…
Singapore will be the first – and only Asian – stop on what will arguably be the most prestigious global theatrical event of 2009. The Bridge Project is a major three-year trans-Atlantic venture for award-winning director Sam Mendes, Brooklyn Academy of Music and The Old Vic, whose Artistic Director is Kevin Spacey. Under the scheme, Mendes will direct his critically-acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s “A Winter’s Tale” at the Esplanade – Theatres at the Bay – from 26th – 31st March, 2009, with a cast of established actors including Ethan Hawke from the US and Simon Russell Beale, Sinead Cusack and Rebecca Hall from the UK.
The Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) is one of five co-commissioners of the project and will present the Singapore leg in collaboration with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Officially opened in October 2002, this iconic building by the mouth of the Singapore River is one of the world’s busiest arts centres hosting a varied line-up of music, dance, theatre and visual arts. Says Sam Mendes: “I am delighted to be working with the Singapore Repertory Theatre and couldn’t be more thrilled to be starting the world tour (of The Bridge Project) in such a magnificent city as Singapore.“
Singapore has long been a regional draw card for culture vultures with a vibrant annual programme packed with exciting events featuring local, regional and international artists. With more than 5,000 ticketed performances annually, the mix of traditional and experimental arts in Singapore reflects the unique cultural mix and diversity of the city itself.
Major flagship events include the Singapore Arts Festival (15th May – 14th June 2009), a performing and visual arts-fest that has been attracting crowds for over 30 years with a line-up of dance, music and drama, and the Singapore Sun Festival (3rd – 12th October 2009), encompassing art and culture, wine and literature, as well as music and which is dedicated to the Art of Living Well.
Yet Singapore’s art scene is not just about major events and performances. Buskers and street performers of all kinds enliven Singapore’s city landscape and heritage venues like The Arts House at the former Parliament building showcase the visual arts in a uniquely historical, yet contemporary, setting.
This ongoing commitment to the arts makes Singapore the perfect venue for the prestigious Bridge Project. “It is a major coup for Singapore to be the first stop (and only Asian destination) on this international tour of what is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” says Singapore Repertory Theatre’s Artistic Director, Gaurav Kripalani.
The Bridge Project
The Bridge Project is presented by Bank of America and produced by Kevin Spacey for The Old Vic, Joseph V. Melillo and Karen Books Hopkins for BAM, and Sam Mendes and Caro Newling for Neal Street Productions. The project places the exchange of ideas, talent and creativity between London and New York at the heart of the process, and is borne out of Sam Mendes, Joseph V Melillo and Kevin Spacey’s shared desire to produce large-scale, classical theatre for international audiences.
The Singapore Repertory Theatre
Founded in 1993, the Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) is one of the leading English language threatre producers and presenters in Asia. In addition to its repertoire of original musicals like Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress, the company has produced a number of critically acclaimed plays that include Into the Woods, Rent, M. Butterfly, They’re Playing our Song, ART, and The Pillowman. SRT is also one of the biggest producers of children’s theatre in the Southeast Asia.
SRT was the first Singaporean theatre company on Broadway in 1998 as Associate Producer of Golden Child, which went from Singapore to New York and earned three Tony Award nominations. SRT presented Royal Shakespeare Company’s King Lear and The Seagull starring Sir Ian McKellen in 2007 as the first (and only Asian) stop on their world tour. Please visit www.srt.com.sg
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
