Ep 4: “Up for a Challenge” feat. Goh Su Lin and Clarisse Ng
About
Host Serene Chen chats with Clarisse Ng and Goh Su Lin as they share insights about their time working as arts managers with The Necessary Stage during the 1980s and 1990s. Serene chimes in with her memories acting for TNS productions in the 1990s!
Since its inception, the company recognised that the artistic and administrative aspects of its organisation were of equal importance, resulting in their collaborators taking on multiple roles across the company’s branches, spaces and productions. Given the company’s trademark practice of devised work, Clarisse and Su Lin further explain how their unique process-oriented approach to theatre-making presented equally unique challenges to the arts manager. We also learn how Su Lin’s legal background helped the young company in managing unprecedented controversies, navigating their way around setbacks that allowed them to become one of Singapore’s most eminent and well-loved companies to date.
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[00:01:20] ACT 3 International: Act 3 International is a Theatre company founded in 1984; rebranded as ACT 3 International in 1994, when its mission became more directed towards offering programmes for children and nurturing a love of the arts in young people.
[00:01:22] T:>Works: T:>Works is an independent, non-profit Singaporean theatre company established first as TheatreWorks in 1985, and later re-established as T:>Works in 2020. It is currently led by Artistic Director, Dr. Ong Keng Sen. It supports Singapore artists, and articulates the Singapore arts through its various productions and developmental programmes.
[00:01:28] HI! Theatre of the Deaf: HI! Theatre, Singapore’s theatre of the deaf, was founded by Roger Jenkins in 1986, with the aim to further the interests of the hearing impaired performers and craftsmen, giving the disabled a voice of their own.
[00:01:31] Asia-in-Theatre Research Circus: Asia-in-Theatre Research Circus (ATRC) was founded in 1987 by the late William Teo. For 15 years, the theatre company, with Teo as its artistic director, created and produced some of Singapore’s most unique and visually-arresting English-language productions. ATRC was in search of a new theatrical expression, experimenting with merging various Asian performing arts traditions with English-language contemporary theatre.
[00:01:39] Teater Ekamatra: Teater Ekamatra is a non-profit local ethnic minority theatre company established in 1988, helmed by award-winning director and performer Mohd Fared Jainal. It was founded by playwright, dramatist and director Lut Ali and his wife Rubie Lazim in 1988 to develop contemporary experimental Malay theatre.
[00:01:51] The Necessary Stage: a non-profit theatre company established in 1987. It is helmed by Cultural Medallion recipients Artistic Director and Founder Alvin Tan and Resident Playwright Haresh Sharma.
[00:03:55] Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI): ITI, formerly known as Theatre Training and Research Programme (TTRP), is an independent theatre school for contemporary artists. ITI is a unique enterprise in theatre training, human understanding and raising social and cultural awareness.
[00:05:28] National Arts Council (NAC): The National Arts Council is a statutory board established on 15 October 1991 to oversee the development of arts in Singapore. It is under the purview of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
[00:05:30] Ministry of Culture: statutory board later subsumed under the Cultural Division of Ministry of Community Development from 1984 - 1990, after which it was subsumed under the Ministry of Information and Arts.
[00:15:48] Shell: Shell is an international energy company that aims to meet the world’s growing need for more and cleaner energy solutions in ways that are economically, environmentally and socially responsible.
[00:20:12] Tote Board Arts Fund: fund managed by a committee appointed by the National Arts Council that supports Singaporean artists and arts companies in bringing the arts to communities to engage, inspire and create shared experiences for people to connect with one another
[00:23:55] ArtsWok Collaborative: an arts-based community development organisation and intermediary that produces innovative arts-based community programmes and conducts research and advocacy for the field
[00:25:15] Telok Ayer Performing Arts Centre: Located at 182 Cecil Street, it was the first arts housing space under the Arts Housing Scheme, and was occupied by several performing arts groups such as Odyssey Dance Theatrea and Teater Ekamatra. It has since made way for commercial development.
[00:25:19] One-Two-Six Cairnhill Arts Centre: Heritage building designated as an arts centre under the Arts Housing Scheme in 1993. Former tenants include The Necessary Stage; current tenants include Act 3 International, ArtsFission and The Finger Players.
[00:25:20] Marine Parade Community Centre: Community building where, under the Arts Housing Scheme, the theatre company The Necessary Stage was housed from 2000 - 2020. The space included an office area and a black box theatre.
[00:25:33] Esplanade - Theatres on The Bay: The Esplanade is Singapore’s national performing arts centre. As a not-for-profit arts centre, it strives to make the arts accessible for everyone.
[00:25:34] The National Theatre: The National Theatre was a public theatre used for performances, concerts and conferences. It was also known as the “People’s Theatre” as members of the public had contributed towards the theatre’s building fund through various fundraising activities. The theatre closed in 1984 and was eventually demolished in 1986.
Arts Housing Scheme: an artist assistance scheme initiated by the former Ministry of Community Development in 1985. In recognition of scarcity and cost of land in Singapore, the objective of the scheme was to secure space and provide subsidised rental spaces to arts groups. For more, see Hoe (2020).
Telok Ayer Performing Arts Centre (TAPAC): Opened in 1985, the Telok Ayer Performing Arts Centre was the first performing arts centre established under the Arts Housing Scheme. It was formerly Telok Ayer Primary School.
Paya Lebar: After being housed at the Marine Parade Community Centre building under the Arts Housing Scheme from 2000 - 2020, The Necessary Stage has plans to move to a new space in the neighbourhood of Paya Lebar.
National Theatre: Public performing arts venue located in River Valley, opened in 1963 and demolished in 1984.
Drama Centre: Performing arts venue that used to be located at Fort Canning Park, presently situated within the National Library.
[00:25:53] Semi-Residential Status in Theatre Scheme: A residency scheme providing artists and arts groups up to 12 days of annual rent-free use of one of the designated theatres for rehearsal and stage performances, as well as priority booking of theatres a year in advance, and exemption from entertainment tax.
[00:26:06] DBS Auditorium: auditorium in Marina Bay Financial Centre.
[00:26:07] World Trade Centre Auditorium: Now-defunct convention centre that served as a performing arts venue.
[00:27:01] Old Drama Centre: Performing arts venue that used to be located at Fort Canning Park, presently situated within the National Library.
[00:27:03] The Substation: The Substation is Singapore's first independent contemporary arts centre. Founded in 1990 by Kuo Pao Kun, it is known for its pioneering and experimental arts programming.
[00:27:54] Major Grant: The Major Company Scheme by the NAC supports the professional and artistic development of registered arts organisations. It is based on a three-year funding cycle, subject to an annual review.
[00:29:46] Waterfront Theatre: The Singtel Waterfront Theatre is a multi-format venue prominently placed along the Esplanade waterfront. The theatre is targeted for completion in 2022.
[00:29:57] Wild Rice’s Space: Wild Rice’s space is located in Funan Mall, and houses the Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre, which features Singapore’s only thrust stage.
[00:44:36] Theatre Carnival On The Hill: This theatre carnival is the logical continuation of the Retrospective of Singapore Plays which Theatreworks presented in November – December 1990.
[00:46:31] AEP Programme: The National Arts Council-Arts Education Programme (NAC-AEP) provides all students with access to quality arts education experiences.
[00:49:10] M1 Peer Pleasure Festival: M1 Peer Pleasure is an annual youth theatre festival with a social conscience. It provides theatre-making opportunities and mentorship to youths aged 13-25, enabling them to collaborate with peers to stage productions with important social issues and performed for all ages.
[00:50:21] Creative Arts Programme: The Creative Arts Programme (CAP) is jointly organised by the Gifted Education Branch, Ministry of Education Singapore and Yale-NUS College. It provides participants with the opportunity to attend a plethora of carefully-curated talks and workshops, as well as develop their writing during hands-on sessions.
[00:53:52] Nine Years Theatre: Nine Years Theatre is a Mandarin theatre company that presents mainly Mandarin productions, as well as multilingual and inter-disciplinary works occasionally.
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[00:11:31] Theatre For Youth Ensemble: A year-long programme offered by The Necessary Stage, which provided hands-on training mainly in performance as well as other aspects of theatre such as production, directing, writing, design and arts administration, conducted by professional arts practitioners.
[00:12:43] Legend of Bukit Merah: Programme offered by The Necessary Stage to provide students a chance to acquaint themselves with one of the more well-known local legends.
[00:14:10] Invisibility: Play by Quah Sy Ren, directed by our Resident Director, Kok Heng Leun in 1996
[00:20:23] Rosnah: play about a young Malay Muslim woman who leaves home for the first time to study in London. Written by Haresh Sharma, it was first staged in 1995 at Tampines Regional Library, then subsequently in 1996, 2006 and 2016.
[00:20:35] There is a Tree: Play written by Haresh Sharma, directed by Kok Heng Leun and performed by residents of Tampines in 1995.
[00:26:52] Off Centre: The Necessary Stage’s landmark play in the history of Singapore theatre. First staged to great acclaim in 1993 under the direction of Alvin Tan, it is best remembered for bringing mental illness and its patients’ plight to the attention of the media and the general public.
[00:26:52] Pillars: An exploration of Malays and Chinese in Singapore past and present, the play is divided into six episodes.
[00:26:53] Galileo (I Feel the Earth Move): A fusion of comedy, physical theatre and mime, this play interweaves the true life of visionary astronomer Galileo Galilei and the lives of modern characters who face dilemmas of their own. It is a take of deception, power and persecution inspired by Bertolt Brecht's The Life and Times of Galileo Galilei.
[00:33:40] God: An adaptation of Woody Allen’s original play. Premiered in 1986 at the National University of Singapore Students’ Union drama competition, where it won the outstanding production award.
[00:34:06] Diversion: Adaptation of John Powen’s script. Premiered in 1986 at the National University of Singapore Humanities Day, sponsored by ESSO.
[00:34:18] The Smoking Car: Performed as part of the National University of Singapore (NUS) Humanities Day, sponsored by ESSO, in 1986.
[00:34:20] Hollywood Heroes: Premiered in 1986 at Century Park, Sheraton Hotel.
[00:34:45] Waiting Room: Play about two perfect strangers, a salesman and a rich lady, engage in a spontaneous yet intense conversation about their lives while they wait. One suffers from a broken marriage, the other is disillusioned after a break-up in a relationship. From their discussion they come to realise that they are strangely related. What is more interesting is how.
[00:34:45] Dead on Cue: Play about Ronald, a cool, confident, well-dressed man in his early twenties who murdered the adopted daughter of Madam, a 'tai-tai' wife of a businessman Jinkee. However, there is one living witness to the crime: David, a private investigator. The scene opens at a cocktail party where Ronald has gone intending to kill David. First staged in 1987.
[00:37:10] Still Building: Play about people trapped by family, by friends, by buildings and by themselves, and their attempts to break free. First staged in 1992.
[00:37:19] This Chord and Others: Play about three good friends working together and enjoying the time they spend with each other. However, not everything is as neat as it appears: all three have problems with their race, religion or background.
[00:37:44] Those Who Can't, Teach: Play about a teacher and single mother trying her best to manage both roles. Faced with constant and rapid changes in her life, she finds increasing difficulty coping with her two major roles. Further complications arise when there is news that her school is moving to another district. First staged at The Substation’s opening.
[00:41:19] Lanterns Never Go Out: Play by The Necessary Stage and written by Haresh Sharma in 1989, about a teenage girl who struggles managing new roles and expectations and existing ideals. First staged in 1990, at the Old Drama Centre.
[00:46:02] TIE: Theatre in Education (TIE) movement was first pioneered by the Belgrade in 1965, as a way to use theatre and drama to create a range of learning opportunities for young people.
[01:00:29] Forum Theatre proscription: The founders of TNS, director Alvin Tan and playwright Haresh Sharma, had attended workshops on forum theatre in New York City in April 1993 before returning to Singapore. Upon their return, an interview with them published in the national newspaper The Straits Times insinuated that the workshops were “Marxist” and questioned if their theatre practice was intended for political ends. This led to the practice of forum theatre being proscribed by denial of funding.
[01:14:25] Superfriends at the Hall of Justice: Play directed by Alvin Tan and written by Haresh Sharma in 1998.
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[00:02:26] Alvin Tan: Alvin Tan is the founder and artistic director of The Necessary Stage, and the co-artistic director of the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival.
[00:02:29] Haresh Sharma: Haresh Sharma is a veteran Singaporean playwright and also the Resident Playwright of The Necessary Stage since 1990. He has written more than 100 plays that have been staged in cities all around the world.
[00:02:34] Ivan Heng: Renowned Singaporean actor, director and founder of theatre company Wild Rice in 2000.
[00:02:34] Elvira Holmberg: Elvira Holmberg is an experienced arts educator and also part of the artistic committee of The Necessary Stage, when it first registered as a society in 1987.
[00:02:34] Lau Siew Mei: Singapore-born writer best known for her acclaimed debut novel, Playing Madame Mao.
[00:02:34] Neo Swee Lin: Neo Swee Lin is a Singaporean actress who has appeared in several Asian films and theatres, notably Three Children (1987) and M. Butterfly (1989).
[00:02:34] Josephine Peter: Josephine Peter was also part of the artistic committee of The Necessary Stage, when it first registered as a society in 1987. He co-directed the original version of Still Building (1992) with Alvin Tan.
[00:02:34] Ovidia Yu: Ovidia Yu is a Singapore-born writer and also part of the artistic committee of The Necessary Stage, when it first registered as a society in 1987.
[00:10:50] Kok Heng Leun: Kok Heng Leun is a prominent figure in the Singapore arts scene, having built his artistic career as a theatre director, playwright, dramaturg and educator. He was awarded the National Arts Council’s Young Artist Award in 2000 and Cultural Fellowship in 2014. Currently the co-artistic director of Singaporean theatre company Drama Box.
[00:11:18] Julius Foo: Julius Foo was the administrative manager of Theatre For Youth Ensemble.
[00:23:46] Melissa Lim: General Manager of The Necessary Stage (TNS) since 2005. She has also assisted with research and translation work for the company’s productions.
[00:23:55] Ko Siew Huey: Ko Siew Huey is the Co-Founder and the Treasurer of Artwork Collaborative, an arts-based community development organisation that recognises the creativity and agency within individuals and communities to generate change.
[00:23:57] Ngiam Su-Lin: Ngiam Su-Lin is the Co-Founder and the Artistic Director of Artwork Collaborative, an arts-based community development organisation that recognises the creativity and agency within individuals and communities to generate change.
[00:24:10] Rydwan Anwar: Currently Head, Theatre (Programming) at The Esplanade. He was Assistant Production Manager and Production Manager at The Necessary Stage in 2004.
[00:24:11] Isis Koh: Currently Head, Production Management at The Esplanade. She was Stage Manager and Production Manager at The Necessary Stage. And Head of Production for M1 Singapore Fringe Festival.
[00:31:36] Othman: Othman Bessir Ahmad was the caretaker of the Telok Ayer Performing Arts Centre for more than 31 years.
[00:36:57] Ong Keng Sen: Dr. Ong Keng Sen is the Founding Artistic Director of T:>Works. He is an artist-curator and a scholar of performance. His approach to traditional arts of Asia in contemporary arts is grounded in his studies of transcultural performance with the Performance Studies Department at Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, where he graduated with a Ph.D. in 2019.
[00:42:13] Kuo Pao Kun: A playwright, theatre director, and arts activist in Singapore who wrote and directed both Mandarin and English plays. He founded three arts and drama centres in Singapore, conducted and organised a number of drama seminars and workshops, and mentored Singaporean and foreign directors and artists. He is also the co-founder of Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI) and The Substation.
[00:50:40] Alfian Sa’at: Prominent English- and Malay-language playwright, poet and short-story writer in Singapore and Malaysia.
[01:02:13] Professor Tommy Koh: Singaporean lawyer and diplomat; Ambassador-At-Large for the Singapore Government
[01:14:17] Goh Ching Lee: Goh Ching Lee was the Senior Director of Arts Cluster Development at the Singapore National Arts Council and was appointed as the director of the Singapore Arts Festival from 2000 to 2009.
[01:18:28] Zelda Tatiana: Independent arts practitioner who founded GroundZ-0 原。空間 and is currently its Executive Producer and the Creative Director.
[01:18:29] Noor Effendy Ibhrahim: Curator, producer and interdisciplinary arts practitioner based in Singapore. He was the Artistic Director of The Substation (2010-2015) and Teater Ekamatra (2001-2006).
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Bao Ka Liao: A Singlish term borrowed from the Hokkien dialect language, which is commonly used to describe “doing everything, covering all roles”.
About our Speakers
Serene Chen is a bilingual actress, host, voice artist and lecturer. She spent the first 3 years of her professional career as an Producer-Presenter in Singapore’s first arts radio station, Passion 99.5FM.
Goh Su Lin served as the General Manager of The Necessary Stage from 1994 till 1999. Before working as an arts manager, she practiced as a lawyer for a few years after graduating with a Bachelor of Law (Honours) from the National University of Singapore. She is currently General Manager of the Intercultural Theatre Institute, an independent theatre school for contemporary artists.
Clarisse Ng was the Production/Technical Manager of The Necessary Stage during the 1980s and 1990s, where she worked on landmark productions such as Lanterns Never Go Out, Still Building and Off Centre. Clarisse is currently working on a project basis, and sees her life’s work as facilitating the art-making process, encouraging and supporting independent and emerging art-makers, and enabling conversations about the arts.