michael chiang - private parts
29th august 2004
esplanade theatre
caca & me
apart from the title that sounds so wrong each time someone mentions it verbally(can't help it as it appears vulgar to the ears), the play was fan-ta-bulous. i don't mind a second dosage. if the tickets were cheaper, i'd urge everyone from all walks of life to watch it. cause it's the truth. the reality of life. especially that of 'liberalised' singapore. in other words, it's a satire of our society. and it kept me thinking..
pre-show
i spent quite some time explaining to people that i'm was going to watch a play called, private parts and that it was written by michael chiang. somehow, when i want to cut it short by saying, "i'm watching michael chiang's private parts" i was greeted, much to my glee and later frustration, "private parts?! aalliiaahh.. whose?!" my reply, "no.. it's michael chiang's play, private parts?" and everyone went, "ooh.. thought what sia?" people, do not be quick to jump into conclusions cause it won't be as funny if it's for some urgent or serious stuff.
back to the play
it was certainly an eye-opener. how often do you get to watch guys in drag? i was simply awe-struck by the 3 dancers. 3 muscular guys entered the stage with coloured feather boas dancing in high-heels. they do it so well that i can't help by grumble. they dance way better than i'm able to sia! not fair. i can't even walk steadily with heels! how did they do it? the second number was goood. ala chicago, the dancers were dressed to kill with their flapper get-up. man, i'm so jealous.
the gist of the play
the story revolves around a tv talk-show host who finds his life turned upside down after he befriends 3 patients in a sex-change clinic. the play brought about issues that are 'uniquely singapore' affecting us today. from tourism campaigns to media competition and even reality tv! basically, the play addresses the viewpoint of homosexuality. projected from the different perspectives. we get to see the transexual's point of view, the society's 'acceptance' and their treatment towards this group of people. it's a thought-provoking play. although written with simplicity, the essence of the play is embedded in the audiences with much audicity.
at the end of the play, i have to disagree that our country is actually progressing towards the exceptance of homosexuality. as much as we want to admit that we're becoming(the key word here is becoming) accepting, the harsh truth is: not everyone is open-minded and is receptive towards the notion of transgender. if there's progression, i think it's much to slow to see any significant changes. why can't acceptance be practise easily? it's a choice made by the individual. who are we to oppose to their choice of lifestyle. i think everyone ought to be able to possess the freedom to live their life. if it's different or not normal, so be it. as long as he/she is happy, that's all that matters. i'm all for it. i hope there's understanding. discrimination is a display of narrow-mindedness. and i pity homophobes cause clearly they're deluding themselves.
what's normal anyway?
pre-show
i spent quite some time explaining to people that i'm was going to watch a play called, private parts and that it was written by michael chiang. somehow, when i want to cut it short by saying, "i'm watching michael chiang's private parts" i was greeted, much to my glee and later frustration, "private parts?! aalliiaahh.. whose?!" my reply, "no.. it's michael chiang's play, private parts?" and everyone went, "ooh.. thought what sia?" people, do not be quick to jump into conclusions cause it won't be as funny if it's for some urgent or serious stuff.
back to the play
it was certainly an eye-opener. how often do you get to watch guys in drag? i was simply awe-struck by the 3 dancers. 3 muscular guys entered the stage with coloured feather boas dancing in high-heels. they do it so well that i can't help by grumble. they dance way better than i'm able to sia! not fair. i can't even walk steadily with heels! how did they do it? the second number was goood. ala chicago, the dancers were dressed to kill with their flapper get-up. man, i'm so jealous.
the gist of the play
the story revolves around a tv talk-show host who finds his life turned upside down after he befriends 3 patients in a sex-change clinic. the play brought about issues that are 'uniquely singapore' affecting us today. from tourism campaigns to media competition and even reality tv! basically, the play addresses the viewpoint of homosexuality. projected from the different perspectives. we get to see the transexual's point of view, the society's 'acceptance' and their treatment towards this group of people. it's a thought-provoking play. although written with simplicity, the essence of the play is embedded in the audiences with much audicity.
at the end of the play, i have to disagree that our country is actually progressing towards the exceptance of homosexuality. as much as we want to admit that we're becoming(the key word here is becoming) accepting, the harsh truth is: not everyone is open-minded and is receptive towards the notion of transgender. if there's progression, i think it's much to slow to see any significant changes. why can't acceptance be practise easily? it's a choice made by the individual. who are we to oppose to their choice of lifestyle. i think everyone ought to be able to possess the freedom to live their life. if it's different or not normal, so be it. as long as he/she is happy, that's all that matters. i'm all for it. i hope there's understanding. discrimination is a display of narrow-mindedness. and i pity homophobes cause clearly they're deluding themselves.
what's normal anyway?
"the scathing irony pushes home the question: will singaporeans accept people who do not comform to the mould cast by society?"
-- the straits times