It shouldn’t be a surprise, or a secret, that Singapore is home to some highly talented actors, directors, and theater companies. A recent media awards ceremony marked the most gifted of all of the storied theater groups, celebrating a number of remarkable performances and organizations in Singapore.
The best production award went to the production of “Dragonflies,” a play that examined immigrants and climate change. With Singapore poised in an interesting position on both subjects, the production was particularly meaningful. The production also netted awards for best script and lighting. It will be shown again for both fans and people who missed the original production through May and June in celebration of the awards.
The theater group that staged “Dragonflies” went home with a fourth award in the form of a best supporting actress nod to the youngest winner ever in the history of the awards. The honor went to a 12-year-old girl for her role in a musical staged by the same company. In spite of the experience of the rest of the nominees in that category, the hard work of the young girl won her plenty of accolades beyond the media award.
The best director and ensemble awards went to a staging of an award-winning novel. The epic play’s director said he was most excited about the ensemble honor, saying that the actors who put on the play deserved the most recognition for their hard work.
The best actor award went to an actor who portrayed a troubled puppeteer. The best actress accolades went to an actress who portrayed a woman during WWII-era Singapore, particularly during the time of Japanese occupation. The actress said she was particularly proud of the work since she investigated the role herself, visiting sites key to the history of the country during that period of time.
A theater production that was based on the legend of female warrior Mulan, who was featured in a Disney animated film, was awarded an honor for best performance for children.
The awards show that Singapore’s theatrical arts scene continues to grow, mature, and improve. That is evident by the fact that three of the awards, which have been given for more than 15 years, went to newcomers to the theater scene. With new talent continuing to enrich the pool of existing theater professionals, it’s only natural to assume that theater in Singapore will continue to attract viewers and talent alike.
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To read more about the awards Singaporean theater companies netted, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/pangdemoniums-dragonflies-bags-four-awards-at-the-straits-times-life-theatre-awards.