Month: July 2022

Al-Matin Yatim: Actor Dives Deep Into the Character of a Husband Yearning to be Father

“I hope audiences who watch ‘The Fourth Trimester’ will have more empathy and compassion for others. Stop putting pressure on and asking people when they’re going to have kids. It’s such a sensitive question…”

Rusydina Afiqah: Actor Gives a Voice to The Difficulties of Starting a Family in New Play

“And to everyone who’s watching this play, I hope you come to realise that it’s okay if your life is turning out differently from what you thought it would be. If you want to remain unmarried until the age of 35, so be it. Don’t want kids? That doesn’t make you any less normal. Go write your own story.”

Bea: Separated Due to COVID-19, Filipino Student Reunites With Beloved Mum Who’s a Teacher in Singapore

“I’m very happy when I see her because I miss her so much when I’m in the Philippines. My mum is like my best friend and I can tell her everything and anything.”

Hang Qian Chou: Actor Discusses the Role of a Husband and Father in New Play

“I think it’s important to tell this story because often, once children come into the picture, especially in a city as stressful as Singapore, everything becomes about them and whether you, as parents, have enough to provide for them. If we neglect that relationship, then problems may arise and eat into how we feel about parenthood.”

Julie Wee: Actor Embraces the Challenges of Playing a Stay-At-Home Mum

“What convinced me to take up this role were the many cultural touchpoints that I very much identify with. Faith talks about our struggles with work-life balance, societal and self-imposed pressures, and the gender roles that we conform to or rail against.”

Joshua Lim: Actor Sheds Light on Often Overlooked Struggles of First-Time Dads in New Play

“With stories like ‘The Fourth Trimester’ painting a very realistic picture of parenthood, I hope more people understand that dads need help and support too. And if you’re a dad who may not be doing that much right now, I hope this play reminds you that parenting is a team effort!”

Jason Lam: Time Lost Behind Bars Spurs Creative to Live a More Courageous, Purpose-Driven Life

“My biggest fear is dying and not having tried, and I have a lot of visions that I want to make a reality. At the same time, I am afraid of putting myself out there because there’s always a fear of failure. But I’d rather fail now than not try at all.’

Isabella Chiam: The Actor Gets Candid About the Emotionally Demanding Role of Playing a First-Time Mum

“When the audience watches ‘The Fourth Trimester’, I hope they understand that at the end of the day, it’s not about embodying or being an  ‘ideal’. We shouldn’t be so dogged by the idea of perfection that we lose what it means to be in the present.”

Faith Ng: Harsh Truths of First-Time Parenthood Inspired Young Mother’s Latest Play

“So it always comes back to the same question of ‘Are you happy?’ And what does it even mean to be happy? Does it even matter? Because it’s really hard to be happy in Singapore. There are so many expectations and it’s all very heartbreaking.”

Vikneshwaran Silva: Singaporean Director Makes Award-Winning Film About the Life of an Indian Migrant Worker

“You can’t stop doing what you love because it’s hard or because you keep getting rejected. Keep on doing it. If you work hard enough and show persistence towards your craft, it’s just a matter of time before you get recognised.”