Returning for its 13th edition with the theme of ‘Art & Skin’, the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival is all about the exploration of identity, beauty, intimacy, sensitivity, pleasure, pain and shame. Of course, no one can forget about the censorship issues that plagued the festival and made headlines last year — they resulted in Undressing Room by Ming Poon and Naked Ladies by Thea Fitz-James being removed from the line-up altogether. But hey, the show must go on.
Featuring five commissioned local works, four world premieres and three Asian premieres, the line-up includes two highlights in particular: Foreign Bodies by new multicultural local burlesque troupe Skin in SIN, and Labels by Worklight Theatre.
Provocative, diverse and politically progressive, Skin in SIN is produced and mentored by Eugene Tan and American burlesque performer Madge of Honor, and its debut performance will delve into topics like racism and xenophobia experienced in Singapore through burlesque. Oh, and if you’re keen on learning the art of burlesque, Madge of Honor will be conducting a two-hour basics session ($60/person) on January 8 at the newly-revamped Kilo Lounge. As for the UK-hailing Labels, the story follows a young man’s life in rural England, where it examines issues such as culture, heritage, identity and prejudices.
Then there’s the Live Fringe category, which showcases artist talks and performances, such as #CompulsiveCharcoal by Liz Atkin — as part of her attempt to raise awareness of Compulsive Skin Picking, this work features one-minute sketches by the artist as she journeys across the island and interacts with passengers on public transport.
Plus, making a return to the fest is a fighting arena in the form of FIGHT! PALAST #membersonly by PENG! Palast, which was inspired by Chuck Palahniuk’s novel, Fight Club. Also look out for new works-in-development by up-and-coming artists, whose creations will explore everything from relationships to race. These include Deep in the Heart of Me by Kaylene Tan and Bitten by Nidya Shanthini Manokara and Thong Pei Qin.
The M1 Singapore Fringe Festival is on from Jan 4-15 at various locations, including Esplanade, Centre 42, LASALLE College of the Arts and Silver Ribbon Singapore. Tickets $12-$25.
