as PDF - The Arts House

Singapore’s literary arts space with
a multidisciplinary platform
12&
01
two thousand twelve &
two thousand thirteen
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Our Spaces
BLUE ROO M
Chamber
Play Den
Originally blue, the room keeps its moniker as a reminder of its
rich history.
Gallery
The former Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Room was
used as a lounge for Members of Parliament to eat, drink and discuss
issues in a more relaxed manner in between debate sessions.
In the 1950s, the adjoining Old Select Committee Room, now called
the VIP Room, was the venue of a secret meeting between then Prime
Minister Lee Kuan Yew and the underground Communist chief, Fong
Chong Pik aka ‘The Plen’ (for plenipotentiary). This was also where
Mr Lee discussed strategies with his Old Guard ministers to take on
the opposition Barisan Socialis in debate.
Living Room
The room is now a versatile space used both for performances and
corporate functions, including press conferences, product launches
and receptions.
For more information about our spaces,
please visit theartshouse.com.sg/Visit/AllVenues
Screening Room
contents
02
Director’s Message
03 literary arts
11 Festival
13
Film
21 Music
27 Theatre
29 Visual Arts
32
Event Listings
32 Box- office
36
Shop & Dine At The Arts House
37 About The Arts House
cover: film still from Wit’s End (aka G.I. Executioner)
D ire ctor’ s Message
Director’s Message
It’s the time of the year again when we both look forward to and
fret about the year ending soon and a new one starting. We may
experience a paradoxical mix of consternation (where has all the
time gone to?) and excitement (new resolutions, new travel plans!).
It’s a time for both celebration and introspection, and what better
way to do it than through stories?
Join us as we gather and evoke a multitude of Singapore stories
-- the strike that shut down The Straits Times (page 9); tales of the
supernatural (Spectre, page 10) and homecoming (Balik Kampung,
page 10); new poetry from young poets that expresses their current
state of mind (Red Pulse & This City is a Strange Song, page 6); and
of course films that make us all laugh and cry (Watch Local, page 15;
I Have Loved, page 14).
Children can also unlock the storyteller in them and let their
imagination soar through the Script to Stage workshop by Act 3
Theatrics (page 9).
And what better way to wrap up the year than by attending the
Verve Festival? Organised by students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic,
Verve (page 12) promises to be a feast of music, dance, theatre,
text and visual arts. It’s organised by the young for the young and
young-at-heart!
In January, we open the new year by looking back into our past.
A glorious slice of the swinging sixties in Singapore will burst forth
out of our screen in the form of Wit’s End (aka G.I. Executioner).
A significant but forgotten moment in Singapore film history, Wit’s
End (page 20) is the first American film made in Singapore, even
before Saint Jack. Wild, farcical, bizarre -- and that only begins
to describe the film on the surface. Like Saint Jack, it offers a
fascinating, ethnographic look at life in Singapore back then. Never
shown in Singapore until now, don’t miss this chance to catch a slice
of our past, as well as meet the producer Marvin Farkas, who will be
launching his memoir about working on the film.
Happy holidays!
William Phuan
Director, The Arts House
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D i re ctor’ s M essa ge
literar y
arts
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li tera r y a r t s
WORLD VOICES
ADITYA KRIPALANI
THE ARTS HOUSE
Living Room
6 Dec (Thu), 7.30pm
Free admission
Meet Indian screenwriter and author Aditya Kripalani as he shares
about his career in screenwriting, the rewards of self-publishing and
where the drive and tenacity to get his stories out there comes from.
His 2008 debut novel, Back Seat, was placed in the top 10 against
300 other titles in the 2009 Hollywood Book Festival and was amongst
the 152 winning novels at the 2008 Kala Ghoda Book Competition.
This session will be moderated by Derek Judge, a freelance screenwriter
who is also Secretary of the Singapore Screenwriters Association.
About Aditya Kripalani
A prolific screenwriter in his native India, Aditya Kripalani has worked
on various films, including Bend It Like Beckham and Monsoon
Wedding.
A programme initiated by The Arts House, World Voices features writers from
around the world and provides a platform for these talents to discuss their
critically acclaimed works and interact with local readers. If you wish to be
featured, please email programmes@toph.com.sg.
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li tera r y a r t s
WORLD VOICES
nts
DR KIRAN SHINDE
Discover the growing trend of religious tourism in India and the
impact such tourism development places on the environment of
these sacred sites through the eyes of architect Dr Kiran Shinde. Find
out, too, what religious tourism means from an urban planning and
environmental standpoint and how sacred geography affects our
cultural landscapes.
THE ARTS HOUSE
Living Room
31 Jan (Thu), 7.30pm
Free admission
This session will be moderated by Andrea Marion Pinkney, an
Assistant Professor in the South Asian Studies Programme at the
National University of Singapore.
About Dr Kiran Shinde
Dr. Kiran A. Shinde’s research interests include spatiality of tourism,
urban planning and cultural heritage. Besides authoring a book, he
has published over 25 scholarly papers on various aspects related
to religious tourism, sacred landscapes, and environmental issues in
pilgrimage sites.
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li tera r y a r t s
NEW
WORD
ORDER
PRESENTS
RED PULSE &
THIS CIT Y IS A STRANGE SONG
THE ARTS HOUSE
Living Room
5 Dec (Wed), 7.30pm
Free admission
Hot off the press are the fruits of labour by two groups of young
poets from the National University of Singapore University Scholars
Programme (NUS USP).
Red Pulse is an anthology of selected poems from students by Prof.
Shirley Geok-Lin Lim’s course – Chapbooks and Digital Poetry:
Poetics Mash–Up.
This City is a Strange Song is one of the end fruits from the recently
concluded Creative Writing Programme with Jay Bernard.
This session is moderated by Dr. Lo Mun Hou, who teaches classes
in writing and critical thinking, literary studies, and gender theory at
the University Scholars Programme, where he is also Deputy Director
(Academic Matters).
A programme initiated by The Arts House, New Word Order seeks to discover
emerging talents in the literary arts scene and give a voice to new Singaporean
writers and artistes who are exploring new ways of approaching the written
word. If you wish to be featured, please email programmes@toph.com.sg.
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li tera r y a r t s
NEW
WORD
ORDER
PRESENTS
STEPHANIE
CHAN
Inspired by absurdity, by things that make her angry, by things that
make her absurdly angry, as well as her family and the random people
she has met along the way, Stephanie Chan digs into her past to see
how she got into performance poetry and ends up performing around
the world.
THE ARTS HOUSE
Living Room
10 Jan (Thu), 7.30pm
Free admission
Stephanie will uncover her wild ride on the rise of the spoken word,
on performance opportunities in the UK and how to get involved with
poetry in Singapore and abroad.
This session is moderated by Marc Nair, an educator by day and a
slam poet, artist extraordinaire by night.
About Stephanie Chan
Stephanie Chan is a performance poet based in London. She was
the Singapore slam champion 2010 and represented Singapore in the
Indian Ocean Slam in Reunion Island that same year. She has also
performed in the US and Canada and most recently premiered a solo
spoken word show Foreigner Go Home (With Me) at the Edinburgh
Free Fringe Festival 2012.
She has been described as ‘surreal’ (Sabotage Reviews), ‘compelling’
and ‘a very clever lady’ (Broadway Baby).
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PUBLISHER WRITERS
NETWORK PRESENTS
MAHITA VAS
National Book Development Council of Singapore
This December, the Publisher Writers Network will present the author
and publisher of the new book Praying to the Goddess of Mercy.
First time author Mahita Vas will discuss her struggles with Bipolar
Disorder. Her book offers insights into an illness for which there is no
known cause, no cure and no immunity. It will inspire those who also
struggle with mental disorders as well as to enlighten others about
the illness. Her publisher, Phil Tatham of Monsoon Books will talk
about the popularity of ebooks and its impact on publishing today.
About Mahita Vas
Singaporean Mahita Vas was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder at
the age of 41. After nearly 30 years of working in advertising and
the hospitality industry in Singapore with global industry leaders,
Mahita moved to Bali in 2010. Her memoir Praying To The Goddess
Of Mercy is her first book.
About Phil Tatham
British Phil Tatham established Monsoon Books in 2004 and is on a
mission to find new talent and put publishing in Asia at the heart of
the literary world.
Earshot Café \ 4 Dec (Tue), 7pm \ Free admission
Register at prayingtothegoddessofmercy.eventbrite.com
AFCC BOOK CLUB
The Arts House and NBDCS
The AFCC Book Club presents David Seow’s latest book If I were a
Blue Kangaroo which is a tender story of friendship told by an author
who refuses to succumb to the mould that comes with being a stiff,
more-boring-than-thou grown-up.
The book begins with the promise of fantastic travels afforded to a
blue kangaroo but ends with the most reassuring realisation that no
adventure is greater than that of having a friend. David will read
from and discuss the themes raised in the book.
About David Seow
David Seow is the author of twenty-three well-received children’s
books, including The Sam, Sebbie and Di-Di-Di Series (12 books),
which feature his young niece and nephews as the main characters.
Blue Room \ 5 Dec (Wed), 7pm \ Free admission
Register at ifiwereabluekangaroo.eventbrite.com
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“FROM SCRIPT TO
STAGE” WORKSHOP
ACT 3 Theatrics
This holiday season Act 3 Theatrics is partnering The Arts House to
present two programmes: the From Script to Stage workshop, and
The Magic Story Bag performance. Suitable for children from 8 – 12
years old, the From Script to Stage workshop will inspire creativity
in participants through writing and acting exercises, as they work
towards a mini-concert at the end of it.
Blue Room \ 6 Dec (Thu) – 8 Dec (Sat), 10am – 1pm
For 8 – 12 years old \ $300 (15% off siblings and groups of 4 or more)
Tickets are available on www.bytes.sg
THE MAGIC
STORY BAG
ACT 3 Theatrics
The Magic Story Bag contains trinkets which, when revealed, will
weave exciting tales that will whizz the audience along. Both children
and parents are set for an entertaining time conjured up by actor/
director/writer R. Chandran and host/actress Anna Belle Francis!
Play Den \ 9 Dec (Sun), 11.30am, 2.30pm & 5pm
$18 (15% off for groups of 4 or more)
Tickets are available on www.bytes.sg
THE LAST GREAT
STRIKE BY CLEMENT
MESENAS
The Arts House and Marshall Cavendish
Join veteran journalist Clement Mesenas at the launch of his first
book, The Last Great Strike. This book looks back on eight eventful
days in 1971 when a group of young reporters staged a historic
strike that shut down The Straits Times, a company that had the
proud tradition of never being off the streets in its 120 years of
existence, not even during the Japanese occupation of Singapore.
About Clement Mesenas
Clement Mesenas started his career in The Straits Times in 1968
as a young crime reporter. He retired in 2011 and now works at
developing social media platforms.
Living Room \ 7 Dec (Fri), 5pm \ Free admission
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Readings from Spectre
& Balik Kampung
The Arts House and BooksActually
For an evening of sheer literary pleasure, come listen to various
authors read from two recently-launched collections of short stories.
Be spooked by the supernatural and fantastical tales from Verena
Tay’s Spectre and let the stories of local Singapore from Balik
Kampung charm you.
About Verena Tay
Verena Tay has acted, directed and written for local English theatre
for more than 25 years. Her plays have been published in three
collections - In the Company of Women: Selected Plays, In the
Company of Heroes and Victimology.
Living Room \ 10 Dec (Mon), 7.30pm \ Free admission
WRITING WORKSHOP
WITH HSU-MING TEO
The Arts House
Find out the process of creating believable characters that readers
will care about at this writing workshop from novelist and historian
Hsu-Ming Teo!
In this workshop, Hsu-Ming Teo will guide participants to create story
arcs – the beginning, middle and a plausible and satisfying ending –
and the importance of hooking readers and keeping them interested.
Participants will also examine how artwork, photographs and films
can be used to develop character and to ‘frame’ and ‘film’ your plot.
About Hsu-Ming Teo
Hsu-Ming is a novelist and historian. Her first novel Love and Vertigo
(2000) won The Australian/Vogel Literary Award and her second
novel Behind the Moon (2005) was shortlisted for the New South
Wales Premier’s Literary Awards.
Blue Room \ 26 Jan (Sat), 2pm – 5pm \ $15 \ $12 (Concession for students,
senior citizens and The Arts House members) \ www.bytes.sg
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festival
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fest iva l
VERVE 2012
Ngee Ann
Polytechnic
(Arts Business
Management)
Come 15 December, Verve 2012 will set The Arts House buzzing
with a plethora of performances, exhibitions, workshops and postshow dialogues by emerging and established Singapore artists that
would be sure to whet your taste buds!
Various Venues, The Arts House
Taking place over a period of 12 hours, Verve is an emerging arts
festival that is for and by the young and young at heart. Presenting a
new way of experiencing local artistic works, audience can pick and
choose their own arts itinerary for a day, from a whole spectrum that
ranges from music, theatre and dance, to literary and visual arts.
15 Dec (Sat), 10am – 10pm
$12 \ $10 Group bookings of
4 and above)
Festival passes are on sale at
www.verveartsfest.com
Conceptualised and organised annually by Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s
Arts Business Management students, Verve 2012 brings together
local artists ranging from indie bands and dance collectives to
improvisational actors, photographers and poets with the theme of
Crossroads.
All proceeds from Verve 2012 will go towards The Business Times
Budding Artists Fund to support less privileged children in their arts
training at The Little Arts Academy.
For more information on the programme line-up, purchase of festival
passes and updates, please visit www.verveartsfest.com
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film
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FRAM E
Frame x Frame is a new film series initiated by The Arts House to
showcase and explore the different dimensions of Singapore cinema.
The quarterly programme will feature first-run screening of upcoming
films as well as retrospectives of noted filmmakers.
FRAM E
THE ARTS HOUSE
Screening Room
9 Dec (Sun) – 16 Dec (Sun),
7.30pm
9 Dec (Sun), 15 Dec (Sat) &
16 Dec (Sun), 3.30pm
Post-show Q&A with directors:
8 Dec (Sat), 9pm
& 15 Dec (Sat), 7.30pm
$9; $7.50 (Concession for
students, senior citizens,
The Arts House members and
Objectifs members)
Tickets are available at
www.bytes.sg
I HAVE LOVED
Directors/Writers: Elizabeth Wijaya and Lai Weijie
Cast: Glen Goei, Eryn Tett, Amarin Cholvibul, Laetitia Gangotena
2011 \ Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia \ 75 mins \ Rating: M18
What does it mean to declare or even whisper, I Have Loved?
The feature debut of co-directors Elizabeth Wijaya and Lai Weijie,
I Have Loved is an exploration of human consciousness, time and
memory. In Siem Riep, a young woman, haunted by loss, mourning,
and the imperfections of memory, dances with two men – one of
whom is a writer she is married to, while the other is engaged to
be married.
Against the breathtaking beauty of Siem Reap I Have Loved employs
a non-linear narrative to capture the lingering sense of melancholia.
The architecture of the Angkor temples and the landscape also figure
as characters in the film which, together with the hordes of transient
tourists, serve as a metaphor for the frazzled yet searching and
hopeful minds of the characters.
The film was nominated for Best Cinematography at Silver Screen
Awards 2011.
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D ec
2012
IS
BUT OOK
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THE ETTER?
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The Arts House
Watch Local
This November and December But Is The Book Better? walks down
memory lane and is watching local. We will present a series of films
and TV works that were adapted from local literature. Time to dust off
that Teenage Textbook and relive your days of Army Daze! There will
be post-screening dialogues and guest appearances by the writers
and directors for selected screenings.
Screening Room \ Free admission
EATING AIR
About the joys and pangs of teenage love, Eating Air seeks the
delirious madness that makes 18-years-olds invincible to low fuels,
fists and oil puddles on the road. The feature directorial debut of
Jasmine Ng and Kelvin Tong, Eating Air is about a boy, a girl,
a motorbike and no brakes. In an unusual twist, instead of a regular
adaptation from book to film, the film has been adapted into a book by
author, Ng Yi-Sheng in 2008.
1 Dec (Sat), 3pm (Followed by post-screening dialogue with
co-director, Jasmine Ng and author, Ng Yi-Sheng)
Directors: Jasmine Ng Kin Kia, Kelvin Tong \ Writer: Kelvin Tong
Cast: Benjamin Heng, Alvina Toh, Michelle Chong
1991 \ 100 mins \ In Chinese and Hokkien with English subtitles \ PG
TATSUMI
Inspired by A Drifting Life, the 800-page autobiography of Japanese
manga artist Tatsumi Yoshihiro, the film interweaves both biographic
elements about the fiercely independent artist and anime versions of
five of his short stories from the 1970s. Selected as the Singapore entry
for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards in 2011.
1 Dec (Sat) & 5 Dec (Wed), 7.30pm
Director/Writer: Eric Khoo \ 2011 \ 138 mins \ Animation & Documentary
\ In Japanese with English subtitles \ M18 (Sexual scenes)
SING TO THE DAWN
Based on the award-winning novel by Ho Minfong, Sing to the Dawn
is a coming-of-age story of a girl, Dawan, who fights for her right to a
basic education and for her dream to leave the village for the bright
lights of the city. She has to go against local tradition where school is
deemed unnecessary for girls. Meanwhile, her village is under threat
from an unscrupulous landlord.
2 Dec (Sun), 3pm
Followed by post-screening dialogue with author Ho Minfong.
Director: Philip Mitchell \ Writer: Philip Stamp \ Voices: Lim Kay Siu,
Neo Swee Lin, Eunice Olsen \ 2008 \ 80 mins \ PG
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ARMY DAZE
Based on the popular 1987 theatre play of the same name by
Singapore writer Michael Chiang, Army Daze is about a group of 18year-old teenagers from different classes and cultural backgrounds as
they undergo their Basic Military Training (BMT) in the army. The film
wrings comedy and pathos in equal measure from this mandatory
rite of passage for all Singaporean males.
6 Dec (Thu), 7.30pm
Director: Ong Keng Sen \ Writer: Michael Chiang
Cast: Sheikh Haikel, Edward Yong Ching Tah, Deanna Yusoff
1996 \ 87 mins \ Singapore \ In English, Malay, Hokkien and Mandarin with
English subtitles \ PG
COM E DR E SS IN
AR MY O VE RA LLS AN D
RE CE I VE AN
ILO VE BOO KS. COM VO UC HE R!
THE TEENAGE
TEXTBOOK
An adaptation of Adrian Tan’s bestselling 1988 novel, The Teenage
Textbook follows the life of female student Mui Ee and her best friend
Sissy Song at the fictitious Paya Lebar Junior College, as she discovers
boys and love through Singapore’s public school system. Featuring the
film debuts of a very young Melody Chen, Caleb Goh and Randall
Tan, the film topped the Singapore box-office for four weeks during
its release. The soundtrack was also all-Singaporean, featuring the
sounds of singers like Ger Ho (My Special Angel) and John Klass
(Falling in Love), a first for English-language Singapore films.
7 Dec (Fri), 7.30pm (Followed by post-screening dialogue with director,
Philip Lim and author, Adrian Tan)
Director: Philip Lim \ Writers: Philip Lim, Haresh Sharma, Edmund Tan
Cast: Melody Chen, Caleb Goh, Lim Hwee Sze
1998 \ 90 mins \ PG
NA
E SS I M AN D
R
D
R
E
C OM L UN I FO
R!
O
UCHE
SC H O VE A N
O
V
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R E C E B O O K S. C O
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I LO V
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ALTERASIANS II
AlterAsians II is a trilogy of screen adaptations from short stories written by Singaporean authors. Featuring
The Man in the Cupboard, Child’s Play, and Catherine Listening to the Rain adapted from works by Colin
Cheong, K K Seet and Simon Tay respectively, the series received international critical acclaim during its
telecast, including winning the Best Telemovie Award at the Asian Television Awards in 2000.
THE MAN IN THE
CUPBOARD
After 15 years of marriage, Timothy Wong has had enough of his
wife. He has it all planned out as he hides in a cupboard in their
house, waiting for her to return from her San Francisco vacation – he
is going to sneak into the bedroom after she has fallen asleep and
suffocate her with a pillow.
Adapted from the novella of the same title by Colin Cheong.
8 Dec (Sat), 3pm
Director/Writer: Lee Thean-jeen \ Cast: Ivan Heng, Karen Lim, Pamela Oei
2000 \ 51 mins \ TBA
CHILD’S PLAY
A couple’s seven-year-old has an imaginary friend who has a dark
secret. Things start to change when the mother realises her son’s
imaginary friend could actually be the spirit of her aborted child.
Adapted from Death Rites: Tales From A Wake by K K Seet.
8 Dec (Sat), 5pm
Director/Writer: Lee Thean-jeen \ Cast: Amy Cheng, Jerry Hoh, Tan Beaurphys
2000 \ 46 mins \ TBA
CATHERINE LISTENING
TO THE RAIN
Catherine is a homemaker who has to deal with two major setbacks
in life – her husband is cheating on her and her mother is dying.
Afraid to burden her mother with her troubles because of her
declining health, Catherine suffers in silence, listening to her mother
as she tells her stories from her childhood.
Adapted from the novella of the same title by Simon Tay.
8 Dec (Sat), 7.30pm (Dialogue with Lee Thean-Jeen and Simon Tay at 6pm)
Directors: Lee Thean-jeen, Melissa Charis Ong \ Writer: Lee Thean-jeen
Cast: Bernie Chan, Edmund Chen, Nora Samosir \ 2000 \ 54 mins \ TBA
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Jan
2013
IS
BUT OOK
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THE ETTER?
B
FANTASTIQUE LIT
A time of fresh starts and new beginnings! The New Year is the perfect
time to let your dreams run wild and imagine a world that could be.
This January But Is The Book Better? will look at films heavy on fantasy
and high on imagination for the dreamer and visionary in all of us.
Screening Room \ Free admission
The Arts House
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
This fantastical version of Alice in Wonderland sees Tim Burton shape
a story from the original novel which he compared to as a series of
events where Alice wanders from one crazy character to another.
In a story filled with talking animals, villainous queens and knights,
and frumious bandersnatches that is the surreal “Underland”, Alice
has to embark on a quest to conquer the horrific Jabberwocky and
restore the rightful queen to her throne. A refreshing reinvention of a
children’s classic that retains the classic nature of the original book.
Based on the much beloved Alice in Wonderland books written by
Lewis Carroll.
14 Jan (Mon), 7.30pm \ 19 Jan (Sat), 3pm
Director: Tim Burton \ Writer: Linda Woolverton
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter
2010 \ 108 mins\ United States \ PG
STARDUST
Tristan Thorn’s adventure in the magically kingdom of Stormhold
beyond the Wall uncovers flying pirates, warring princes, three
wicked witches and a star. Tristan will have to hold his own in this
magical world of swords and sorcery to find his one true love.
Like Tristan Thorn, the writers were faced with difficulties of their own;
adapting an adult fairy tale where sex and violence are presented
unflinchingly and with over 10 hours worth of material to adapt on top
of budgetary concerns. Understanding that a film should not attempt
to be loyal to its novel and in the process, disappoint its audience,
Neil Gaiman gave the greenlight to have the novel compressed, with
whim and humour injected to lighten the script in bringing the novel
to screen.
Based on the 1998 novel of the same name written by Neil Gaiman.
15 Jan (Tue), 7.30pm \ 18 Jan (Fri), 7.30pm
Director: Matthew Vaughn \ Writer: Jane Goldman, Matthew Vaughn
Cast: Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Sienna Miller
2007 \ 127 mins \ United Kingdom, United States & Iceland \ PG
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WIZARD OF OZ
Made in the age of Technicolor, this is the film that changed
Dorothy’s ruby red slippers from the novel’s original silver shoes to
take advantage of colored film.
In this well-known charming film based on the popular L. Frank Baum
stories, Dorothy and her dog Toto are caught in a tornado’s path
and ended up in the Land of Oz. Here she meets some memorable
friends and foes in her journey to meet the Wizard of Oz, who
everyone says can help her return home and possibly grant her new
friends their goals of having a brain, heart and courage.
Based on the 1900 children’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
by L. Frank Baum.
16 Jan (Wed), 7.30pm \ 20 Jan (Sun), 3pm
Director: Victor Fleming
Writer: Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, Edgar Allan Woolf
Cast: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger
1939 \ 101 mins \ United States \ PG
WHAT DREAMS
MAY COME
An ambitious adaption from Richard Matheson’s powerful 1978
novel, the film traces the story of Chris as he journeys through
Heaven and Hell to reunite with Anne, his loved one and soulmate.
Spotting significant differences from the novel, the film holds its own
by exchanges various elements such as astral projection, telepathy
and séance from the novel with its own afterlife imagery based on
paintings and a Hell filed with ships, thunderstorms, fire and a sea
of human faces.
Based on the 1978 novel of the same name by Richard Matheson.
17 Jan (Thu), 7.30pm \ 19 Jan (Sat), 7.30pm
Director: Vincent Ward \ Writer: Ronald Bass
Cast: Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr., AnnabellaSciorra
1998 \ 113 mins \ United States & New Zealand \ PG
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WIT’S END
(aka G.I. Executioner)
THE ARTS HOUSE
Screening Room
23 Jan (Wed) – 30 Jan (Wed)
Weekdays: 7.30pm;
Sat: 3pm & 7.30pm; Sun: 3pm
$10; $8 (Concession for
students, senior citizens and
The Arts House members)
Tickets are available at
www.bytes.sg
Director/Writer: Joel M. Reed
Cast: Tom Keena, Victoria Racimo, Angelique Pettyjohn
1975 \ 86 mins \ US & Singapore \ M18
Made in late 1969, Wit’s End tells the improbable tale of Dave
Dearborn, a jaded American Marine and journalist who runs a
‘groovy’ nightclub on a boat called The Junk, moored a short hop
from Clifford Pier. The bizarre plot features mobsters, prostitutes and a
mysterious substance called ‘anti-matter’.
The madcap genre-bending film is an idiosyncratic mix of thriller, farce and
spy pastiche, offering a glorious slice of the swinging sixties in Singapore.
Book Launch - Wit’s End: Six And The Sixties Hit
Straight-Laced Singapore By Marvin Farkas
The Arts House and Make-Do Publishing
Earshot Café \ 26 Jan (Sat),
5pm \ Free admission
37 \ 2 0
The new book from acclaimed An Eastern Saga author Marvin
Farkas is a hilarious tale of how the sixties finally caught up with
Singapore after it became the location for one of the wildest films
ever made, Wit’s End (aka G I Executioner).
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music
21\ 37
mus ic
l i v i n g w i t h PETRINA SARAH AND HER
YOUNG PIANIST FRIEND
The Arts House and
Immanuel Music
Living Room
3 Dec (Mon), 8pm
$10
Tickets are available from
The Arts House Box Office
Come swing to thrilling Mozart’s Sonata with principal music educator
Petrina Sarah and nine-year-old pianist Ong Zi Ru as they perform
together in a night of jazz, new age and classical music.
Like many of his young counterparts who spend hours practising on
the piano to perfect each note with timing and precision, Ong Zi Ru’s
special talents are hidden from the world. Yet even at a tender age,
Ong’s interpretation of classical pieces is animated and his playing of
romantic pieces is lyrical and sweet sounding.
About Petrina Sarah Chew
Petrina Sarah Chew is the principal music educator at Immanuel Music
Studio, an innovative music studio which prides itself in educating and
nurturing the young in the art of piano playing.
The longest running series programmed by The Arts House, Living with is a
series of one-hour performances held on the first Monday evening of each
month centreed around the piano or around piano music. It is aimed at
featuring both established and aspiring musicians who are looking for an
intimate space to perform to an audience of 75.
37 \ 2 2
mus ic
l i v i n g w i t h JASPER AND TOMMY
Join flutist Jasper Goh and pianist Tommy Peh in a musical adventure
and discover the beauty of flute and piano music!
The Arts House and
Jasper Goh
With a variety of light and dark music that ranges from baroque to
contemporary, expect a diverse programme featuring the different
tonalities of the instrument as well as a virtuosic show!
Living Room
About Jasper Goh
Jasper Goh was named the Winner of the Open Division Competition
organised in conjunction with the Flute Festival 2010.
Tickets are available from
The Arts House Box Office
7 Jan (Mon), 8pm
$10
About Tommy Peh
Tommy Peh graduated from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts with a
diploma and is currently studying privately with Tedd Joselson.
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mus ic
the
ALPHABET
A collaboration between The Sing Song Club and The Arts
House, The Alphabet Series is a showcase of a series of 26
recitals based on every letter of the alphabet to promote the
genre of art songs.
series
The Arts House and
The Sing Song Club
Living Room
19 Jan (Sat), 8pm
$20; $15 (Concession for
students, NSFs, senior citizens
and The Arts House members)
Tickets are available at
www.bytes.sg
LETTER C – C IS
FOR CHILDREN
CANTILLATING
Our quintet of performers may have long outgrown their kindergarten
and playgroup, but that will not stop them from channelling their
inner-child this coming January.
Hum to the music as they present a wide-ranging programme of songs
about children and childhood; songs of innocence and wonder,
nostalgia and loss at the first Alphabet Series in its 2013 season.
This concert is performed by Joanna Paul (Soprano), Anna Koor
(Mezzo-Soprano), Adrian Poon (Tenor), William Lim (Baritone) and
Shane Thio (Piano) and features the works of Cultural Medallion
recipient Kelly Tang.
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mus ic
GRATITUDE
The Sacred Music of Gamelan
Look forward to an evening of centuries-old gamelan music as
The Sacred Music of Gamelan regales you with a wide-ranging
repertoire from the interludes of duets and trios and chamber-style
Javanese gamelan music, to full ensemble presentations with vocals,
as well as Sundanese and Balinese gamelan music.
Gamelan music is often an accompaniment to dance, wayang kulit
and drama, and is performed at occasions such as festivals, baptisms,
weddings, rituals, funerals, birthdays, and even general elections.
The evening’s music surrounds the theme of Gratitude, which was
researched and collected by the group’s artistic director Amran
Ahmad. Some of the classical repertoires were rearranged by Amran
to highlight the young talents amongst the members who have learnt
to play various intricate instruments within the gamelan family.
Chamber \ 1 Dec (Sat), 8pm \ $15; $12 (Concession for students, NSF,
senior citizens) \ Tickets are available at www.bytes.sg
A NORMAL
CONVERSATION
The Arts House with Brent Tan, Elias Arun and Teh Jiexiang
Conversation can take the form of two friends talking, a text message
from a loved one, or a wave goodbye. It also can be something
more intangible, in the unsaid connection we make when listening
to a piece of music.
This recital seeks to explore the role which conversation plays in the
music-making process – ranging from counterpoint to the exchange
of melodic lines between soloist and accompanist.
Join clarinetist Brent Tan, saxophonist Elias Arun and pianist Teh
Jiexiang for a night of discovery as they engage your hearts and
minds with the music of Bach, Ibert, Chopin, Brahms and Debussy.
Chamber \ 5 Dec (Wed), 8pm \ $10
For ticket enquiries, please contact Elias at 91084513
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mus ic
THE MAGNIFICENT
SEASON: MAGNIFICATS
BY BACH AND ZELENKA
The Orchestra and Voices of the East Indies
Stir up your senses for an evening of festive music by The Orchestra
and Voices of the East Indies! Under the direction of Ng Tian Hui,
this performance is a juxtaposition of Johann Sebastian Bach’s
scintillating Magnificat and Czech composer Jan Dismas Zelenka’s
rarely-performed Magnificat with a delightful new premiere by
award-winning composer Emily Koh.
The ensemble will be joined by a stellar cast of voices including
Wendy Woon (Soprano), who was described by the American
Guild of Organists as a singer of “elegance and poise”, Melvin Tan
(Tenor), Yap Shing Min (Soprano) and emerging talent Ong Shu
Chen (Alto).
Chamber \ 23 Dec (Sun), 8.15pm \ $25; $20 (Concession for students,
NSF, senior citizens) \ Tickets are available at www.bytes.sg
PROJECT LAKSA
The Arts House and Song Ziliang
What does Singaporean food have in common with western classical
music? Join Singaporean pianist Song Ziliang for a gastro-musical
journey through time as he presents you with an evening of western
classical music infused with local flavours, featuring a specially
commissioned work by local composer Chen Zhangyi.
Entitled Laksa Cantata, the work finds its idea in Bach’s Coffee
Cantata written to popularise coffee. Translated into Singaporean
context, Laksa becomes the subject of squabble between a couple
in the build up to their wedding. Singers Rebecca Li and Kiat Goh
take central roles.
Other works on the menu include Milhaud’s exuberant trio for
Clarinet and Schnittke’s Suite in the Old Style that revives antique
art-forms.
Living Room \ 25 Jan (Fri) & 26 Jan (Sat), 8pm \ $25; $20 (Concession for
students, NSFs, senior citizens and The Arts House members)
Tickets are available at www.bytes.sg
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theatre
27\ 37
th e a t re
12 A M
Avant Theatre and Language
Inspired by Reginald Rose’s Twelve Angry Men, an acclaimed stage
play which attempts to depict the reality of the American legal/jury
system, 12 A M is an Audience Mediated Play performed in Tamil
where audiences become directors and mediates who play their
favorite roles from the play Twelve Angry Men.
In 12 A M, the defense and the prosecution have rested and the jury
is filing into the jury room to decide if a young Spanish-American is
guilty or innocent of murdering his father. What begins as an open
and shut case of murder soon becomes a mini-drama of each of the
jurors’ prejudices and preconceptions about the trial, the accused
and each other.
Tamil adaptation by Ms Umayal Thiru. Concept, transcreation and
direction by G Selva.
About Avant Theatre
Avant Singapore is a Public Company Limited by Guarantee under
the Non-Profit Organisation entity set up in 2011. The emergence
of Avant Singapore was timely as there was a strong desire to
expand and explore the theatre craft in Southeast Asia with many
collaborative partnerships.
Play Den \ 6 Dec (Thu) – 7 Dec (Fri), 8pm
8 Dec (Sat), 3pm & 8pm
$22 \ For ticket enquiries, please contact Avant hotline at 9380 3780
37 \ 2 8
t he a t re
visual
arts
29\ 37
vis ua l a r t s
I AM SPECIAL –
TH E WO RLD O F AUTISM
The Arts House and
Institut Francais
supported by
Saint Andrews
Autism Centre
Print Gallery
26 Nov (Mon) – 16 Dec (Sun),
10am – 10pm
1 Dec (Sat), 11am - 12pm
(Panel discussion)
Free admission
In conjunction with Voilah! Festival 2012, The Arts House together
with Institut Francais are proud to present I Am Special – The World
of Autism, a photography exhibition that aims to raise the awareness
of autism in Singapore. The event is also supported by the St Andrews
Autism Centre.
The exhibition comprises two concurrent photography shows that
capture the lives of autistic people in both France and Singapore.
Antonin, A Life With Autism is a collection of photographs
documenting an autistic boy’s life for the past 18 years by acclaimed
French journalistic photographer Olivier Coulange. To address the
issue of autism, Olivier has been photographing Antonin since 1994
– moments with the family; at the hospital; during leisure or moments
of tension. The black and white photos record intimate instants that
are spontaneous but which also question the notion of “normality”
and difference.
The exhibition is a simple yet powerful look at love, that one love,
which, as Olivier says, “consists of taking care of the other, in
being concerned about him, in respecting him and in always trying
endlessly to get to know him better”.
Accompanying Antonin is another exhibition that offers a local
perspective, as a Singapore photographer trails the inhabitants of
the St Andrews Autism Centre, capturing stills of their everyday
lives within and outside the centre. From their travels to their daily
routines, the joy and struggles of the many children, youths and
adults at the centre reflect their embrace of the different “colours
of life”. Artworks ranging from paintings to crafts created by the
students will also be showcased.
As part of the I Am Special exhibition, there will also be a panel
discussion on autism.
37 \ 3 0
vi su a l a r t s
BEYOND THE BORDER,
BEHIND THE MEN
Beyond the Border, Behind the Men
Beyond the Border, Behind the Men is a photo exhibition by three
Singaporeans that uncovers the lives of the many migrant workers
that dot our Singaporean landscape and seeks to dispel the deeply
entrenched stereotypes of them as low cost economic digits or cogs in
our industrial machine.
Film Gallery and Screening Room \ 18 Dec (Tue) – 2 Jan (Wed),
10am – 10pm \ Free admission
BEING HUMAN
The Arts House and Alexander Stephan
By shedding light on the similarities of Being Human, this photographic
exhibition by Singapore-based US photographer Alexander Stephan
implores viewers to come to terms with their own humanity and relate
to images that are testament to the fact that we’re all stitches of the
same fabric.
Print Gallery \ 3 Jan (Thu) – 13 Jan (Sun), 10am – 10pm
Opening Reception: 3 Jan (Thu) \ Free admission
INTROSPECTION: THE
HERO OF OUR STORY
The Little Arts Academy and
supported by The Business Times Budding Artists Fund
What matters to me as an individual? What drives me to speak up?
10 young and talented artists, aged 13 to 18, from The Little Arts
Academy (LAA) are holding their debut exhibition and will share
their take on the worries, fears and ironies that life sometimes
throws at them. Titled Introspection: The Hero of Our Story, this
exhibition is a culmination of their journey of self-discovery as an
artist and the discovery that they can create their own masterpieces
for an audience.
The young artists are beneficiaries of The Business Times Budding
Artists Fund and are currently receiving arts training at LAA under
the JP Morgan arts programme.
Gallery \ 27 Jan (Sun) – 2 Feb (Sat), 10am – 10pm \ Free admission
31\ 37
Event Listings
December 2012
26 Nov – 16 Dec, 10am – 10pm I Am Special – The World of Autism
1 Dec, 3pm
But is the Book Better?: Eating Air
1 Dec & 5 Dec, 7.30pm
But is the Book Better?: Tatsumi
1 Dec, 8pm Gratitude
2 Dec, 3pm But is the Book Better?: Sing To The Dawn
3 Dec, 8pm Living With Petrina Sarah And Her Young Pianist Friend
4 Dec, 7pm Publisher Writers Network presents Mahita Vas
5 Dec, 7pm AFCC Book Club 5 Dec, 7.30pm
New Word Order presents Red Pulse & This City Is A Strange Song
5 Dec, 8pm A Normal Conversation
6 Dec & 7 Dec, 10am – 1pm “From Script To Stage” Workshop
6 Dec, 7.30pm But is the Book Better?: Army Daze
6 Dec, 7.30pm World Voices presents Aditya Kripalani
6 Dec – 7 Dec, 8pm 12 A M 8 Dec, 3pm & 8pm 12 A M 7 Dec, 5pm Book Launch Of The Last Great Strike By Clement Mesenas 7 Dec, 7.30pm But is the Book Better?: The Teenage Textbook
8 Dec, 3pm But is the Book Better?: The Man In The Cupboard
8 Dec, 5pm But is the Book Better?: Child’s Play
8 Dec, 7.30pm
But is the Book Better?: Catherine Listening To The Rain
9 Dec, 11.30am, 2.30pm & 5pm The Magic Story Bag
9 Dec, 15 Dec & 16 Dec, 3.30pm Frame X Frame: I Have Loved
9 Dec – 16 Dec, 7.30pm Frame X Frame: I Have Loved
10 Dec, 7.30pm Readings from Spectre & Balik Kampung 15 Dec, 10am – 10pm Verve 2012
18 Dec – 2 Jan, 10am – 10pm
Beyond The Border, Behind The Men
23 Dec, 8.15pm The Magnificent Season: Magnificats By Bach And Zelenka
Box- Office
The Arts House Box Office
1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
T 65 6332 6919
F 65 6339 9695
E tickets@toph.com.sg
W www.bytes.sg
37 \ 3 2
www.bytes.sg
s
january 2013
3 Jan -13 Jan, 10am – 10pm Being Human
7 Jan, 8pm Living With Jasper And Tommy 10 Jan, 7.30pm New Word Order presents Stephanie Chan
14 Jan, 7.30pm & 19 Jan, 3pm
But is the Book Better?: Alice In Wonderland
15 Jan, 7.30pm & 18 Jan, 7.30pm But is the Book Better?: Stardust 16 Jan, 7.30pm & 20 Jan, 3pm But is the Book Better?: Wizard Of Oz 17 Jan & 19 Jan, 7.30pm
But is the Book Better?: What Dreams May Come 19 Jan, 8pm Letter C – C Is For Children Cantillating
23 Jan – 30 Jan, Weekdays: 7.30pm; Wit’s End (Aka G.I. Executioner)
Sat: 3pm & 7.30pm; Sun: 3pm
25 Jan & 26 Jan, 8pm 26 Jan, 2pm – 5pm Writing Workshop With Hsu-Ming Teo
26 Jan, 5pm Book Launch - Wit’s End: Six And The Sixties Hit Straight-Laced Singapore
27 Jan – 2 Feb, 10am – 10pm
Introspection: The Hero Of Our Story
31 Jan, 7.30pm World Voices presents Dr Kiran Shinde
Free admission
Project Laksa
Ticketed
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri 10am - 8pm
Sat 11am - 8pm
Sun & PH Closed
(For events on Sundays and Public Holidays, Box Office opens 1 hour before showtime till 30 minutes after the show starts)
All tickets (except for films) are subject to a ticketing fee of $2 each. Please note that once a booking has been confirmed,
no amendments, cancellations or refunds are permitted. All information correct at time of printing. Please refer to our
website at www.theartshouse.com.sg for updates. The Arts House is managed by the Old Parliament House Limited.
33\ 37
Support
The Arts House!
As the literary arts space in Singapore, The Arts House is committed
to developing and promoting Singapore writers and our literary
works. We believe in supporting Singapore writers and artists and
works from and about Singapore. To that end, we have initiated a
series of programmes that showcase our writers and artists, as we
give them the space and platform to create works and reach out to
Singapore audiences.
Your gift of a donation will help make our programmes possible, and
keep them free and accessible to all communities. The impact of your
gift will go a long way towards boosting the Singapore literary and
arts community and can be a wonderful way to honour or memorialise
someone. For a donation of $100 and above, you could enjoy tax
deduction of 2.5 times the donated amount.
How You Can Support Us
1.
Online via give2arts.sg (search for The Arts House)
2.
Cheque
All cheques should be crossed and made payable to
THE OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE LIMITED.
Mailing Address: The Old Parliament House Limited,
1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
Thank you for your gift!
For enquiries, please contact us at programmes@toph.com.sg or
+65 6332 6900.
Si n ga
pore
C
r
e
W r i t ia t i v e
C a l l n g Resi de n
f o r a p c y 2 0 13
plicat
i o n s!
Calling writers of all stripes and nationality! Are you an emerging published
writer looking to complete your story? Do you like mentoring young talents?
APPLY NOW FOR THE
SINGAPORE CREATIVE WRITING RESIDENCY 2013!
Co-organised by the National University of Singapore University Scholars Programme (NUS USP) and The Arts House,
the Singapore Creative Writing Residency aims to provide:
–
–
time and space for the writer to complete, or make substantial progress with a written work in English;
mentorship for students.
The completed work, or, part of a work, can be in any of the following forms: prose; verse; stage play; radio play; or screenplay. The Residency
will last for 6 months from July to December 2013. The selected writer is required to reside at NUS, and will receive a monthly stipend.
WHO MAY APPLY
The programme invites applicants of any nationality. We are looking for emerging writers in particular. Applicants must:
a.
b.
Be a published writer;
Not be enrolled as a full time student in an undergraduate or graduate programme or fully employed by any organisation at the
time of appointment of the Residency.
HOW DO I APPLY
Download the application form and FAQ from www.theartshouse.com.sg
DEADLINE
The application materials must arrive in one package, and must be postmarked no later than 18 January 2013.
For more information, please email
programmes@toph.com.sg.
35\ 37
S ho p & D ine at The Ar t s House
Shop & Dine at The Arts House
TH E SH O P
Mon – Sat: 11am – 8pm (closed on Sun & PH)
Start your Christmas shopping early at The Shop! With designer
items ranging from jewellery to apparels and home décor to
paintings, The Shop is the place for you to buy unique gifts for that
special someone.
From 19 Nov 2012 to 31 Jan 2013,
•
Spend $50 in a single receipt and get a free Fabric Arts Magnet and a 10% discount voucher.
•
Spend $100 in a single receipt and get a free Hand puppet and a 10% discount voucher.
EARSHOT CAFE
Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 6pm (closed on weekends & PH) \ Happy Hour from 3pm – 6pm
Earshot Cafe is a concept space that is fully dedicated to promoting
Singapore books and music while having a great cup of coffee.
We hold book launches, writers’ talks, literary cocktails and music
performances here.
Please contact us at programmes@toph.com.sg if you are interested to organise events at Earshot.
VI ET LAN G Sun – Thur: 11.30am – 10.30pm \ Fri, Sat & PH: 11.30am – 11pm
Viet Lang is derived from Vietnam’s present name, Vietnam, and its
historical name, Anh Lang.
Viet Lang’s menu offers a good presentation of Vietnamese cuisine with
a touch of Franco-Asian influence. It serves a repertoire of authentic
Northern, Central and Southern Vietnamese cuisine ranging from the
popular spring rolls wrapped in rice paper.
1 Old Parliament Lane #01-01 \ +65 6337 3379 \ www.vietlang-artshouse.com
TIMBRÉ @ THE ARTS HOUSE
Mon – Thur: 6pm – 1am \ Fri & Sat: 6pm – 2am (closed on Sun & PH)
Situated just by the Singapore River within a beautifully restored
gazetted monument (The Annexe to the Old Parliament House),
Timbré is a music enclave that combines elegant casual dining with
a lively music scene. Enjoy a wide range of pizzas and tapas, all
while listening to the live music performances.
1 Old Parliament Lane #01-04
E: info@timbre.com \ +65 6338 8552 Reservations
37 \ 3 6
About The Arts House
O
ccupying the almost 200-year-old building that was
Singapore’s first Parliament House, The Arts House
since its opening in 2004 has been offering its visitors a
broad spectrum of activities, ranging from contemporary arts and
entertainment events to lifestyle options, while at the same time
playing an active role in the Singapore arts and creative scene.
Since 2011, The Arts House has been focusing on the development of
literary arts, while supporting and presenting programmes and festivals
that aim to give our audiences a wide and multidisciplinary experience.
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General Information
Address: 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
General Enquiries
T 65 6332 6900 F 65 6336 3021
E enquries@toph.com.sg W www.theartshouse.com.sg
How to get to The Arts House
By MRT
7-minute walk from City Hall and Raffles City MRT stations
By Bus
Victoria Concert Hall: 100, 107, 130, 131, 75, 167
www.theartshouse.com.sg
The Treasury: 51, 63, 80, 124, 124A, 145, 166, 174, 174e, 197, 1N, 2N,
3N, 4N, 5N, 6N
Fullerton Sq: 10, 10e, 57, 70, 100, 107, 128, 130, 131, 162, 196, 196e,
75, 167, 531
By Car
www.facebook.com/theartshouse
Carparks available at Parliament House, The Adelphi and
Funan DigitaLife Mall
37\ 37
BC
The Arts House
is managed by
The Old Parliament House Ltd.
37 \ 3 8