Why these particular stories?
I had the chance to go to Germany earlier this year and one of my friends showed me the silent film Un Chant d’Amour which Jean Genet directed, based on his own poetry. This black and white silent film presents homosexuality and life in prison, written from his own experience. This film was produced in the 1950s; he dared to produce the film though it was considered indecent and banned in the US at that time. Not only does the plot inspire me, but also the fact that he made the film without expecting anyone to cherish him. As for Le Funambule, or The Tightrope Walker, I really relate to the story; being an artist is like walking on a tightrope every day. Every step is a risk. If you want your artistic career, you have to take risks. Some might quit when they fall down while others keep walking on and on.
How is this piece an evolution from Circus Electicus?
I’d say Circus Electicus at Bed Supperclub was my first try. At first, I picked only Le Funambule and the concept of taking risks, presented through the story of a dancer. I got a lot of positive feedback after the show, so I decided to develop the full story but focus more on the context of both pieces, which I couldn’t do in Circus because it’s dinner theater and still has to be entertaining.
What about the cast?
I cast all the performers exactly as they were described in the stories. Well, at least the concept of the characters: someone born to be an artist who can do it all very well, and someone who wants to be an artist but doesn’t dare to take the risk. I came up with five performers to represent each of the characters. They didn’t even have to play the characters, because they are so much like them. Like one performer: he used to be in the National Theater, so he’s someone who is born to be an artist.
What can we expect to see in the show?
It’s not that explicit; there are interpretations of the concepts I’ve mentioned; no exact story line or dialogue. 25% of the music will be tango and classical mixed with live sounds from the performers. Sometimes we don’t follow the script, but we get the message across.
You’ve done many shows in the past few years. What is the response from Thai audiences?
Thai audiences always have a block when it comes to this kind of show as they are always afraid that they won’t understand it. But not understanding is a good sign; it lets the mind figure things out. If one percent of the audience is Thai, I’d be happy. In Thailand, we have other entertainment choices that draw people away from art. Plus, our culture teaches us to follow others; it’s considered wrong if we create something new. I never get support from Thai organizations even when I did khon stuff.
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The lines between tie-ups with commercial brands like Bombay Sapphire and gallery work have most certainly blurred. What is your personal take on this?
Without independent shows and self initiated projects, there would be a lower chance of the artists getting picked up by a brand. Being picked up by a brand, however, is not necessarily a good thing unless both parties are happy in this relationship. Some artists measure their success by the brands they have worked with while some artists feel brands exploit them. This boils down to which brands you like and feel affinity towards. Sometimes they compliment each other, sometimes they don’t. It can’t be forced, so the trick is curating the right people with the right brands.
Do personal aesthetics bleed across the commercial work? Or do you have any kind of set boundaries?
For us, we encourage personal aesthetics to flow into the commercial work. That is exactly why we take time in sourcing, selecting and briefing the appropriate artists. The boundaries ensure that the brand identity is still existent.
How important is the Blue Room in conveying a sense of community and creativity to future designers?
To me, is a perfect example of a community, bringing such a diverse group of artists of varying skill sets and interests together in one place under one central theme, “Infused With Imagination”. From illustrators to motion graphic designers to jewellery designers, The Blue Room is a platform for everyone to showcase themselves on not only a local level, but a global one(we are in talks to bring over the exhibits to London). With such an open brief, the artists were given free reign in terms of producing their pieces and the outcome was the fruit of their creative labour. Hopefully, visitors of the exhibition, creatives and members of the public, enjoy these laborious fruits along with their gin and leave feeling inspired as well and go forth and infuse whatever they do with imagination.
Finally, how much of Bombay Sapphire was consumed during the artistic process?
To be honest, not a lot was consumed during the artistic process but totally different story once the works were completed. A gin a day keeps life at bay, or so I tell myself.
Love the juniper based cocktails, don’t forget to join us at our next I-S Xperience on Nov 15 at The Bombay Sapphire Blue Room, DBL O, 222 Queen St. Wanna score a coveted spot, send us an email to [email protected] and (1) tell us why you think you should go, and include (2) your name, (3) age (4)occupation and (5) mobile number.
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Originally from Hawaii, American comedian Paul Ogata, has been a regular stand up circuit, made numerous TV appearances and was crowned the winner of the prestigious TakeOut Comedy Competition in 2004.
THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON I LEARNT AS A CHILD Fasten your safety belt! I fell out of a moving car when I was 9.
NEVER BELIEVE SOMEONE WHO SAYS They can pull their arm out of their socket.
MY BEST CHAT UP LINE “I bet you can’t do this with your arm.” And then I pull it out of its socket.
WHAT ANNOYS ME People who don’t know the difference between than and then, your and you’re, or too and to. On the other hand, I keep mixing up Dylan McDermott and Dermot Mulroney.
WHEN I’M NOT MAKING JOKES, I’M Travelling the planet to get to the next place where I will once again make jokes. And if there’s time, I will eat some ice cream as well.
I THINK I AM FUNNY BECAUSE I’ve sent two people to the hospital and caused several chairs to be broken. Either I’m funny or I’m a minor earthquake.
WOULD LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED AS Better than the best sex you’ve ever had.
IN 10 YEARS TIME, I WOULD MOST LIKELY BE 9 years older. (At some point I’ll find a temporal vortex that transports me a year ahead in time. It’s pretty much the worst form of time travel, since you can’t place bets on previous sporting events to which you already know the outcome. Also your bills will have piled up. So I’ll be younger than you, but don’t envy me.)
Regular headliner and host at The TakeOut Comedy Club Hong Kong, Vivek Mahbubani also find’s time to run his own design firm when he’s not doing stand up..
THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON I LEARNT AS A CHILD Never, ever do an exam left-handed when you’re right-handed. The person marking won’t get the joke.
NEVER BELIEVE SOMEONE WHO SAYS “I have a joke you’ll love…”
MY BEST CHAT UP LINE Can I buy you a standard drink?
WHAT ANNOYS ME Waiting in line at the buffet and watching someone pick at food.
WHEN I’M NOT MAKING JOKES, I’M Web designing.
I THINK I AM FUNNY BECAUSE I get bored when life isn’t funny, but I’ve not been bored in a looonnggg time.
WOULD LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED AS The guy with the goatie (not the receding hairline).
IN 10 YEARS TIME, I WOULD MOST LIKELY BE Very, very bald but still very, very hairy.
Her acid tongue has earned Joanne Kam the nickname Diva Queen a reputation for being the most notoriously funny lady on the Malaysian comedy scene.
THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON I LEARNT AS A CHILD Never let your mother enter you in fancy dress contest with your cuter younger 3-year-old sister because she will always win.
NEVER BELIEVE SOMEONE WHO SAYS I know everything.
MY BEST CHAT UP LINE: Just google me.
WHAT ANNOYS ME People who whine about their life.
WHEN I’M NOT MAKING JOKES, I’M Scheduling the rest of my life.
I THINK I AM FUNNY BECAUSE I tell you things you want to hear but you’re too afraid to say it yourself.
WOULD LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED AS The Wonder Woman of comedy – I already have the costume.
IN 10 YEARS TIME, I WOULD MOST LIKELY BE Still working and making people laugh but hopefully with a small empire of my own.
Catch Kings & Queen of Comedy Asia 2 18th November and 19th November 2011, at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Tickets available at www.ticketpro.com.my or www.airasiaredtix.com.
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64, housewife and volunteer at the Chulalongkorn Sport Center
Are you a volunteer here?
I actually live in Don Muang and was helping at the volunteer center at the airport for ten days before the floods came to my house. Finally, I had to evacuate and my son brought me to his apartment in Bangkok. Now I have been helping here at Chula.
Has your house been affected by the floods?
I was living by myself so I wasn’t able to save or pack away most of my belongings. Many of the things are heavy and I can’t carry them by myself. Now that I know how high the water level has reached, I am sure everything in my house has been destroyed. I was unable to put my car in a safe location, so that is also gone. Everything is gone there.
Why did you decide to come and help even though your own house is under water?
I don’t have much to do in Bangkok and I don’t have much money to help others but I can give my strength. It makes me happy.
What do you think of the government’s handling of this disaster?
They did not inform the public properly. They seem prepared but had problems cooperating with each other. I also don’t know if I will receive any help once I return home.
32, storekeeper, now at Rajamangala Stadium
How has your area been affected by the floods?
I am from Ayutthaya, I was born there and have lived there all my life. At first the water arrived just like regular floods, then as the dam broke it got worse and worse. We realized it wasn’t like the usual floods anymore. When we left our house the water was chest high. After we left, I called my father and he told us that the water was over their heads.
Did you come here with other family members?
I came originally with six people, my children, husband and other family members. Now two have already gone back home. The military arranged for them to go back. But we were told we would have to pay B1,000 per person.
Will you received any compensation?
We were told that homeowners would receive B5,000 per person but as I am not the owner of my house I don’t think I will receive this. I have lived in that house all my life and all of my belongings are lost. I believe that they will not give me the money because they will say I am not the owner.
How do you find the conditions here?
I was originally at Thammasat [Rangsit Campus] and I liked it there better as it was closer to home. Also there were 3,000 people there which is fewer than the 4,000 here [Rajamangala Stadium]. What is good here is that there are enough supplies and we are well provided for. I have a baby and we receive a good amount of baby supplies.
36, factory worker now at Rajamangala Stadium
How did you end up here?
I’m from Ayutthaya. We heard about the floods coming but there was nothing we could see, so we went to sleep thinking it would arrive the next day. At midnight, we awoke to the water rushing into our house. We started packing and trying to salvage our things. Finally, we finished packing by 4am. Then me and my two children left but there was so much traffic that we had to take the army truck to Thammasat. We arrived at Thammasat on October 12, spent 10 days there and then seven days here [at Rajamangala Stadium]. It’s hard to believe that it has been more than two weeks already.
How is life here?
There are definitely enough supplies for everyone but the most difficult thing is equal distribution among the 4,000 people here. At first, we did not get any clothes so we had to use whatever we brought with us. They would give us washing powder and we washed our clothes in the bathrooms. But finally, I just received this bundle of clothes so I won’t be needing to wash so often.
Are you well informed about the flood situation?
I have heard that the Hua Mark area will also flood so they are offering us the chance to move to other provinces, but you have to go when they decide and only with the military. I also heard that 4,000 people are being moved around to different shelters in Korat and other places every day. Last I heard from my province, the water was about waist level and was receding slowly, also that some roads are beginning to clear. I want to to go home now but the military is charging B1,000 per person to arrange for you to get home and I do not have any money to pay.
Will you receive any aid?
They said that if your house is completely destroyed you will receive 75% insurance but no one is coming around to ask you how much you have lost or how much you need to rebuild. This month I will get paid even though I have missed many days of work, but next month my salary will be according to my work hours. But as my factory has been affected by the flood waters, I am not sure if I will be able to find work once I return home.
32, volunteer at the Rajamangala Stadium’s relief center
What brought you to this center?
I am from Ramkamhaeng and my area didn’t flood. I am one of the staff here. I feel good working here. After a long day I feel useful and like I am helping people. Sometimes I go home around midnight.
How is the general mood?
They are all very stressed and mainly looking forward to going home. There have been lots of doctors and psychologists coming around to check on them. There are even celebrities that have come to talk to the people; like Aum Patcharapa came the other day. Everyone really enjoyed that.
Are you getting enough supplies?
Although we have been receiving lots of supplies and donations, there is still a constant lack of basic items such as water, sanitary pads and bras for women, as well as towels and milk powder for children. I believe there have been some volunteers, evacuees and even outsiders that have been hoarding items, especially water.
What is your assessment of the relief efforts?
The biggest problem has been the executive decisions: there seems to be difficulty making decisions about how to deal with the flood waters. Also water management was poorly controlled.
Any advice for the evacuees?
Although these floods are terrible, from what happened, I see the kindness of people and their willingness to help. Every day I see ordinary people and children coming to help each other and volunteer. It is important to stay strong during this situation and trust in the goodness of the people to help you.
67, owner of a small food store, now at Rajamangala Stadium
How has your home been affected?
I am from Ayutthaya. I have lived there all my life. At first we knew that the water was coming so we began to set up tents and things to block the water. However, when the water began coming over the barriers we moved to a nearby temple. We stayed there two days and then even the temple began to flood and we were asked to move to a different section of the temple grounds. Finally that flooded as well, so we decided to go to a local Tesco. Of course, after a while, Tesco also began to flood and then we began to realize how bad this flood really was. After this, the military arrived and my family and I were all taken to Thammasat.
How were the facilities at Thammasat compared to Rajamangala Stadium?
At first, the facilities there were really good: we had more space as there were fewer people and plenty of food and water. But then the floods started to arrive there, the power went out and there was less food for everyone. After this, they began moving people to different centers and they gave us a choice as to where we wanted to be relocated. I am with my whole family so they sent us here because it has more space. I came here with eight people from my family. Here, the facilities are good, we have a lot of supplies and we have been receiving items such as food and clothing.
How do you feel about the current government’s role in dealing with the floods?
I don’t know if they acted as quickly as they should have. I doubt that we will ever receive enough compensation to rebuild our house and our livelihood.
What has been one the most difficult thing about this for you?
The hardest thing for me and everyone here has been the shock of seeing your house and all your possessions completely underwater. Seeing the water level going above my roof will be something I will never forget. I also want to go back home and rebuild my life and start working again, get back to my normal lifestyle. My greatest worries right now are getting the
funds for me to rebuild my home.
32, bank employee
How was your house flooded?
My mom, dad, aunt, grandma and I live together in Klong Sam, Pathumthani. At first we planned to stay in the house even though the flood was coming but when the water finally got here, it took only one day to fill our house and reach 50cm. Four of us decided to move out with my grandma who is 96 years old. We moved to our relative’s house in Don Muang but, unfortunately, that place got flooded seven days later. I had to move again to Klong Ha in Pathumthani. My dad later moved out from Klong Sam with one dog after the water reached 1.5 meters. Now they all live in Don Muang, 13 people in one house, while I live in an apartment in Thong Lor that my bank rents for me because I still have to go to work.
How is your family?
They are OK right now because they live on the second floor but it’s getting harder to find food. We got a little help from outside and we still can find some food in the street which is often B10 more expensive than usual. I worry that if the flood stays, they might not have anything to eat.
What do you think about this disaster?
I think it’s man-made. They miscalculated the amount of water in the dams and we got a weak government who failed to manage things. They don’t have real experts to manage this and all they do is panic people. All they say is, “You should evacuate.” But I don’t see any support for the evacuation plan. I also think we need more soldiers to help people. It’s not enough. Even the Flood Relief Operation Center (FROC) can’t cope. I went there to help pack stuff but some of the relief bags didn’t have the complete list of goods or were damaged.
Will you get compensation?
I don’t expect I will. I sent a claim but I haven’t gotten an answer yet. But to be honest, B5,000 won’t cover all the damage. It would be great if the government’s banks could give cheap loans to affected people.
26, advertising creative and volunteer for the Office of the Consumer Protection Board
How did water reach your house?
My family lives in Bang Bua Thong. Two weeks ago, I came back home to my parents and found that the road to my village was already flooded. I had to ask for some help from a car to even get home. People in my village were very fast to react: they shared the cost on sand bags and water pumps to keep the whole area dry. It did work at first, but water started to come through the walls from the back of our houses, and then up through the water pipes in our toilets and kitchen. I felt like everyone was playing a kind of plug-the-hole game to save their homes. Finally, the water found its way through tiny cracks in the tiled floor.
When did you decide to move out?
When the water started to sneak up through the tiles and cockroaches began to stream out from the pipes in the toilet. My parents believed we could still save the house, but me and my siblings argued with them. My dad just had heart surgery and it wasn’t worth the risk. We waited until water reached the first step of the stairs, cut the electricity off and told our parents we had to leave. It was too late to use a car so my dad asked for help from his friend who had a boat to pick us up. It was hard to resist the urge to take every single belonging with us, but we had to worry about more important things—life.
Where did you go?
We stayed at our cousin’s house. Now my parents are taking a vacation in Prachuapkirikan. I have nothing left to worry about, so my siblings and I are back at work. I’m staying over at my office.
You also volunteered.
I work for the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, so my office is actually one of the help distribution centers for flood victims at the moment. Donations come here and are distributed later to the flooded areas. My friends and I are also working on this Sunshine After Flood project to caution people on how fast and how bad the flood can affect them if they aren’t prepared enough. My family was so “chill chill” at first and now we’re the victims ourselves. It’s better to leave the house, securely locked and prepared, than to leave on a boat.
See Pagorn’s video and other flood projects at http://tinyurl.com/3oamnkp or www.facebook.com/sunshineafterflood
28, freelance writer
In which area is your house located and how many family members live with you?
I live in Pinklao with my sister, maid and my maid’s family in the same house. My mother also lives with us but is out of town for the time being.
How did the floods arrive at your house?
The flood started coming at night from out of the drainage pipes on the road. The water levels kept rising and falling at intervals of about ten minutes. The next morning the water levels had receded from the day before but then in the afternoon they had risen higher again. This was basically how the floods kept coming until we were calf-deep in water. It came into our garden and ground floor by going right through the sand bags we had set up. Finally that night we decided it would be a good time to evacuate. We wanted our housekeeper and her family to come with us but they felt more comfortable staying behind, so they remained at the house and also looked after our five dogs. I felt we were well stocked up on water, sand bags, dry goods and so on; enough for those staying behind. Friday morning, my sister and I got a ride to a dry road thanks to our neighbor who had a truck that could drive through the water. We spent the night at a friend’s house and then left to Chiang Mai the next day.
What is the state of your house now?
The toilets are working and the power is still running. Last I heard, the water around my area is waist level. I am worried about the risk of disease and electrocution for those who stayed behind.
What do you think of the way the government has been dealing with the floods?
The current floods have been around for a month already, not to mention that once a year some province in the country experiences a flood. The Thai government should understand the importance of flood preparation and management. It’s crazy that people have just been focusing on the most recent weeks of the flood just because it’s finally starting to enter Bangkok and affect the city-dwellers. I believe that the government should stop worrying about day-to-day events and consider what is needed throughout the country to help the flood victims and prevent this disaster from happening again.
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How did you get your start as a bassist?
It was in 1993, I was 13 years old and my brother formed a band with a couple of his friends. I used to play the guitar but because everyone took all the cooler instruments, I became bassist by default.
As a bassist, which two albums are your biggest musical influences?
Without a doubt, they have to be Pixies’ Doolittle and Rage Against the Machine’s self-titled debut.
What are some of your more memorable experiences touring?
Being mobbed by the paparazzi in Prague was pretty funny but on a more serious note, I have always enjoyed playing in Australia because we always play massive, sold out gigs there.
Which song do you refuse to play in a gig?
It has to be “Broken Hearts Parade.”
Any surprises in store for your fans in Singapore?
No idea at all but they can expect older tracks and B-sides. We are much more seasoned but will still maintain our high energy performances. Everyone would be sweating and jumping during the show.
So what happens after a Good Charlotte gig?
Probably getting drunk and violently playing dodgeball.
Good Charlotte plays their hits from Cardiology and more on November 18 at The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel.
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Contentment is all about... living a life of passion without fear or doubt, embracing life notwithstanding its frailty, hope and love.
One little ritual before I perform is... to repeat the word “Ohm” a few times to calm my breath and mind.
Performing is cathartic because... I get to be myself.
Biggest myth about local jazz... is that it is non-existent.
I would love to collaborate with... a consummate composer, poet and performer who does not rely on fancy costumes and gimmicks.
The perfect gig involves... music that is pure and heartfelt.
Catch Rani Singam on November 16 & 17 at Esplanade Recital Studio.
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In three words I am… flashy but classy.
I am frightened of… mustard.
The last time I looked in the mirror… I said, “Wow, you look like you partied really hard last night. Time to go get some breakfast.”
My definition of love is… it makes the world go round as the see-saws go up and down.
The greatest lessons that l have learned so far… money is still in print, but records are hard to find.
Soul is… something that can’t be taught or bought.
Catch Mayer Hawthorne at Friday Fellowship on November 11 at The White Rabbit. For reservations, e-mail [email protected].
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Fear is something that is unavoidable. My personal philosophy is to cope with and even embrace it so that it doesn’t become a stumbling block.
Fatherhood is a humbling process. It is really tiring but extremely rewarding. And it’s something that you have to experience in order to understand the truth behind it.
My wife gave me a classic Volkswagen Beetle as a wedding gift, and I intend to bequeath it to our kids. Keeping old cars is certainly more sustainable than building new ones.
I spent my childhood with my grandparents in Kallang Bahru and hung out with the neighborhood kids playing at void decks and catching fish at the nearby monsoon drain. I don’t think my kids will ever experience that.
The smell and taste of freshly baked bread always comforts me. I guess my mum is responsible because she had bread cravings when she was carrying me.
Architecture is more than buildings—you also have to learn how to deal with aspects of law, social responsibility and managing human relationships.
Architects don’t design icons. It’s the people who decide what becomes one.
My post-graduate years in Bartlett were an eye-opening experience. I still recall my first project: It was about building a residential project for a new ethnic group in Liverpool.
It was a huge surprise when my course-mate presented the project. She brought a roast duck to class and even produced a recording of her preparing the dish. Through that documentation, I learned that the ritual of food in an ethnic community is something that is actually important when designing a residential location.
In my fourth year in Bartlett, I conceived The Nomadic Alien, a project where every facet of my life was intensively studied, even the microscopic particles of the rice I ate were scrutinized in a lab.
It’s a cliché but I always tell my students to travel because staying here will not sharpen your critical mindset as a designer.
Good design goes beyond style. It has to inspire and touch hearts.
I hate to take medicine because I have always believed that it’s best when my body heals naturally.
Long queues, traffic jams and rude drivers are some of my biggest peeves.
My mantra in life: Seek the truth, and beauty will inspire.
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I like to joke that my tattoo [on his wrist] says “D” for Divorce. So that when I meet a girl, I can put my arm around her, glimpse my tattoo and go like, “OK, gotta go!”
I love great voices. And great voices are attracted to me.
You’re a beast [to Ashanti].
I wouldn’t know what to do if someone like Britney Spears came up to me because, well, I love her music but I don’t understand it.
I plan to come to Asia every year until I can’t walk.
I’m getting married on the 11th of November, 2011—to Ashanti.
If I find someone great, they would never be able to get rid of me.
I know there’s a lot of controversy going on over Charice’s relationship with her father, but anybody who loses their parents, whether or not they get along with them, will be devastated. They’re still your parents.
Some of the most pivotal moments in my career were The Bodyguard, Unforgettable, Celine Dion and Chicago.
I'm a genius.
David Foster will perform tonight alongside Ashanti, Philip Bailey and Michael Bolton at the Hitman: David Foster & Friends concert.
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One obscure band that deserves more love is... Brooklyn-based band The Antlers.
Two secrets to crafting a sublime mixtape... Place an empty audio cassette tape in the stereo system, record the songs from our playlist, and make sure you use the B-side as well.
One image that pops into your heads every time someone comes to your party... our grandmas playing guitar hero in the living room.
The most unusual track that you would like to throw in the mix is... Sigur Ros’ “Ágætis Byrjun.” It’s like looking at an abstract painting by Jackson Pollock and not having the slightest clue what it means, but somehow it intrigues you.
Music geekery and indie labels are dangerous because... they inspire us to want to dance like Thom Yorke in the “Lotus Flower” music video.
Biggest myth about being indie... is that you need to look a certain way to be part of a subculture.
Curious? Check out their indie choons and a live set from local poptronica artist The Analog Girl on Nov 5, 9pm at Kinki. Log on to www.facebook.com/MixtapeC for more details.
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