Gillian loves storytelling. Better yet, when it comes to opinions and truths. There are many angles from which one can look at life. She believes that the author, actor, singer, whoever the storyteller is, will convey about 30% of the story while the audience, with their own life experiences, opinions, understandings and imaginations, devises the rest.
She often feels there is no right or wrong because of the various standpoints and possible (personal) reasons, and also because as humans, we can empathise with one another. But surely we must all want true justice.
Gillian is so glad and fortunate to be involved in a play with a talented cast, director and writer, all with good intentions. So she would love to have you come join us on this journey of "Oh!".
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OH!
* presented by AGNI KOOTTHU (THEATRE OF FIRE)
* written & directed by ELANGOVAN
* performed by Ahamed Ali Khan, Dew M. Chaiyanara, Gillian
Tan, Hemang Yadav, Lee Gao Ju, Max Ling & Shaiful Risan
* music by Eaddy & Lee Gao Ju
* Production Manager: S Thenmoli
* August 2 & 3, 2008 (Sat & Sun), 8pm
* $20 Guinness Theatre, The Substation
* Tickets available at The Substation box office (Tel: 63377800)
[ V1: Our school rule clearly states that pupils who are Singapore Citizens must sing the National Anthem. But it has been brought to my attention that you refuse to sing. What is bothering you? If you don't tell me, I cannot help you. We are a democratic country but it doesn't mean that you can do
whatever you like.
V2: You are wrong. The Asian Human rights Commission's report to the International Human Rights Day says that Singapore is the most complete authoritarian system in Asia today and perhaps also in the world. ]
I love Singapore. It is an honest mistake. What to do? Do you think I, a magician have gone mad? You belief you are normal because you think you are mentally organized? You are proud that you are cultured and refined as your behaviour is deemed socially acceptable by other monkeys around you? You have joined the tribe that listens, thinks and excretes the same and forms the majority segment of this society? You are sane and only your dominant group will define insanity for those like me who dance to a different beat? What will happen to your world when I get an opportunity to re-define your sanity with my magic wand at a convenience store? Have you ever been possessed by a chatty ghost before? Have you ever helped your senile mother to slice her jugular vein? Have you heard voices ringing non-stop in your head telling you to terminate those who:
- do not sing the national anthem because it is the language of a race you can't stand;
- switch off the life-support system of the local braindead soldier for organ transfer to save a foreign dictator;
- blackmail and molest the pizza-delivery boy for being late;
- interrogate the idealistic reporter for telling the truth;
- stab any foreign talent for refusing to appreciate your magic at the hawker centre?
My home-visit is due. I tak boleh tahan (cannot take it) anymore. Can I kill someone with kindness please?
_________________________
S Thenmoli
President
Agni Kootthu (Theatre of Fire)
The Substation is a wonderful venue for local arts located on Armenian Street. Founded in 1990 by the late Kuo Pao Kun, the Substation is Singapore's first independent contemporary arts centre.
When they tried to close Armenian Street in 2006 to celebrate their annual SeptFest after getting approval from all their neighbours, they were denied.
When a huge commercial event (with money, corporations, an international act) decided to close the street, everyone was merely informed it was going to happen.
"The Substation is planning a signature multi-disciplinary event at its premises.
‘Fight for Your Right (to) Party’ is a re-affirming of The Substation’s role as a space that promotes, supports and nurtures cultural and artistic diversity – where people from many different backgrounds can converge as a community and have a sense of ownership of a public space.
Activities include a banner painting party, video and photo installations, soundscape performances, poetry readings, acoustic gigs, performance readings, expressionist painting and more! All these activities will be held on the premises of The Substation, from 2pm - 9pm on July 27th."
Gillian is once again teaming up with Hemang (Nanda) and Gaoju on a poetry play presentation, "Colouring Book", at 4pm. She will mess about with her new original song 'If I Were Human'. Does it sound kinda out there? Come find out!
You can catch Gillian and Vincent Lee leading the 5th episode of "Incredible Tales" on Channel 5 this Sunday (July 20th) at 10pm. In Singapore. :-)
Vincent is a pal who came to "Tuesday Afternoon" and of course has hung out and worked with Gillian quite a bit. The filming experience was a little rocky yet somewhat smooth sailing. Vincent's blog is more exciting than hers.
Gillian will be dancing and singing (and whining) as an emo / goth teenager in Thief of Time. Hemang Yadav and Lee Gaoju are also in this production by Eugene Lin and the Voice.
It has no relation to the traditional saying "Procrastination is the thief of time", or Terry Pratchett's book.
Rehearsals are underway. Fun, tiring and also exciting because the two almost sold-out shows are on in just a few days. There is a 3pm show and a 7pm show in the Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC) 1000-seat theatre in Republic Poly, Woodlands.
The show on the 5th at the Substation went ok and the question and answer session was very lively. Gillian's very glad that there are people who would choose theatre's works-in-progress over a cinema, karaoke and a fancy dinner. She's completely grateful there were many familiar faces present. She should've added this on the 6th but was still recovering from sleepless nights and have been busy rehearsing for other shows... So she has lazily plagiarised her facebook note.
"These people are amazing and beautiful so I consider myself very blessed. Unless I ever get amnesia or the like, I'll never forget any kindness and goodness I've been so fortunate to experience.
"Nothing can match the treasure of common memories" - Antoine De Saint-Exupery (1900-1944)
Last night was disorganised & a blur for me cos I hadn't really slept in two days. & because I lost my glasses. I apologise... Yet I recall the sweet kind souls who gave us your precious time although my piece "Tuesday Afternoon" really wasn't a big deal at all. Please forgive me if I left anyone out. Send me a message & I'll do a headstand for you. Or just buy you a drink if you prefer. Thank you all sincerely for spending your Saturday evening with me:
Andrea - thanks for all the love, patience, understanding & support
Ru - you were awesome; you saved me!
Adi - for the important notes I've yet to hear
Allen - for your kind words & sorry about your knees
Andrew - for wanting to even read the initial script
Audrey - without whom this wouldn't even be possible
Chun - for the lights, camera & more
Donovan - for thinking so highly of me (huh?) & bringing others
Eleanor & Julius - for hearing the rants & all our history together
Emilie - for your ernest presence from months before
Gret & Madeline - glad to see you after so long
Ivan - glad I can ignite a love for theatre in you
James - for sitting so close & bringing a friend
Jerry - for your support always & rushing down from Ikea
Jing - for your keen observations
Lawrence - great to see you again after so long & bringing a friend
Mahadi - for leaving Sentosa in time :-)
Peer - love watching, & now hearing from my peer
Terence - for arranging so much including the tables & chairs
Vincent - for the drink I didn't claim last night, screen husband
And those who weren't there but were actively involved:
Gaoju - for your valuable time & input
Hemang - for the help, input & insights from my first draft to submission to rehearsal to the camera
Keith & Bharati - for the radio interview, believing & helping to promote the arts
Mark & Shawn - my caring brothers who encourage (they won't admit it) my crazy ideas
My mom & dad - cos I'm alive, loved & inspired. I miss you papa.
Thank you all once again. Oh who am I kidding? I could never thank any of you enough!"
Wakey wakey! Keith DeSouza hosts the morning show on News Radio 93.8 FM from 6am to 10am everyday. And he is very sweet and gracious to invite Gillian on the show to talk about her first original play, "Tuesday Afternoon".
You can hear the interview at 7am on Friday July 4th. Who knows what it's about since it'll be live? :-) Gillian is flattered though she'd hardly consider her play news worthy at this point.
Just in case she isn't coherent in the morning, she wants to now thank a few friends like dear Nanda (Hemang Yadav) and Lee Gao Ju, and the good folks at Substation - Audrey, Terence and Chun. The script would still be a mere idea if not for them!
