Things To Do In Singapore: A Secret Theatre Experience Recreating 1980s New York
Our weekly edit of things to check out.
By Keng Yang Shuen & Hidzir Junaini,
There's plenty to be out and about for this week, with a new rave series - by an anonymous group of organisers - making its debut this week at MDLR, and the return of immersive theatre group Secret Theatre to our shores. More details below.
There's a new rave in town: Cue xexxexexxexex, the first edition of a new series by a group of anonymous organisers that's built upon spontaneity and that "focuses on the experience and the vigor of each night." The lineup is quite diverse, starting with American artist, writer, performer, and DJ Juliana Huxtable, known for her unpredictable sonic re-imagination of contemporary black, queer American psychedelia. Additionally, Hong Kong-based artist Kelvin T will be cooking up his signature electro-pop soundscapes and mash-ups of Cantonese and English lyrics. Rounding off the lineup are three emerging names from Singapore – Vangoth666, Puddle, and Cayenne (the solo project of indie pop songstress Celine Autumn).
Get your tickets here.
March 15, 9.30pm - 4am, at MDLR, 62 Cecil Street
If you're a print lover, you'll probably have come across Knuckles & Notch, the long-running risograph studio and a stalwart in the design/print scene here. They're putting on a garage sale this weekend at their space - the studio will be hawking art prints, pre-loved bags, apparel, tapestry, books and more at their space - and the best part is, 100 per cent of proceeds will go directly to Gaza relief and recovery efforts, as well as support organisations such as Singapore Red Cross Gaza aid and Love Aid Singapore, both of which have been actively addressing the immediate needs of civilians impacted by the crisis on the ground.
March 15 and 16, 11am - 7pm, at Knuckles & Notch, #02-05, 261 Waterloo Street
Multi-sports space Trifecta - billed as the world’s first snow, surf and skate attraction - made plenty of waves when it opened last October in Singapore. But the intrepid founders see it as a space for more than just sports enthusiasts: cue the first volume of the Trifecta Backyard Sessions. This series draws inspiration from the DIY ethos and the intertwined cultures of board sports and music, and is dedicated to spotlighting emerging sonic talents from our own backyard (geddit?). On the line-up is bilingual hip-hop artist Akeem Jahat, rising rapper and producer Mary Sue (pictured), indie singer-songwriter Joie Tan, indie rock duo Islandeer, before things wrap up with an Eatmepoptart afterparty at Butter+Bar (Trifecta's on-site F&B joint). Admission is free - RSVP here.
March 16, 5pm till late, at Trifecta, 10A Exeter Road
If you're a big fan of David Bowie - here's your chance to meet him - well sort of. The Secret Theatre - started by British theatre director and actor Richard Crawford and which bills itself as the world’s first immersive theatre - is back in Singapore with another production after a sold-out run here in 2019. The new production ( co-produced with DesignScene in collaboration with The Mandala Club) is called The New York Secret, and it actively challenges spectators to shape the play by engaging with sets, props, and performers.
While the full plot remains undisclosed until the performance venue is reached, attendees can anticipate a journey back to 1980s New York City, where they'll get to interact with iconic figures like David Bowie, John Travolta, and Diana Ross - starting with being granted access to a Whatsapp group led by David Bowie. This platform reveals crucial details, including the secret location's password, a synopsis, and a dress code. Attendees are encouraged to piece together plot hints or surrender to the spontaneity, highlighting the essence of the show – dynamic interactions between 'spect-actors' and performers.
Get your tickets here.
March 15, 16, and 22, 7pm - 9pm, at Mandala Club, 31 Bukit Pasoh Road
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is as campy as they come and the iconic Aussie comedy flick turns 30 this year and local queer outfit The Glory Hoes is throwing a big bash to mark the anniversary. If you're not familiar with the film, it follows the journey of two drag queens, Anthony "Tick" Belrose and Adam Whitely, along with transgender woman Bernadette Bassenger, as they embark on a cross-country trip through the Australian Outback. The trio travels in a flamboyantly decorated bus named Priscilla, encountering a series of comedic and heartwarming adventures. Along the way, they confront their own personal struggles, forge unlikely connections, and challenge societal norms in a tale that celebrates diversity, friendship, and self-discovery.
Drag queen supreme Becca D'Bus will be hosting the film screening of course, and there'll also be sing-along sessions, best-dressed contests (come in drag to win booze!) and there'll also be drag queens on hand to make you over - so if you've always wanted to try drag... there's no better platform.
Get your tickets here.
March 15, 8.30pm till late, at The Projector at Cineleisure, #05-00 8 Grange Road
Cherry Discotheque is breaking away from its regular Top 40s and EDM programming to host a very different event this month – the resurgence of Dreamscape!, Algorhytym’s signature series is back after a long hiatus for an uncanny takeover at Cecil Street. Cherry’s space and sound will be transformed into a psychedelic and groovy haven with imaginative UV decor, neon artwork, Funktion-One speakers, and more. The main room will be led by the esteemed Melbourne duo Sleep D, best known as the sonic explorers behind Butter Sessions, alongside Mako, Sivanesh, Bongomann, and James Selva. Meanwhile, Cherry Kitchen will be helmed by Sho & Tell, Tashasan, Miss Lil, Leland, Loyboy, and Mari b2b Jas.
Get your tickets here.
March 16, 10pm - 4am, at Cherry Discotheque, 133 Cecil Street