Warning: This review contains light spoilers.
When it comes to mental illnesses, the youth are most at risk. In fact, nearly half of mental illnesses appear before age 14, with the rate of appearance increasing to 75% before age 24.¹ The Son tackles this topic head on.
Bhumi Collective’s Mak Mak Menari tells the story of a traditional Malay dance troupe, as named in the title. “Mak mak” which translates to “mum” and “menari” meaning “dancer” in Bahasa Melayu aptly describes the group of ex-dancers, working mothers and homemakers. Their story is charmingly told; a loving tribute to dance and these Malay women.
I watched a total of 17 plays in 2019. Not a lot, I must admit, and also maybe why the recent Life! theatre awards nominations left me with “Oh, maybe I should have watched that…”. So only two months late, here are my 3 favourite plays from 2019:
Beside Ourselves marks local electronic duo .gif’s theatrical debut. Part live music and part narrative performance, Beside Ourselves plays out like a live concept album on stage. It opens with a quietly daring question: Where do we go when we are beside ourselves?
Continue reading On me, you, and me: “Beside ourselves” review
Patricia Tobin 