“The Tempest”
Reviewer: Jemima Yong
Performance: 1 May 2015
The stage is a fold in a giant’s book, a map, a country, a magic island upon which this dream-like tale takes place. The primarily imported English ensemble is pickled with Singapore-based actors from the repertory theatre, a hybrid that is also translated into its production team. What emerges from this international collaboration is a strong, solid and crisp performance of one Shakespeare’s last plays.
The entire ensemble speaks the shakespearean text with a familiar tongue, and we follow. There is a gentle feeling of community in Fort Canning Park as we surrender ourselves to the elements. The rain put us all, actors, crew and audience alike, in the same boat, hoping the show will go on regardless – this adds a rather exciting dimension to the work. There are some stellar performances from Shane Mardjuki, Ann Lek, Daniel Jenkins and their British counterparts Theo Ogundipe and Simon Robson. The Tempest is well directed with clear aesthetic and vision. The Asian horror-inspired spirits are a charming addition to the production. I hope to see more international collaborations such as this extend into the alternative, more experimental fields of Singapore theatre.
If you enjoy some solid Shakespeare or are curious about what Shakespeare feels like live, go to this.
An enjoyable production and a great night out!
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ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
THE TEMPEST by Singapore Repertory Theatre
30 April – 24 May 2015,
Fort Canning Park
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Jemima Yong has recently relocated from London. She is a performance maker and photographer, and is interested in criticism that balances being inward looking (for the artists) and outward looking (for the audience).
