What was the inspiration behind Dark Room x8?

I was inspired by a letter Oscar Wilde wrote to Lord Alfred Douglas while in Reading Gaol in Berkshire, England. In the letter, Wilde speaks about his future reintegration into society. I was inspired to give voice to Singapore’s returning citizens by theatrically recreating the prison experience, from pre-trial to imprisonment.

How would you describe your directorial style?

It changes depending on the type of play I’m working on. If it’s a devised piece, then I work in collaboration with the actors and the creative team—it’s my belief that many heads are better than one. However, it’s a slightly different process for Dark Room x8, as I focus more on the people I’m writing about—the audience I’m writing for then become my collaborators.

Who are some of your favourite actors and actresses?

Anthony Hopkins, Judi Dench, Edward Norton, Jane Russell, Toni Collette and Harvey Keitel all rank highly on my international list. Locally, it’ll include Karen Tan, Siti Khalijah, Oliver Chong, and the list goes on!

How do you see theater in Singapore evolving over the next year or two?

I adore the fact that there are so many theatrical premieres here; new writing, new ways of working, new ways of seeing the theatrical art form. 

What other stage projects do you have lined up for the near future?

I’ve just finished choreographing the dancers from LASALLE’s Dance Diploma course. This was a refreshing change for me, as the last thing I choreographed before coming to Singapore was the 2005 MTV Australian Music Awards. As an actor, I am currently in the first phase of rehearsals for two upcoming productions, but nothing has been publicized yet.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I think I would love to have the ability to see the interconnectedness of events—to know the past and future consequences of my day-to-day actions.

Catch Edith’s latest production, Dark Room x8, which will be staged on July 5, 3pm and 8pm, at the Esplanade Theatre Studio. Free.