My Fair Lady

Last Friday, Top Lady Zheng passed away in her sleep.

So emotional. The things that wise old woman said before her death is so wise and emotional as well.

I felt so sad when she passed away. No melodrama. Just pure good old drama.

Cried silently. Tears stream down my face and lips quivered and then eyes turned red.

Jewel in the Palace is such a nice show!!

Today Lady Han consolidated her power as the new Top Lady. So happy for her. But she is going to die next week. So sad... somemore in the wilderness. So poor thing.

Haha. Is this becoming a blog for da changjin??

Haha. No. This is still my blog. Kiantong's blog.

Wonder-Full

Today end of script writing course.

Haiyen laoshi gave me a prize: 'Most Schedule Adhering Scripwriter'.

Got people get most interesting script. Got people get best-written lines script. I never get all these prizes. Maybe means not so interesting. Haha. But thanks to Haiyen laoshi who taught me alot about scriptwriting this spring.

Next Wed they going to choose scripts. Hopefully will cross the FINAL BARRIER

Registered to help out at 'Madamme What's Next' by her theatre group this july....

This leads me to something else: Something I keep wondering for the whole of this semester.

In other words, I have been wonder-full. Haha, sorrie couldnt resist it.

Because I was in AliBaBa production, then I was in scriptwriting course. Then I would be in August QNT production. Then I would probably be the SM again for Sept Production. Now I am conceptualising my own 'Budget Theatre Production' For Huay Guan...

Short Film Out: Cohort Best Short Film. Finished the script for another short film. Still deciding whether to go into competition or not.

Three scripts in progress.

This semester I hardly pay attention to my work and studies. When reading the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, I would drift off to think about how to continue my scripts. When reading about mutations in the human genome, I would be thinking about the shows I have been watching.

I wonder: Have I chosen the wrong path? Should i have taken a theatre studies degree instead?
All my life I always loved biology and science in general. How come suddenly I have doubts? I think theatre might have become a distraction. But I also not sure.

That is why I am so wonder-full now. Wonder this wonder that. So many questions, nobody help me answer.

Wonderful.

Haha

Furthest North Deepest South

Went to watch 'Furthest North Deepest South' by Finger Players today at the esplanade theatre studios.

The story is about Cheng Ho, a great admiral during Zhu Di's (Zhu Emperor) reign during the Ming Dynasty of China. He was a enunch, but also the engineer of many great expeditions to corners of the world, places where people considered very far and impossible to reach during those technologically backward times. The play was written by Chong Tze Chien, based on the book '1421: The year China discovered the world'

I would have to say the play was extremely well written. The story, though looking simple is actually a multi-layered play not only about the life of Cheng Ho, but more on identity, relationships, restraint of freedom and will. Its lines were well written, switching between humour and meaning effortlessly. Cheng Ho is a enunch, one that court officials despise yet is capable of great things, restricted by the fact that he is a enunch. He yearns to be free from the wishes of other people, yet imprisoned by his friendship with Zhu Di as well as his own wishes to regain the physical thing that all enunchs lack, the penis.

One could well draw parallels from between the story of Cheng Ho and the current world situation today. The play then becomes relevant and up to date. Not too distant

The music and sounds were awesome and impressive.The set design and prop usage was very well thought out, with one object being treated as different things at different times. Also, the lighting design was fantastic, giving the effects that needed to be brought together with the story to the audience. Green, blue and red light was very well used and blended. Of course, there is the staple white and orange lights.

Puppets were designed properly and also acheiving the aim of being on stage with the real life actors. The cast was strong and charismatic. Fanny Kee (Cheng Ho) and Sim Pern Yau (Zhu Di) convincingly brought the audience bach to the 1400s, using great rhythm when delivering the lines and strong body language when appropriate. Director Christina Sergeant must be credited for her strong direction, clearly bringing the taste of the story across to the audience. The supporting cast was animating, complementing the two protangonists seriousness very well

I must say I am enthralled by the production, everything from the intriguing story to the beautiful sets and puppets to the charismatic cast.

This indeed deserves the title of Best Production ( 5th LTA) It is the best theatre production I have watched in years, since Li Xie's 'Vaginalogue'

The night was however, spoiled by a huge bunch (90% of audience) of stupid schoolboys who talked during the show, though not as bad as schoolgirls (because the theatre people watching). But they too, laughed at anything and everything, including the word 'penis'

I wished I could have run to the furthest north and the deepest south from these dumb school children.

Haha

I Love 大长今

Right here once again I am professing my love for the woman called Changjin and her life story.

Seriously, every episode of the show intrigues and draws me away from the dull bitter and dry life I have now.

Today I was almost touched to death today when Lady Zheng said her final wise advice words to Lady Han before leaving the palace. When she hugged Liansheng for the final time I almost wanted to cry. Well, if you ever had to part with someone who spend alot of time with you, then you would know the bitter feeling of parting.

And I am sure tomorrow I will be damn sad tomorrow because Lady Zheng dies and she says some final words which are of so much enlightenment yet so sorrowful.

For all those who dont know what the hell I am talking about, it is okae.

Only those who watch knows.

Who wouldnt love a wise old woman who is smart yet compassionate and humourous at times.

Lady Zheng is the best. After Changjin, that is.

These few days struggling with books for exams. Cant wait to get past it towards freedom.
Then it will be short film, more script writing and loads of fun.

Of course, more 大长今

Where is She?

Yesterday heard something about my friend.

No lah. Not exactly my friend. Somebody I know.

Anyway, it was her birthday last week. Then, for her birthday, her boyfriend arranged a series of surprises for her.

First, it was a spa session. (All paid for by the boyfriend)

Next it was a meal at some expensive restaurant.

Last was jewellery from tiffany and co

And the last present was opened in the car of the boyfriend.

We were speculating yesterday that the guy must be damn rich. Not need to speculate. Use brain also know.

All I want to say is suddenly I know why people always want to marry rich husbands already. I am sure my friend didnt get to know her boyfriend because she was materialistic.

But you cant deny that a rich boyfriend has lotsa plus points.

Now I want to find a rich wife also. Then I can have better birthday presents

Where is my rich wife? Where is she?

Oh yeah, by the way, my birthday is on may 18th. Will be probably holding a food event for everyone at my house. Huay Guan people invited. Friends invited. I will notify everyone later.

I need a 3G handphone did I mention before?

Haha

Friday Night By The Window

Right now it is friday night.

Right now, it is six more days to exams

I feel a sense of loss somehow, a sense of earning to break free of all these shackles and run away from all the demanding things that I have to deal with.

I think it is stress. Though I may seem like very carefree or able to deal with my things properly, I feel it right at the bottom of my heart.

The nagging feeling of stress. The unerasable feeling of loneliness or loss. I think it is more like uneasiness.

Yes it is uneasiness. Because short of time (though I am sure there is enough time), because poor showings at both CA of molecular genetics.

But I would survive.... I am so sure.... because who ever heard of people die because of exam stress? Those commit suicide died because gravity smashed the body, not because of exam stress. If you die because of exam stress, means you faint and die because you feel stressed.

Not sure if you get what I mean. Its just so me to be here blogging instead of studying when I say I am worried about the exams.

See everyone after exams.

I am going to be just so glad when the exams are all over.

Haha

大长今 Jewel In The Palace

Nowadays, my life revolve round one thing. I construct my timetable around this thing....

Jewel in the palace (大长今）

It is really a jewel leh. I simply love the show. Anyway Changjin, the female protagonist is really beautiful to look at. Now I know hor, why even President of China want to watch the show. Not because he got nothing to do leh. Because it is VERY GOOD.

Can anybody lend me the series so that I can watch finish one shot?

My ambition now is to be Emperor. Then can get Changjin to cook for me to eat

If cannot make it hor, then I want to be 最高尚宫 (Top Gentleman: Male Version of Top Lady)

I make up my mind already. This summer break I will go learn cooking at community centre. Then next try to save up enough money to go South Korea eat the imperial food

Haha

Crazy Frogs

Early in the morning step out of the house come to Brainforest for lecture.

Was on the train to Brainforest of Clementi. Wanted to sleep as I was very tired.

Suddenly, at Choa Chu Kang MRT I heard some stupid student with his super loud ear phones on.

Wrong, that one not used as ear phones, but more like speakers. I can here the music from his headphones. I think anyone that is not deaf on the train can hear the god damn music.... If it is Stephanie Sun still never mind, it is some crazy frog techno metal music. So noisy in the morning, worse than the voice of Auntie Guhua from 9 storey of my HDB block.

Nowadays the trains becoming super noisy. People dont just wanna listen to their own music. They want to share with everybody, use their nokia phones as speakers use their headphones as speakers play super loud for everyone on the train. Sometimes, I wonder if we will one day break into dance and cheers if the whole train hear a song that we like.

Who say Singaporeans very selfish? No. We super share and care. We care that people on MRT feel bored thats why must provide entertainment for everyone. We love some music and want to share music with everyone.

As for those students always with the headphones on, no wonder teacher say what also they cannot hear. Because almost becoming deaf already. Actually maybe like that better because then Singapore got the excuse to set up more and more special schools then marginalised people wont become marginalised already what.

If you dont know what I mean, msn me then I slowly explain. But if you dont know what I mean then probably you are special also, if you know what I mean.

Haha

Singapore Film

Was reviewing my Singapore films for the exam in the Brainforest library.

Now i declare:

Best Singapore Film: 12 storeys

My favourite Singapore Film: Eating Air

Really beautiful, really easy to swallow, really sad.

Nobody will care what I declare, but i think never mind....

Isnt that what Singapore Films are about?

You say yours I do mine.

Haha.

Happy Together

Sunday, April 9, 2006

Day of exchange of rings with Miss Goh Keng Leng

In a private ceremony in front of some angsana tree in Serangoon North Ave 4

Till death and divorce do us part.

A Beautiful Campanion (Plus Singapore Gaga)

Today spent half the day at Arts House @ Old Parliament

In the afternoon, watched Singapore GaGa by Tan Pin Pin, a Singapore Feature Film that collected the sounds and sights of the long ignored yet prominent Singapore.

A very interesting short film which brings my attention to things that I always ignore. Things that Singaporeans ignore.

Six dollars well spent

In the evening, after dinner with tan gekleng at foodcourt, I stayed back to watch 'A Beautiful Campanion' by Theatreworks Writers Lab. Tan Suet Lee wrote the play and Jeffrey Tan directed it.

The story is about the lives of two women, Vivian and Rosemary. Vivian is a desperate pregnant woman whose husband was killed by a bus. She wanted to commit suicide but was counselled and saved by Rosemary, a lonely teacher who is kind but a destined old maid.

Rosemary then goes on to put up vivan in the house. After that vivian gave birth to a girl named catherine (after rosemary's mother). To complicate matters further, rosemary accidentally cause the death of catherine and vivian's friendship with rosemary was broken.

Finally the story had to come with a twist. Rosemary was a lesbian and in exchange for all the support she gave to Vivian, she got vivian to go to bed with her.

The story looks complicated, but yet, when laid out on the few scenes were simple to understand. The lines and the narrative carried the story well, a third but rather peripheral character, acted by Sonny Lim was used to propel the story forward. Generally i would say that the story is quite solid and well written. The narrative was fluid enough to swallow, the characters safely round enough to believe. There were many stabs at Singapore and jokes about Singaporeans, but these elements were incorporated so well in between the lines that it does not feel forced. I think that is one of the more clever parts of the script.

However, I felt that some parts of the narrative started to sag and the scenes can get abit draggy at times. Things cross into melodrama at times and I keep looking forward to the next joke about Singapore. But once the pace start to pick up, things get all right again.

The most regrettable thing about this play is that it does not really let me bring away much, as with many plays nowadays. Playwrights seem to just want to tell a story, not at all concerned with the lessons and themes that audiences bring away with them. Either that or they are too concerned with exploring relationships that they forget what they want to tell the audience.

Anyway, lighting was quite well designed and set design was quite well thought of. Acting was great, tempo wise, body language wise, language wise, expression wise.

Some idiot keep clapping after the end of every scene. And the best was that some of the audience were induced to clap with that idiot. Dont these people know that clapping is only at the end of a show? Basic theatre ettiquette has gone to the dogs?

I enjoyed myself though. There was no pressure to understand anything because both film and play were not hard to understand at all. In fact, the play gave me enlightenment on how i would design my set for august.

This is a fruitful trip, though I had to sacrificed a birthday party invitation from huayguan people to go. Sorry guys.

Mine is the Best

This semester i took a module called 'Singapore Film'

For my group project, we had to make a short film.

I scripted and directed one segment of the film

Today, in front of the entire lecture room full of brainforest students, the lecturer showed our short film. The lecturer only selected 4 films out of the 20 films to show to the entire lecture class.

And afterwards when I went to collect our project back from her, she praised us for our good job and said that she liked our film very much.

She gave us an A for the project.

But this is not the best part..... I am very very happy because of one thing.

On our written report, my lecturer made a comment that made me go to cloud nine. She said my part was more well written than gekleng's one.

It is not about winning your peer. It is not about winning a friend. It is about being able to do a thing very well that you naturally proceed ahead of people, even by an inch. It means that you have done your best. It means that you have done enough. It means that you have what it takes.

I have finally prove to myself I can do something properly.

And it is what that counts.

Whatever other people say, it doesnt matter anymore.

As for those who want to see our short film, hang on abit. I need to edit out some problematic shots to legally get it onto youtube.

Thank you

Catman

I really really think some singaporean schoolgirls can form the most idiotic, irritating and moronic race in the entire UNIVERSE

Throughout the whole show, they laughed, talked loudly and screamed at everything that was slightly strange or out of the ordinary. They seemed like they are some suaku (not suaning haha) people that came from Jalan Ulu Pandan. If you dont know what that means you probably come from the same place.

I wanted to tell these dumb people to have some respect for the show as well as themselves. But Nelson Chia was beside me so I didnt want to spoil my image.

Talking about the show, 'Catman' is a really strange show.

The script narrates the series of events that happened after a mysterious man meets a strange cat in his dreams. He has a series of strange dreams. After that, the people around him started to act like cats and have characteristics of cats.

It is about the crossing of a man and a cat, the crossing of reality with the surreal, the crossing of suppressed desires and memories with the rise of desires and memories.

Cats were used to convey the subject of memories because cats arent obedient and you cannot control them as you want to. Sometimes you can control them but sometimes they just dont listen to you. Repressed memories are the same. Just when you want to forget, they just come into your mind again.

Castration of cats is used as a tool to convey desires. Castration is used to supress the desires of the cats. It is not normal, but it becomes normal after awhile. It becomes normal after the way humans use it in the city. A castrated cat is so alien, yet it is so familiar.

The script was quite well written, though I would prefer it to be a little more coherent to make it more palatable. Liu Xiaoyi (some girl commented that he is very good looking, no doubt he is) turns in a stellar performance as the titular role with good grasp of language, good tempo and great acting. Not at all over the top. Dorreen Toh was great as well, having good body language and delivering her roles with good sense of rhythm and sensibility. The directing was solid because use of pace and lighting was good, not overindulgent

The space of studio 4 was effectively made use of for the show. The stage was not even a normal theatre stage. It is just a simple small room with makeshift lights and sound systems. The set was well designed, effectively acehieving its aim of existence in the show.

Those practising theatre should learn from Theatre Practice's 'Poor Theatre Series' As we get more and more funding and more interest from the mass public, the theatre circle should not forget its own roots, to have good stories with good acting and solid directing.

Lights, sound, sets and multimedia are only secondary.

A Language of Their Own (R18)

I spend a day out on my own also.

Get it? A Language of their own, a day out on my own.... Haha. For the first time since a year ago, I venture out onto the streets without company at all.

Anyway to side track abit, last time when I was young I went out alone. Always. I saw nothing wrong with that. Spent all my free time exploring all the shopping malls in Singapore... On my own... a loner.... with no real friends

After that when I reached secondary school somebody said it is very pathetic to be out on your own all the time..... Show that you are super outcasted loner.... From then on, go out always must be with friends..... If without friends company, I will not do whatever I want to do, whether issit go library or go shopping or go watch movies....

Now I got used to it again. In fact, I start to love being alone on trips.... Nobody to disturb you when you are looking while walking, nobody to argue with over small things, nobody for you to accomodate to their slow walking speed. Now I am clear. People always scared to appear lonely is because they scared people laugh and talk about them.... I not scared so no need people to go out with liao.

If got good, dont have it is okay also.

Anyway, talking about the show at esplanade theatre studio by checkpoint theatre, when I first arrived, they gave out a usual brochure, but with a CONDOM. I was momentarily stunned by the unexpected gift. Now I know why the ticket so expensive. 35 dollars per ticket. Buy condoms (no lah, it is sponsored, just say for fun)

The story is a narration of the lives of four gays. Two of them the main characters breaking up as a checkpoint, with narration of events that occur before and after the breakup The show also deals with gay related issues such as AIDS.

The play had elements which made it a potentially good show. There was an extremely controversial scene where a guy masturbate in front of us,butt naked, although backfacing the audience and wearing a shirt. The lines were very humorous and graceful, the actors were great and the characterisation was complete, producing round multidimensional characters.

The direction was rather even, not too heavy handed nor was it trivialising of anything. The script seem focused enough on the main discourse of the love between two men and the themes that the playwright wanted to deal with. The lighting, done by Ken ikeda and consisting of mainly two colours, successfully conveyed the concept of personal space and the spatial aspect of relationships.

However, I felt something important was missing. Something big enough to make a loophole in the play. But I cant put my finger on it, even though thinking about it when I was on the train home. The angmohs didnt like it. One of them commented that it could have been alot worse. Several members of the audience were getting abit impatient during the show.

The only possible explanation that I can offer is that the show can get abit draggy at times and crosses from drama into melodrama at these points. The emotion evoking mechanism of the show failed on me, if it is suppose to even work.

I wont say the show is good. But I wont say it is not good either. Because it is not. It is okay loh, average. Recommended? No. Not for 35 dollars.

But it did shed light on what gay romances are like in reality.

Happiness In Its Own Right

Laughing my head off.....

The poll yielded horrendous results for me. I thought Sua Ning would win because he so lame....

But backfired on me.... Laughing out loud at the moment... in Science Library somemore.

WAHAHAHAHA!

In this kind of polls, do you want to win or lose.... Haha, what an oxymoron.

Anyway, everything is done in good fun and really just for laughs. Huay Guan people please go get all ali baba people involved to vote this then the results will be more accurate. Perhaps I am winning because those voting always hear my jokes.

No offence Liting, no offence Sua Ning.... I win maybe because my sense of humor very unique.... I rather have a defined brand of humor then to have no humor like..... you know..... Miss L (nudge victoria and pinkie) Haha, gossip urges come again....

Anyway, lately i feel an unexplainable tinge of happiness. It is not bursting, but perhaps just a small bit....

Then I realise what it was.

It is this:

A Language of Their Own
Esplanade Theatre Studio
33 dollars

Catman
Theatre Practice
Pay as you want

A Beautiful Campanion
Play Den
23 dollars

Furthest North Deepest South
Esplanade Theatre Studio
27 dollars

4.30
Singapore Film Festival
22 dollars

Singapore GaGa
Arts House
6 dollars

Queen Ping
Esplanade Theatre Studio
27 dollars

Happiness and Knowledge
Priceless

Never watched so many shows in one month before..... Even if alot are alone.... Not everyone have time money and interest.

Anyone who want to go with me can contact me. I will help get tickets.

Would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who bring temporary financial relief to me so that I can at least struggle to make ends meet.

Mom (esp)+ Dad (esp)+ GekL + WL (esp)

Thank you. The budding artsman remembers you all in his heart.

Haha.....