1. Who determines the type of productions to be reviewed? And what is the criteria for the selection of productions for reviewing?
Centre 42 puts together a list of upcoming theatre productions for Citizen Reviewers to select from, on a regular basis. In line with Centre 42’s objective of documenting and promoting local theatre, the primary criteria is Singapore Theatre productions. These could range from original new works created, to adapted works produced by local arts organisations and collectives. The Centre will then purchase the tickets for the productions chosen by the reviewers.
2. What about non-Singapore Theatre productions? Can reviewers choose to write reviews of them for publication on Centre 42’s platform?
Occasionally, the Centre might recommend foreign productions and include those in the list to Reviewers to consider as part of their personal enrichment and development. However, the Centre will not bear the cost of or purchase the tickets to these productions. The Centre will accept written reviews of these recommended non-Singapore Theatre productions for publication on Centre 42’s online platforms.
3. What about productions that are not on the list provided by Centre 42?
From time to time, Reviewers may come across productions that the Centre may not be aware of. Reviewers can write a request / recommendation to include these into the list for consideration, at least 2 weeks prior to event date. Do note that reviews of productions not in the Centre’s endorsed list will not be published on Centre 42’s online platforms.
4. Can the reviewer publish his/her written review – original or edited by Centre 42 – elsewhere?
No. All reviews of productions with tickets purchased under CR platform will be exclusively published at the Centre42 website. Reviewers can, however, share the link of the published review on other platforms.
5. What about language? Are only English productions being reviewed?
Productions reviewed need not necessary be performed in English. The 2016 cycle of the Citizens’ Reviews programme has now expanded to include English- and Chinese-language reviews. Dr Robin Loon, the Centre’s Resident Dramaturg continues his term as the Editor for English-language reviews. Renowned playwright-director Liu Xiaoyi has come on board as the Editor for Chinese-language reviews. The 2016 cycle will kick-start a collaboration with The Theatre Practice’s Practice Lab programmes with the aim of building a reviewing community and facilitate exchanges on critical writing for the stage.
6. Can a production / theatre company offer its show(s) to be reviewed by this Citizens’ Reviews programme? Who do they approach?
Yes. Interested organisations can approach us at citizensreviews@centre42.sg to be included in our selection of productions to reviewers. Centre 42 purchases all tickets to the shows for its reviewers; and does not accept complimentary media invites to shows, with the exception of complimentary tickets extended by the Centre’s programme partners.
If you have any further questions about the Citizens’ Reviews programme, please email CitizensReviews@centre42.sg.