Making a Scene

Ballet is known for its long-held traditions that define its aesthetics and institutions. In some ways, these traditions have historically excluded and marginalised particular groups of people. In this episode hosted by multidisciplinary artist and educator Susan Sentler, Mohamed Noor Sarman, ballet master of Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT), and Georgina Pazcoguin, the first Asian-American female soloist of the New York City Ballet (NYCB) discuss how they view the issue of diversity and inclusion in ballet.

What does it take to direct a large-scale event like the National Day Parade (NDP) in Singapore? Performer and director Hossan Leong chats with performing arts veterans and former NDP creative directors Beatrice Chia-Richmond and Selena Tan to find out more about how their theatre background and network helped them to conceptualise and execute this annual celebration.

In this episode hosted by diversity strategist Theresa Ruth Howard, ballet soloists Shelby Williams and Harper Watters, as well as dancewear entrepreneur and meme creator Min Tan, explain how the online space is creating new ways to have valuable conversations about inclusion, wellness and social justice in the ballet world.

The veteran entertainer and powerhouse vocalist shares her journey and performing philosophy.

Posnita and Bintang Disayang from Posnita (1975);

Burung Kakak Tua (cover of folk song);

Mana Ibumu from Rahimah Rahim and the Commandos (1972);

Chotto Matte Kurusai (cover; original song by The Sandpipers);

Berkawan Seribu from Renungan (1975);

Rumah Itu Syurgaku in Rahimah Rahim Iringan The Commandos (1972);

Belajar Membaca (featuring Bat Latiff) from Lagu Untukmu (1974)

By Rahimah Rahim

A powerhouse in both Singapore and India, Vasantham Boyz's Mohamed Raffee speaks about forging his own musical path.

Song credits:

Jaalamay from Breakthro (1993);

Kurupayee from Karupayee (1994);

Sogham from Karupayee (1994);

Joe Joe Muniady from Breakthro (1993);

Kanney Roja Poovilay M from Breakthro (1993)

By Mohamed Raffee

Multi-instrumentalist and genre-crossing musician Mel Ferdinands share more about growing up with music.

Song credits:

Lonely Angel; You Left Me For Another; Just Tell Me You Love Me; Crimson and Clover (cover of Tommy Jane’s song) and Yo Te Amo Maria (cover of Roy Orbison’s song) from Lonely Angel (1991)

By Mel Ferdinands

Jazz pianist, activist and educator Aya Sekine on finding and championing jazz.

Song credits:

Body and Soul – Mad Love from Life, Everyday! Aya Sekine Solo Piano Music (2019)

by Aya Sekine

17 degrees and Care Enough from Listen and Believe (2015)

by L.A.B

Suhaimi Subandie on skating, hardcore & punk and caring for his community.

Song credits:

Dream of Tomorrow, from Definition (1999);

SEGREGATION ZERO (2008);

SOLITARY ME EPILOGUE (unreleased raw mix; 2008)

by 4-sides

From Within from Measured by a Richter Scale (1995）

by Stompin’ Ground

Locked (cover of song originally by Intense Decibel) and Hypocritical Society from STRONGER, WISER, TOGETHER (2016)

by LC93

The bassist of Vedic metal band Rudra on twinning philosophy and heavy metal.

Song credits:

Innocuous from Past Life Regression (2018);

Homage to the Seers from The Aryan Crusade (2001);

Asura Mardhini from Kurukshetra (2003);

The Pathless Path to the Knowable Unknown from Brahmavidya: Primordial I (2005);

Ananda from Rudra (2005)

By Rudra

The period spanning the 1950s to 1960s is known as the golden age of Singapore cinema. In this episode hosted by actress Munah Bagharib, artist Brian Gothong Tan and Asian Film Archive (AFA) programmer Thong Kay Wee chat about the movies and figures that shaped this era, including the influential 1957 blockbuster Pontianak and its director B.N. Rao, Cathay-Keris Studio co-founder Loke Wan Tho, and actor and film-maker P. Ramlee.