JUST AZ | by GroundZ-0

The Malays and Chinese has its own, and yet intertwined history and relationship between themselves on this little island country – Singapore.

How much do we really know one another? We have friends from the other race but we also harboured prejudices and judgement against the other. We have set ‘set assumptions/ perspectives’ for one another. We judged each other. There is anxiety, friendship, anxiousness, care, angst, tolerance, blame, acceptance, hurt, distrust… throughout our Singapore history and within our daily routine.

How do we manage?

This is a devised play by both collaborators – Alin & Zelda, with the guidance by Alvin Tan (as Director). It is a character-based story aims to explore the complexity of the relationship between the two races in this country. Through this process, the work also hope to further understand and excavate the ‘identities’ of being a Singaporean.

1^st Phase (September – October 2018)

The first phase of the development focused on research and workshops. The team researched on the theme and brainstormed ideas for the play. In the process of the research and improvisations, the team aimed to find a basic structure of the play.

2^nd Phase (August 2019) – Refinement & Structure

After the first phase, the team will review the feedback received. They will make edits to the script, focus on specific issues related to the work and do further research. At the end of second phase, there will be a Work-in-Progress presentation for the team to gather feedback and comments.

GroundZ-0 原。空間, is a Singapore-based multi-lingual experimental inter-space initiated by Zelda Tatiana Ng, which aims to explore, research, promote and produce intercultural and cross-genres/ disciplines works in Singapore. GroundZ-0 原。空間 is interested in the experimentation of traditional arts forms (especially Chinese Opera & Japanese Noh) in contemporary theatre, as and when suitable and applicable. It also seeks opportunities to work with various international artists in order to share research and learn knowledge across nationalities/ races/ cultures.

Through explorations and experiments, GroundZ-0 aspires to find/ define/ re-define its identity(ies) as Singaporean as well as a Global Citizen.

Collaborator / Cast – Zelda Tatiana Ng

• Has been working in the arts/theatre scene for more than 18 years
• Involved in various aspects oftheatre with almost all major established local theatre companies i.e. The Necessary Stage, Drama Box, The Finger Players, The Theatre Practice and Singapore Repertory Theatre etc.
• In 2003, graduated from the Theatre Training & Research Programme (currently known as Intercultural Theatre Institute)
• Recent work includes – Inheritance (The Finger Players, Director), Sea (Centre 42 – The Vault, Actor), Afar (The Finger Players – Watch This Space, Director), Red Dot Radio (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre Concert, Lead Singer), Three Children & Titoudao (Esplanade The Studios – fifty, Director), Garisan Kuning (Singapore Repertory Theatre – Actor), Square Moon (Independent, Lead Actor), 100 Years of Solitude-Cultural Revolution (Zuni Icosahedron & Drama Box, Actor) and movies Ilo Ilo & Taxi Taxi (Featured Actor)

Collaborator / Cast – Aidli Mosbit

• Graduated from Queensland University of Technology and has worked extensively with local companies like The Necessary Stage, Teater Kami, Wild Rice, Cake Theatre, Toy Factory, The Theatre Practice, Teater Ekamatra and Drama Box.
• Published an anthology of Malay plays in the book, BISIK with Noor Effendy Ibrahim and Alfian Sa’at
• She toured to Scotland, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Romania, Hong Kong and Hungary, performing Singapore-brand theatre
• Recipient of the Young Artist Award for Theatre in 2008, she played the leading role of Murni alongside Malaysia’s legendary actor, Datuk Haji Rahim Razali, in the film Sayang Disayang (2013) by Sanif Olek which was Singapore’s Official 2015 Oscar® Entry for Best Foreign Language Film.
• In 2016, she published her collection of Malay plays entitled CHANTEK. CHANTEK was awarded the Hadiah Persuratan (Literary Award) 2017 by the Malay Language Council, Singapore.
• Currently working in Temasek Polytechnic as the Section Head of the Arts Division, in the Student Development & Alumni Affairs department, while pursuing her Master of Education.

Director – Alvin Tan

• Founder and Artistic Director of The Necessary Stage
  
• A leading proponent of devising theatre in Singapore. Directed more than 70 plays, which have been staged locally and at international festivals
• In 1998, was conferred the Young Artist Award for Theatre
• Awarded Best Director at 2011 The Straits Times Life! Theatre Awards for Model Citizens by The Necessary Stage
• In 2014, Alvin was conferred the Cultural Medallion for his artistic excellence and contribution to Singapore’s arts and cultural landscape
• Artistic Director of Peer Pleasure, an annual youth-oriented theatre festival in Singapore