Q: Screen. Shot. marks your debut as a multimedia designer for a stage production. What’s unique about your design, and what are some of the highlights of this production?
A: Most of the designs are app/website user interface (UI) translated to be shown on-stage. It’s been challenging to create a UX (User Experience) to both look good on-screen and be recognisable.
The highlights would be some scenes with Instagram Live sequences where the actors’ physical actions are mirrored on-screen, resulting in a highly immersive scene that feels like the show is happening in an expansive universe beyond the stage.
Q: Do you have any other upcoming works we can look forward to?
A: My friend Xue Min and I have an arts collective/podcast titled …But Not Boring! We’ve also been hard at work with an exhibition, titled Flow, as part of the Community Arts Residency Project @ Republic Polytechnic. It will be held from 6 – 23 Jan 2022, in conjunction with Singapore Art Week, at South Agora, Republic Polytechnic.
I also do improv with my friends from NUS Stage at @improvperconduct and we will likely do a show sometime this year! Look out for it!
I might be working with Bound Theatre for a future show as well, but the details are under wraps for now. Stay tuned…
Q: How does your work address or affect societal issues?
A: Screen. Shot. delves into the effects of cancel culture as news of a missing child gets distorted by rumours and hearsay. The characters in the play contribute to the rumour mill and yet, had their personal lives affected by it.
2021 saw a number of such high-profile incidents erupting on social media. The social media responses showed that that as a society, we are quick to point fingers when given a one-sided account of a situation.
Internet mob justice is an easy cause to enrol in, but the monster it produces can ruin lives at the drop of a hat.
Q: How did your involvement with NUS Centre For the Arts – during your time as a student – play a role in your pursuit of the arts? Had it been useful in encouraging your passion and pursuit of the arts?
A: ABSOLUTELY. Joining NUS Stage was my first ever exposure to the ins and outs of the industry. My time with NUS Stage has been some of the most meaningful I’ve had in university, as I was able to take part in so many facets of theatre: stage managing, acting, directing and marketing.
In fact, I’m still dabbling in theatre because I think I haven’t done enough. I was able to explore designing teasers and trailers using After Effects, and script writing, both of which I still have a deep interest in.
Q: How has your craft evolved since you left NUS as a student?
A: I’ve been working under Dude Studios, where I make interactive exhibits/booths utilising the Kinect camera to track user movements! I’ve become more resourceful and creative when it comes to using technology in art too. Currently, I am using Unity, a game engine, to create interactive works through scripts.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
A: …To quote someone I read on the Internet, “10 years? I don’t even know what I’m having for dinner.” But, I can imagine myself dabbling with even more creative uses of multimedia, such as through visualisers that react to actors’ movement and voices, or even more fringe uses that involve the audience. I’m definitely in my infancy, both in terms of multimedia design and theatre, and I can’t wait to explore my potential.
Q: What’s your advice for NUS’ student artists aspiring to continue in this field of work beyond university life?
A: Once a month, sit yourself down and ask yourself what the ideal version of yourself would look like. Whenever you are faced with a new challenge or opportunity, remember this ideal vision of yourself and make a choice that leads you closer to that ideal.
Commit to that choice, knowing that you are growing towards something you believe in.
