of the planning. There is usually an impressive spread and, over time, the whole thing has grown into something of a production. Each year, they choose a theme and go all out with decorations and props. It is equal parts over-the-top and incredibly thoughtful. Being able to lie on a picnic mat under the stars with those near and dear to you, enjoying a drink and a sumptuous meal, is a kind of magic you do not find often. For me, food, laughter and being surrounded by people who matter most – that is what makes a weekend perfect. And the cherry on top? Being able to sleep in late the next morning. When I do eventually surface, Sunday tends to be fairly relaxed and s tarts with coffee. I love the aroma as much as the taste – there is something comforting and almost ritualistic about it. I am quite addicted, to be honest. Gaurav Kripalani celebrating his 53rd birthday at a picnic. PHOTO: COURTESY OF GAURAV KRIPALANI I am also a bit of a news junkie, so I usually spend a couple of hours reading a mix of newspapers – local and international. It is my version of a slow Sunday. In the evening, I will often head out to catch a play and a meal with friends. Then it is back home, just in time to catch an Arsenal match or a Formula One race – sometimes both, if I am lucky. I feel very blessed to have a wonderful family and a few special friends who always go out of their way to make my birthday weekends memorable. They are the heart of it all – and the reason these weekends mean so much. ' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
CNA
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Actor Julie Wee on playing the ruthless Lady Macbeth in SRT's Shakespeare in the Park
CNA938 Rewind In 'Culture Club', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with actor Julie Wee, now acting as Lady Macbeth in of Singapore Repertory Theatre's staging of Macbeth in their 'Shakespeare in the Park' at Fort Canning. Wee discusses her role as one of William Shakespeare's most iconic and enigmatic women—a character often remembered for her ambition, her ruthlessness, and descent into madness. Wee will also talk about what it's like working with the other cast members, the eye-catching stage design and what it's like doing her 7th Shakespeare in the Park gig. CNA938 Rewind - Actor Julie Wee on playing the ruthless Lady Macbeth in SRT's Shakespeare in the Park In 'Culture Club', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with actor Julie Wee, now acting as Lady Macbeth in of Singapore Repertory Theatre's staging of Macbeth in their 'Shakespeare in the Park' at Fort Canning. Wee discusses her role as one of William Shakespeare's most iconic and enigmatic women—a character often remembered for her ambition, her ruthlessness, and descent into madness. Wee will also talk about what it's like working with the other cast members, the eye-catching stage design and what it's like doing her 7th Shakespeare in the Park gig. 18 mins CNA938 Rewind - Gank – a go-to monetisation platform for content creators & influencers In 'Made in SG', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Caine Teo, CEO and co-founder of Gank, a creator monetisation platform based in Singapore. Teo will discuss how Gank was established and how it operates: connecting financial systems in various Southeast Asian countries to localise payment options for content creators & influencers. Kitz Cua, a Filipino content creator and cosplay artist will talk about how Gank helps streamline her current and future earnings as she games and produces content online. 31 mins CNA938 Rewind - A Letter to Myself: Grains, grounds, and grit — how Kong Qi Herng started a food tech business right out of university Kong Qi Herng is a co-founder of The Moonbeam Company, a food tech company that turns spent grains and coffee grounds into high-fibre snacks like granola and cookies. The company actually began life as a university project while Kong and his two co-founders were still in university. He shares why he feels strongly about reducing food waste and the most valuable lessons about self-management and care he's gained through his entrepreneurial journey. 35 mins CNA938 Rewind - 'That's not me!' Can a LinkedIn gaffe hurt your career? A woman has gone viral for a LinkedIn post tagging former DBS CEO Piyush Gupta, claiming they'd met in Bali – except it wasn't him. How might habits relating to publishing on LinkedIn hurt your career and reputation, instead of helping it? And how can you recover from such gaffes? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman speak with Gerald Tan, Projects Director, Avodah People Solutions, to find out. 15 mins
Sassy Mama
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sassy Mama
This New Roblox Game Lets Students Explore Shakespeare's Most Famous Play, Macbeth
Macbeth on Roblox is a new Roblox game where students can explore and learn about the fascinating world of one of William Shakespeare's most famous tragedies through the eyes of the brave Scottish general Macbeth. Roblox is all the rage these days, but the good news is that parents now have a way to inject some educational benefits via the game. Macbeth on Roblox is the latest brainchild of Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT), newly launched on 7 May 2025. As its title suggests, it's an immersive game that brings one of William Shakespeare's most famous plays, Macbeth, to life! Just think of it as a digital extension of SRT's ever-popular Shakespeare in the Park – Macbeth, which also returns to the Fort Canning stage on the same day! In the game, players can step into Macbeth's world and experience his story firsthand. Yes, battles and all! Here's what to expect: Students can explore the classic tale through a platform they love In case you don't already know, Macbeth tells the tale of a brave Scottish general who was tempted by power after being told by three witches that he would one day become king. Because of his greed, he's willing to stop at nothing to sit on the throne, including murdering the current king! However, once he becomes king, Macbeth becomes paranoid and violent and loses his sense of right and wrong, and more people suffer as a result. Definitely an important learning point that true greatness comes from integrity and not ambition alone. In this immersive Roblox game, players can roleplay as Macbeth himself and explore some of the most dramatic moments in the play. It's a stylised, sci-fi version of the story, where players get to make key decisions and face the consequences of Macbeth's ambition. Whether your kid is a fan of Roblox or not, this unique game is the perfect way to introduce them to the well-loved classic tale. The game also has exciting content updates lined up, including new scenes that will be added over time. A unique way to introduce the teens to Shakespeare Macbeth on Roblox was developed with the National Arts Council, where it can also be used as an educational tool and a useful classroom resource. The game is designed to support MOE's Literature in English curriculum and helps students better understand and appreciate the story of Macbeth in a way that feels fresh and relatable. This is especially useful for students who are studying the play for Literature lessons! If you're planning to catch Shakespeare in the Park – Macbeth at Fort Canning (which we highly recommend!), and bringing your super-digital, knows-nothing-about-Shakespeare kids along, Macbeth on Roblox is the perfect way to get them curious and excited. It's a fun, hands-on way to explore the story before seeing it live. Plus, it's educational, so that screen time? Totally worth it! Macbeth On Roblox, Singapore Repertory Theatre,
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
Business Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Times
Momcations gaining greater traction
IN THE past, mothers may have felt guilty for leaving their families behind for a quick getaway. Not anymore, it seems. These days, momcations – or vacations for mothers minus the shackles of parenting responsibilities – are getting more popular. Whether it is to spend time alone or with other mothers, such holidays allow mums to prioritise self-care, even if it's just for a few days. This way, they can – in their own words – become 'better mothers' when they return. In this week's BT Lifestyle, we look at this phenomenon that emerged in the 2010s but is now becoming more accepted. Speaking of vacations, don't we all want maximum mileage for our travel dollars? In Travel, we bring you tips on how to get the most out of your holiday budget, tell you when is the cheapest time to travel to this year's top summer hotspots, as well as the most affordable alternative destinations. In Arts, we take a look at the works of Singapore's leading conceptual artist, Heman Chong, as he holds a solo exhibition at the Singapore Art Museum. Then read our review of Singapore Repertory Theatre's Shakespeare in the Park: Macbeth. And in Dining, find out if the food at Violet Oon's new Dempsey Hill outlet is as impressive as its stunning premises. For all this and more, don't miss Friday's issue of BT.
