I have never been much of a science person. My inclination has always been towards the arts … performing arts mainly… specifically dance. Even though I can’t sing or act at all, I have always been very impressed with people who can do that. These things never come to me. Singing is something that I can never even attempt with the kind of voice I have. And acting is something that I believe has to be inherent in you. You can’t have someone teach you how to act. You can only have someone polish what you already have in you. I really admire people who can act and sing uninhibitedly. It requires a special kind of guts and spontaneity sometimes. Especially acting! If not done properly, it can look quite artificial.
But why am I giving you a lecture on acting when I can’t even do it?? That’s because I got the opportunity to interview HuM theatre group, based in Singapore. They are a forum theatre that does shows on national integration.Singapore being a country with diverse races and people with many nationalities, the issue of national integration is something that is of great importance.
Read on… to know more about this group and their upcoming play – ‘We are like this only’.
1. Tell me a little bit about this theatre group of yours.
HuM Theatre was formed three years ago to bring theatre that was great at comedic story telling. We wanted to present Singapore with more variety in both content and form. We think we are well on our way to accomplishing this mission.
2. How did you guys get together?
The need to do good theatre that is entertaining, multi-cultural and relevant naturally brought likeminded people together. We now have a whole bunch of HuMmers who are always available to be part of a production. But at the end of the day the driving force behind the group is Daisy.
3. When you say forum theatre, what exactly do you mean? How different is that from a regular theatre group?
Forum theatre is fun because it presents a situation to the audience and then invites the audience to interact with the characters in search of a solution. In the case of We're Like This Only the audience can chat with the characters, counsel them, question them or offer their own experiences or anecdotes to amplify a view. The end result is a fruitful and entertaining exploration of an important issue.
4. Why topics on national integration? Are there any other social issues that interest you as a theatre group?
National Integration is such a hot issue right now that it is hard to ignore. As a responsible theatre group we feel obligated to address this situation. We have always been interested in the cultural aspects of life in Singapore as those who have watched our other productions will attest to.
5. Tell me a bit about this current production – “We are like this only!”
This production focuses on the truths and misconceptions that are floating around in within the "old" Indians and "new" Indian circles about each other. We have drawn from testimonials and blogs to construct a series of sketches which reflect some of the more stereotypical situations. Though the subject matter is serious and sensitive we have tinged it with a lot of humour. At the end of the day perhaps these sketches will speak to the conclusion that We're Like This Only.
6. How about your previous productions? Can you give me a small brief about that as well?
All our productions – Rafta Rafta, Prisoner of Mumbai Mansion and The Kanjoos were all adaptations of prize winning plays to a multi-cultural Singapore context. They were primarily entertaining in their story telling but huge on being relevant to the socio cultural life in Singapore.
7. How do you go about reaching out to people regarding your shows?
Mainly through Facebook, other social media like yourself and pre-publicity courtesy of The Straits Times and Today. Word of mouth is a strong medium as well.
8. What about sponsorships and the like?
While we are fortunate that the NAC and NIC have been supportive, it is tragic that we have not attracted corporate sponsorship despite the terrific reception our productions have received.
9. Are you on the look-out for new talent? How can someone join your theatre group for future productions?
We are always on the lookout for talent and have introduced new faces to the theatre experience – on stage and off. We welcome those interested to contact us at our HuM theatre Facebook page.
So folks, head out, watch their new show …. Details below… Enjoy! 🙂 🙂
“We Are Like This Only!” will be performed at the Goodman Arts Centre from February 26 – March 3, 2013, 7.30pm.
Matinee shows on the weekend at 3pm. Tickets at $28 are available from January 25 from www.humtheatre.com
For more information, please contact:
[email protected] / 96656830
[email protected] / 91603384
