Theatre director and actress Beatrice Chia-Richmond shares her favourite Singaporean plays and what makes her optimistic about the local arts scene

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Beatrice Chia-Richmond

Beatrice Chia-Richmond is certainly no stranger in the local entertainment scene, and even if one isn’t familiar with this statuesque theatre director and actress, the name of her 2001 directorial debut, Shopping and F***ing, might offer some hint to her feisty approach in her endeavours.

That production nabbed two honours at the DBS Life! Theatre Awards, and Chia-Richmond has since gone on to direct shows including Bent, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and Cabaret. Last year, she became the first female creative director of the National Day Parade.

Continuing to add to the liveliness of the local arts scene, Chia-Richmond’s latest project is the re-staging of Michael Chiang’s comedic smash hit, Army Daze. This 25th anniversary revival of a Singaporean classic will surely elicit nostalgia and spark a sense of familiarity for many during its run at the National Library’s Drama Centre Theatre from August 21 to 26, 2012.

We find out about Chia-Richmond’s favourite local productions and what she wishes Singaporeans would do less of.

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Asia Tatler: Can you tell us a bit about your experience as creative director for the 2011 National Day Parade?
Beatrice Chia-Richmond:
It was a wonderful experience. I spent more than a year working on the Parade and it was one of the most memorable and meaningful productions I’ve ever worked on.

AT: Have aspects of your Singaporean upbringing influenced the way you approach your craft?
BCR:
I wouldn’t dare to think that my upbringing is reflective of every other Singaporean’s experience. However, I do believe that a strong work ethic, earnestness, deep personal pride are Singaporean values.

AT: As a director, what themes do you most enjoy exploring?
BCR:
My interest points change through the years, with different life experiences. However, love, as a subject, has always been a theme I’ve enjoyed exploring.

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AT: What are some of your favourite local productions, be it plays, musicals, or films?
BCR:
One of my favourite local productions is Titoudao – a play written by Goh Boon Teck about the life of a street opera performer Mdm Oon Ah Chiam. Another favourite play is Mergers & Accusations by Eleanor Wong.

AT: What are your thoughts on the arts scene in Singapore today? How do you foresee its development in the near future?
BCR:
With this new staging of Army Daze, I’ve had the opportunity to work with great new talent. Joshua Lim, Shane Mardjuki, Ebi Shankara, Dwayne Tan, Adi Jamaluddin, Siti Khalijah, Timothy Wan, Fazli bin Ahmad…the list goes on. They inspire me everyday in rehearsals and I believe with talent as wonderful as this, I look forward to the future.
 

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Joshua Lim and Dwayne Tan in Army Daze
 

 

AT: What makes you proud to be a Singaporean?
BCR:
Many things. But foremost would be that we are earnest in our endeavours.

AT: If you could make one wish for Singapore, what would it be?
BCR:
That we would learn to complain and moan a whole lot less! I would hate to imagine we had a nation of moaners!


Photos: Singapore Tourism Board, Ryan Tan (National Day Parade); Toy Factory (Titoudao)

Uniquely Singaporean: Loh Lik Peng
Uniquely Singaporean: Colin Seah
Uniquely Singaporean: Sam Leong