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Republic Polytechnic ’s Community Arts Festival

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About Reflections

Reflections - RP's Community Arts Festival is a month-long festival of music, dance, theatre

and visual arts, variety shows, exhibitions or seminars, where local talents are provided with

the environment to encourage the creative expressions of various art forms.

Over the years, Reflections has seen collaborations with the T‟ang Quartet, Jeremy Monteiro,

Hossan Leong, Budak Pantai, Teater Artistik, Singapore Police Force Band, Don Richmond,

and many more. One big achievement is collaboration with The Main Wayang Company to

put up Malam Newstalgia, where our own Republic Polytechnic students had a chance to

witness and be involved in the making of a musical and some of the dancers were part of the

crew as well.

More than 50% of Reflections‟ programming and production of the festival has been helmed

by our own students, coming from all the schools and centres. Last year, we had 680

students involved in the production & marketing teams and performers, who have effortlessly

contributed to this festival. The festival has also attracted a crowd of more than 6,000 festival

goers over the 25 events.

This year, Reflections 2012 reaches its 6th year running. The theme for the festival this year

is CelebrAsians, celebrating youth and also celebrating our roots. It coincides with Republic

Polytechnic‟s 10th anniversary and Makanplace will be the headliner for the festival this year,

bidding „Dreams and Aspirations‟ as the theme, bringing new meaning to the musical and

the festival as a whole. Makanplace would be a remake of the original musical staged in

1988 by ACT 3 Theatrics. We are delighted to have Mr Jeffrey Tan, who is a veteran in the

arts industry to take on the role as Director for the musical and the original

director/playwright, Mr R. Chandran, Ms Saedah Samat-Alkaff, Sebastian Chun and many

more as part of the Creative Team for the musical.

In conjunction with Makanplace, other programmes such as Muse V; the annual dance

extravaganza, the Grand Magic Show, and more in the pipeline will also be part of

Reflections 2012 events.

Happening from 25 October to 9 November this year, Reflections 2012 is sure to intrigue the

senses of every arts lover!

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Past Collaborators for Reflections include:

2011

The Main Wayang Company – Malam Newstalgia

Singapore Police Force Band – Symphonie De Republique IV

Teater Artistik – Jelanak Jeluwek

Budak Pantai – The Concert That Puts Hair on Your Chair (Women are welcome)

Don Richmond – Reflections Closing Bash!

Thunder Rock School – Reflections Closing Bash!

2010

Jeremy Monteiro Trio – Just Jazz featuring Jeremy Monteiro and Friends

NTU String Ensemble – Sunday Sweet Melodies featuring Selina Tang Kam and Yin

Singapore Police Force Band – Police and Friends

Shruti Laya Dance School, Mudrika Foundation Bengaluru, RP Dance groups & NUS Dance

Ensemble – Moksha Mudra

Brian Gothong Tan – Mini Films

2009

Supported by The Embassy of France – The Tango Project

Kalari-Payat Silamam Centre – Kalari-Payat Silamam Display and Cultural Show 2009

Rick Smith, Norman Seck, Colin Yong, Rizal Sanip and Mandy Gaines – Jazz, Blues & Funk!

ZingO Drum Festival Group, One HeartBeat, SIA-MINDS EDC (Taiko Drums) & RP‟s Beats

Encore – World Drum Night

Papermonkey Theatre Ltd – Hug the Tree

Musical Theater Limited – Polyphony – A Festival Nite of Mini Musicals and Story Songs

2008

Hossan Leong – Hossan LIVE!

Tang Quartet – Colours

The Main Wayang Company – Siapa Baba?

Word Forward Ltd – The National Youth Poetry Slam League Championship 2008

Rafi Dean – 100 Technicolour Bottles

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Denon DJ – Denon DJ Workshop

Benjamin Ho – Puppetry A & B

Bryan van der Beek – Introduction to Photojournalism

Technical Theatre Association of Singapore (TTAS) – Technical Theatre Workshop

Taufik Batisah, Freaky Z & Pravin Saivi – Reflections Closing Bash!

2007

The Funny Bones – The Magic of Shakespeare

Argentine Indigenous Orchestra – Argentine Indigenous Orchestra in Concert

Victor Khor – The Concert Pianist: Victor Khor Performs Radiohead and New Euro-Asia

Piano Solos

The Fun Stage – RE{BORN}

Sri Lasya Arts Natyadarshan – A Kaleidoscope of Indian Arts

Divine Aura – Hip Hop Fellowship – Rockin‟ the City

Puppet2 – A Shadow Puppetry Workshop

Tang Quartet – Global Heritage

Verena Tay – Dark Things: Dramatised Readings of Stories Not for the Faint Hearted

Ballet Eastern Dance – Rise and Shine

Young & W!LD, a division of W!LD RICE – Mad Forest

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About TRCC – Bridging Communities through the Arts

OUR VISION

To be the cultural hub in the North.

OUR MISSION

To bridge communities through the arts.

The Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC) is an integral part of Republic Polytechnic. As the

cultural landmark of the North, TRCC presents a myriad of programs to our diverse

audience. TRCC is the focal point for the artistic development of our students, and also a

cultural space that facilitates the integration of the community through the common

appreciation of the arts.

Bridging Communities through the Arts

The Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC) is an integral part of Republic Polytechnic‟s mission of

nurturing the multiple facets and talents of our students. TRCC is the focal point for the

artistic and cultural development of our students, and also a cultural space that facilitates the

integration of the community through a common appreciation of the arts.

TRCC‟s venues provide aspiring artistes platforms to realize their passion, and to share that

with a wider audience. With its weekly arts series “Arts Platter” and the annual Reflections -

Community Arts Festival, TRCC hopes to raise cultural awareness and appreciation for our

colorful heritage. In so doing, TRCC seeks to be the venue of choice for entertainment,

exploration and enrichment of the arts.

Designed by Maki & Associates (Japan), TRCC exudes an elegant simplicity and balance of

aesthetics and functionality that reflects our approach to nurturing an appreciation for the

arts and culture. Under its fan-shaped roof, TRCC has three main performing arts venues: a)

1,000-seat Theatre, b) 300-seat Studio and, c) 120-seat Lab. In addition to these performing

spaces, TRCC also has a complement of rooms and studios for practice, rehearsal and

recordings that support curriculum, student development, which are also open to the public.

TRCC is a home to 24 student arts groups. These groups have a safe haven to explore and

evolve their art forms. Having them under the same roof promotes interaction, collaborations

and synergy. This healthy atmosphere help the groups grow artistically as well as broadens

their appreciation for what other groups are doing.

Both professional and amateur arts groups from the community often leverage on TRCC‟s

creative and professional staff and its facilities for practice and performances. Through our

Artistes-in-residence scheme, groups like Singapore‟s top Gamelan group, Gamelan

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Asmaradana, and Zingo Festival Drums are based in TRCC and work closely with RP‟s

student groups to mentor and develop their craft.

TRCC is thus more than just a superb array of arts venues but also a driving force that

strives to provide a viable platform for students, staff and community partners, to realize their

passion for the arts and the cultural vibrancy that defines us as a nation.

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Awards & Achievements

2005 - 2007

Consolation Prize in Dhool 2005, Mega Dance Competition organised by MES Group of Companies & Megastar Productions

2nd Place, Style Methodz in DA SHO CASE II Street Dance 2006 organised by Woodlands Community Club

In appreciation to Republic Polytechnic support and contribution to 4PM Hip Hop Fiesta 2007 cum Launching of P2R/YIA + Blogspot

2008

1st Runner Up in Groove Dance School‟s Closed Dance Competition 2008, So You Think You Can Groove?

Certificate of Appreciation to Republic Polytechnic for participation in Marsiling National Day Observance Ceremony cum Community and Racial Harmony Day 2008

HI-ENERGY Award Category III Preliminary in conjunction with Dance Works ‟08 organised by Energizer

Certificate of Appreciation presented to Republic Polytechnic for commendable support given to Singapore River Hong Bao 2008

Certificate of Appreciation to The Capoeira Group of TRCC for participation in Arts at Woodlands in conjunction with Riverside Secondary School Dance Fest 2008

2009

Certificate of Appreciation – Presented to Republic Polytechnic In recognition of your generous sponsorship for Diwali Galatta 2009 by ACE The Place Community Centre, Indian Activity Executive Committee

In appreciation to Republic Polytechnic (Modern Dance) for INSPIRE ‟09 “GIFTS FROM THE HEART” a charity gala concert organised by The Straits Times The School Pocket Money Fund

Community Service-Learning Awards AY08/09 presented to The Republic Cultural Centre for Outstanding Contribution, Dedication and Support to Service-Learning in conjunction with IGNITE! Music Festival 2009

Certificate of Participation in Pesta Raya 2009, Malay Festival of Arts at Esplanade Concourse, produced by Era Dance Theatre Ltd and organized by Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, Singapore

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2010

Participation in the Samsung Human Torch 2010, presented by Mr. Gregory Lee, CEO, Samsung Asia Pte Ltd

Collaborative Schools Enterprising Cluster – With appreciation and thanks to Republic Polytechnic (TRCC) for your sponsorship of 3rd N7 Cluster Instrumental Competition 2010

3rd Place, Dikir Barat Piala Suara Serumpun 3 competition, Inter Polytechnic 2010

Gold with Honour to Republic Polytechnic for participating in Arangam 10, an Inter-Tertiary Tamil Drama Competition 2010 organised by Ravindran Drama Group

Best Improv Award – Arangam 2010, an Inter-tertiary Tamil Drama Competition organised by Ravindran Drama Group

Certificate of Appreciation to Republic Polytechnic for participation at Utsav Street Parade in conjunction with Deepavali 2010 Celebrations

2011

Collaborative Schools Enterprising Cluster – Presented to Republic Polytechnic In Appreciation of Your Partnership in 4th N7 Cluster Instrumental Competition 2011, Viva La Musica organised by Fuchun Primary School

Champion in National A Cappella Championships 2011, College Category

Dance Works! 2011 – Artistic Merit Award In conjunction with the Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign 2011 organised by Central Narcotics Bureau

Anugerah Guru Arif Budiman 2011 – With appreciation to Republic Polytechnic organised by KGMS (Kesatuan Guru-guru Melayu Singapura)

2012

Consolation Prize in RPresenting to Da Fullest 5, Hip Hop Dance Competition 2012 in conjunction with Momentum 2012, Republic Polytechnic‟s Dance Festival

Plaque presentation to Republic Polytechnic Magic IG in appreciation for the outstanding contribution towards stage performance during RAINBOW NEW YEAR 2012 organised by Woodlands CC MAEC and supported by The Galaxy CC MAEC

1st Runner-up in Fiestari 2012 organised by Cheng San CC Malay Activity Executive Committee (MAEC)

Plaque presentation to Republic Polytechnic Tarian (MCG) in appreciation for the outstanding contribution towards stage performance during Rainbow New Year 2012 organised by Woodlands CC IAEC

Others

In appreciation to Republic Polytechnic for participation in the Sembawang Symphonic Winds‟ Annual community concert organised by Sembawang Symphony Orchestra

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In appreciation to Republic Polytechnic (Hip Hop Dance Group) for participation in Arts @ Chong Pang jointly organised by Chong Pang Indian Activity Executive Committee, Chong Pang CCMC & North West CCMC

Past Events

2007 July Culture Check Point: Lollipop – Jammerz in Concert

Culture Check Point: Lollipop – Pop Piano Workshop by Play By Ear Music School Culture Check Point: Lollipop – ARC Finalists in Concert Culture Check Point: Lollipop – Concert by Republic Rhapsody

August 3 Women by Verena Tay September First Movements: Orchestra @ Woodlands by Prague Sinfonia - An

Arts outreach project Arts Platter: Boston Brass in Concert

Culture Check Point: Classical Swings – String & Piano Ensemble and Republic Polytechnic Wind Symphony

October The Republic Cultural Centre and The Fun Stage present

death.mother November Reflections (RP Community Arts Festival)

Republic Polytechnic and Sonic Asia present Argentine Indigenous Orchestra in Concert

December Reflections presents Beats Encore – You Got Beats Reflections presents The Veena Reflections presents Rockin’ the City 2008 February Singapore River Ang Bao @ The Esplanade by Wu Shu, Social Dance,

Magic, Hip Hop, Chinese Orchestra IGs April Arts Platter presents: Merah band Arts Platter presents: Samsung iPOP School Tour featuring John

Klass May Momentum 2008 – Republic Polytechnic‟s 1st Dance Festival

Arts Platter presents: Arts Kaleidoscope featuring MCG, ICG, Hip Hop and Social Dance

Arts Platter presents: Salad Days Arts Platter presents: ADHOC by RP staff and student band group Arts Platter presents: Fusion Encore by Beats, Capoeria, ICG, MCG,

Social Dance, Hip Hop, Modern Dance IGs July IGNITE! Music Festival 2008 featuring Plain Sunset, Electrico, Jack &

Rai, Allura, Caracal, March Twelve, Flybar and Ngak & Clement November Reflections 2008 – Republic Polytechnic‟s Community Arts Festival

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December Uniquely Singapore – Singapore International String Conference 2008

2009

January Chingay 2009

March STB Education Award Ceremony

May Momentum 2009 – RP‟s Annual Dance Festival

July IGNITE! Music Festival 2009 featuring The Great Spy Experiment, A Vacant Affair, Fatskunks, Kate of Kale, 53A, Vertical Rush, The November Iris, Trella, King Kong Jane, Here Goes Nothing, Qovein

Oct – Nov Reflections 2009 – RP‟s Community Arts Festival

2010

May Momentum 2010 – RP‟s Annual Dance Festival

July IGNITE! Music Festival 2010

Oct – Nov Reflections 2010 – RP‟s Community Arts Festival

2011

April Arts Platter presents: RP Staff Show 2011

May Momentum 2011 – RP‟s Annual Dance Festival

July IGNITE! Music Festival 2011 featuring Typewriter, Giants Must Fall,

Barricade, Sixx, Inch Chua & the Metrics System, Fatskunks, Caracal,

The Sets Band, West Grand Boulevard, Plain Sunset and Tacit Aria

Arts Platter presents: Gemini featuring Beats Encore, Modern Dance,

Hip Hop, Salsa, Malay Dance and Replug

October Arts Platter presents: Battery Dance Company

November Reflections 2011 – RP Community Arts Festival

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2012

May Momentum 2012 – RP‟s Annual Dance Festival

June Music workshop by Trinity Rock and Pop London in conjunction with

IGNITE! Music Festival 2012

July IGNITE! Music Festival 2012 featuring Cashew Chemist, Natalie‟s

Plight, The Sallys, Youthwreck, Catalogue V, Tiramisu, Jammerz

Arena from RP, Replug from RP, Bear Culture, COTB, The

Professionals, The Pinholes, 53A, Cesspit, The Great Spy Experiment

How to Suck at Photography – Photography workshop in conjunction

with IGNITE! Music Festival 2012

Event/Gig Photography 101 – Photography workshop in conjunction

with IGNITE! Music Festival 2012

October Reflections 2012 – RP‟s Community Arts Festival

Makanplace, a Singapore musical

November Muse V – Showcase of RP Dance IGs featuring Hip Hop, Salsa, Latin,

Modern Dance, Indian dance and Tarian

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Photos from The Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC) Past Events

Momentum – RP’s Annual Dance Festival

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IGNITE! 2011 and 2012

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Reflections 2011 – RP’s Community Arts Festival

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REFLECTIONS 2012,

REPUBLIC POLYTECHNIC’S COMMUNITY ARTS FESTIVAL

presents

Makanplace a Singapore musical

27, 28, 30 October 2012 8pm

THE REPUBLIC CULTURAL CENTRE THEATRE

ORGANISED BY:

FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Makanplace, a Singapore musical - created and written by ACT 3 and restaged and

produced by Republic Polytechnic, The Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC)

Makanplace a Singapore musical is our nation‟s first original musical. The staging

premiered at the Victoria Theatre in March 1988.

To quote Mister S. Dhanabalan, the then Minister for

National Development, who attended the performance:

“(The story‟s) theme is simple and it carries an equally

simple, but relevant message – that dreams can be

realised if one continues to strive.

It also captures the Singapore story – people from

different races working together in harmony.”

The musical has since been restaged, developed for

television, toured secondary schools as an assembly

performance, published as a book and recently even

made a trip to Jakarta for the celebration of Singapore

Community Day. This version produced to celebrate the

10th anniversary of Republic polytechnic, sees students,

staff of Republic Polytechnic and the community come

together to restage this Singapore classic, which reflects

how relevant this musical is even to the generation today,

24 years after its original staging. We all continue to

dream and together as a community we aim to achieve

those dreams despite the many challenges life throws us.

The musical is set in a Hawkers Centre, which is not only a melting pot for a whole range of

Singaporean food but also for a cross-section of the country‟s diverse population.

Makanplace is a place where Singaporeans and foreigners go to celebrate as well as

reflect.

The main characters are RAHIM the teh tarik man, AH LENG the fish ball noodles auntie,

her preteen son Siew, PACIK the mee rebus seller, his teenage son ZIL, KUNG the loan

shark, and AH TEE the chicken rice seller.

Then there are those who come & go – students, office workers, joggers, senior citizens….

The hawkers co-exist in a spirit of camaraderie, keeping a look-out for one another, uplifting

sagging spirits.

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ZIL harbours big dreams of wanting to be a renowned entertainer but lacks the motivation to

turn that dream to reality. Siew, on the other hand, is more interested in is tuition teacher

than his tuition lessons.

As the scenes unfold, we see how the hawkers band together to inspire ZIL and Siew, not

only to take positive steps in realizing their ambitions, but at the same time to sort out stormy

relationships, financial hardships and a whole array of challenges.

As much as it is important to realize dreams, it is crucial we continue to nurture our

relationships with people close to us.

Makanplace, a Singapore musical runs for about 90 minutes, inclusive of a 15-minute

interval.

Act One, spanning 45 minutes, sets up the storyline and the characters.

The 30-minute Act Two contains the resolution of the various dilemmas. In the spirit of

musicals the world over it is, all’s well that ends well.

RC/22012012.

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Foreword

This year we celebrate Republic Polytechnic‟s (RP) 10th anniversary. We wanted to

celebrate with a musical. Being true to our principles of supporting the local arts scene, we

decided to restage a local production; we wanted to do something significant. So we decided

to work on Makanplace, what better way to celebrate and pay tribute, then to reproduce

Singapore‟s very first English musical.

It is our hope that Makanplace the musical will achieve 3 things:

1. Give audiences an opportunity to remember through this musical the struggles and

fortitude of people who helped each other in times of trouble and to celebrate the

determination of the young to pursue their dreams.

2. Provide a platform for students, staff, professionals and the audience to experience

the magic of community theatre where everybody, regardless of the role they play,

makes an important contribution to the entire musical experience.

3. We hope from this magical experience to reinforce the values of family, friendship,

community.

On behalf of my team, I would also like to thank the management of RP for having faith in

the team to produce this musical and ACT 3 theatrics for creating such a wonderful piece of

our history and for allowing us to reproduce it, always being there to guide and refine a

musical of the 80s to still be relevant to our current times.

To all our sponsors, our gratitude for your support, this went a long way in making this

musical a reality.

No musical would be possible, if not for the sheer creativity, determination and commitment

of all the cast, crew and all the trainers. To them we acknowledge our sincerest respect and

admiration.

Finally what is a musical, without an audience? So to all of you who have taken to support

this community cast and crew of vibrant talent and immense heart, a very big thank you. We

are sure that you will be transported back in time and yet reconnect with the things you

treasure most, your family and your dreams. So sit back and enjoy the magic of Makanplace

the musical!

Yours Sincerely,

Ganesh Kalyanam Executive Producer The Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC) Republic Polytechnic (RP)

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FAST FACT ON MAKANPLACE, A SINGAPORE MUSICAL Title of Production : Makanplace, a Singapore musical

Based on the play by : ACT 3 Theatrics

Music & Lyrics by : Saedah Samat

Staged by : The Republic Cultural Centre, Republic Polytechnic

Director : Jeffrey Tan

Chief Choreographer : Zaini Tahir

Executive Producer : Ganesh Kalyanam

Producer/ : Yap Pei Ying Production Manager Production Consultant : Jasmin Samat Simon Script Consultant : R. Chandran /Playwright Music Consultant : Saedah Samat /Composer Music Director : Varian Lim

Choral Director : Irene Jansen /Vocal Coach

Technical/Lighting Director : Tony Kam

Production Designers : Sebastian Chun and Fared Jainal

Marketed & Publicised by : Hira Osman & Wong Li Wern

Starring : Nicholas as Siew (Cast A) Jan Moses as Siew (Cast B) Sharon Tan as Leng Hafidz as Rahim Thng Poh Huat as Hassan Keenan Tan as Ah Tee David Ray Quake as Kung Lim Teck Kiang as Zil Erma Dazlin Jani as Judy (Cast A) Liya Alisyah Alias as Judy (Cast B) Liya Alisyah Alias as Dezel (Cast A) Erma Dazlin Jani as Dezel (Cast B) Zailina Zainal Abidin as Yin Mei Afiqah as Kung‟s sidekicks Nur Farhana Rosli as Kung‟s sidekicks

Main Casts

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Divitra Sukumaran as Kung‟s sidekicks Geneva as Yin Mei Renukathevi D/O Mohan as Kate Vikkash Suruchand as Kim Lee Yao Hui as Tourist Muhd Zul Hilmi as Football Fan (Karim) Ernest Seah as Football Fan (Ah Teng) Lee Xin Rui as Convent girl (Mitch) Cherryl as Convent girl (Steph) Faith Ng as Convent girl (Amy) Divitra Sukumaran as Convent girl Maisarah Mustafa as Convent girl Nadia Ismail as Convent girl Nur Farhana Rosli as Convent girl Danny as School boy (Mel) Lee Yao Hui as School boy (Jeff) Atika as Malay Kueh Hawker Pei Ling Victoria Siew as Desserts Hawker Afiqah as Zil‟s Makcik Ernest Seah as Taxi Driver (Mr Teo) Ng Bon Han, Samuel as Taxi Driver (Mr Lee) Renukathevi D/O Mohan as Elderly Lady Jeremy Zane Hon as Patrick Saravanan Siva S/O Selladurai as Rahman Date : 27, 28, 30 and *31 October 2012

*31 October 2012 is only for Partner’s Night, by invitation only.

Time : 8pm No. of performances : 4 Venue : The Republic Cultural Centre Theatre

(Republic Polytechnic 9, Woodlands Ave 9, Singapore 738964)

For bookings and enquiries, please call or e-mail: Ms Hira Osman at (65) 3100 0831,

hira_osman@rp.edu.sg or Ms Li Wern at (65) 3100 1627,

wong_li_wern@rp.edu.sg * Terms and Conditions apply Public Sale : 31 August 2012 Ticket Prices : $15 (for performances from 27, 28 and 30

October 2012 only) Tickets are available through : www.gatecrash.com.sg (TBA)

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Main Casts

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www.rp.edu.sg/reflections Other information : Latecomers will only be admitted during

intermission/suitable breaks if any. No admission for infants in arms and children

below six years old. Tickets are required for all patrons.

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Creative Team of Makanplace, a Singapore musical

Ganesh Kalyanam Executive Producer Ganesh is currently the Director of the Office of Student and Graduate Affairs (OSG) and

The Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC) at Republic Polytechnic. Besides being a Fulbright

and Shell-NAC scholar, Ganesh is also an award-winning Executive Producer for both

Television and Theatre, having been in the industry for over 3 decades. However deep

down, he is an educator, he enjoys the opportunity community theatre gives all its

participants, cast and crew, an insight to the workings of theatre as well as a chance to be

transported by the magic to realms outside of their present yet connect them powerfully to

what they aspire. As the Executive Producer, he works with his team to bring together the

artistic, technical and administrative parts of a musical production together just like a

maestro brings together the different parts of an orchestra together to bring forth beautiful

music, in this case magical theatre!

Jeffrey Tan Director An experienced theatre director and educator, Jeffrey has held several creative positions as

Resident Director with The Theatre Practice, Drama Lecturer and Acting Head of Drama with

LASALLE-SIA, Associate Artistic Director with TheatreWorks (S) Ltd and Founding President

of Singapore Drama Educators Association (SDEA). Jeffrey has conceptualized, produced,

directed and taught education and outreach productions and programmes for schools,

private and public organizations. Currently, Jeffrey is the Assistant Director (Arts and

Community) at the National Arts Council (NAC).

He is delighted to be directing Makanplace for Republic Polytechnic‟s 10th Anniversary

because he was in the original musical in 1988. From a schoolboy and Japanese tourist to

the Director bringing different RP students, staff and alumni together on stage, this is one

community theatre you don‟t want to miss!

Zaini Tahir Chief Choreographer As the Founder, Mr Zaini Tahir, Resident Choreographer and Artistic Director of NUS Dance Ensemble since 1992, he has led the company of over 120 dancers to garner acclaim and establish itself as a contemporary dance company. Currently the Associate Artistic Director of The Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC) at the Republic Polytechnic where he oversees the creative development of 24 performing arts groups. In the New Prague Dance Festival held in July 2009, he received two accolades – Best Choreographer Award and a Special Award by the Festival Director for „Samsara‟, his piece with the NUS Dance Ensemble. In August 2010, he was awarded the National Day Commendation Medal at the National Day Awards.

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Tony Kam Producer, Lighting Director Tony is currently Resident Lighting Director and Assistant Director (Technical Operations) at The Republic Cultural Centre in Republic Polytechnic, working on TRCC productions including Momentum, IGNITE and Relections. He is also President of the Technical Theatre Association of Singapore and was Director of the Singapore Armed Forces Music and Drama Company (MDC). His many achievements include being the Resident Lighting Designer for The Midwest Rock Opera Company. Productions include: Jesus Christ Superstar, Pink Floyd‟s THE WALL and Purple Rain. R. Chandran Script Consultant/Playwright Founder-Director of ACT 3 Theatrics, Singapore‟s first professional theatre company. Since

1984, Chandran has been a professional actor, director and writer who has penned more

than 150 full-length and short plays (among them – Makanplace, a Singapore Musical),

numerous newspaper columns and three books.

Irene Jansen Choral Director/Vocal Coach Irene Jansen, a singer for many years is working with schools with Musical Direction for full-length musical with different genre. She works with kids and adults on vocal technique and confident building in singing. She has trained many non-singers to develop their potential and today, many of them have the ability to carry a song. In her years of experience, music breathes life to her and it brings so much joy to her life. She believes that there is a song in every heart and one just need a little confident to develop the singing gift. She recently directed her first debut musical; High School Musical for De La Salle Primary School and her first national musical with the T-Net Club with the People‟s Association. Saedah Samat Composer/Music Consultant Saedah Samat-Alkaff composed the songs for ACT 3‟s Makanplace, Singapore‟s first musical in 1988. Multi-talented as a music teacher, performer, arranger, composer and music director in local musical productions, she has also made her mark in projects like the finale song for National Day 1997, composing scores for documentaries and short films and most recently composing two new songs for RP‟s Makanplace 2012! Varian Lim Music Director Mr Varian Lim was one of the country‟s youngest to have been invited to become a music mentor for the National Arts Council‟s Noise Festival to nurture young art, design, photography & music hopefuls. He was also given the privilege to music direct for Taiwanese stars Sam Lee Sheng Jie, Z-Chen Zhang and Tang Yu Zhe, acquiring concert music directorship experience on an

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international platform, and playing at the coveted 15,000-seater Cotai Arena at the Venetian, a beautiful venue graced by S.H.E., Rain, David Tao, A*Mei, Fall Out Boy, Linkin Park, Lady Gaga and many others. Sebastian Chun Production Designer In 1988, Sebastian Chun won the Singapore Young Designers‟ Award for Dance Costume Design. To date, he has designed more than 100 theatre productions locally and overseas, received 7 nominations for Life! Theatre Awards - Best Set Design, and won twice for Down the Road (Luna-id Theatre) in 2002 and Physicists (Luna-id Theatre) in 2005. As the Head of Design Services for Asian Civilisations Museum from 2002 to 2007, he broke new grounds for exhibition design, winning the MICA Best Exhibition Team Award 2005 and President‟s Design Award 2006 – Design of The Year.

Mohd Fared Jainal Production Designer A recipient of the Goh Chok Tong Youth Promise Award, Fared has collaborated extensively

with various theatre and art groups as a director, performer, visual artist and set designer.

The Gingerbread Man (Singapore Repertory Theatre), collaboration with LASALLE College

of the Arts, earned him Best Set Design for 2007 Life! Theatre Awards. He performed and

designed the set for the play Temple, by Cake Theatrical Productions, which was co-

commissioned by Singapore Arts Festival 2008 and Napoli Theatro Festival 2008 in Naples,

Italy.

His work The Comedy of the Tragic Goats by Cake Theatre won him Best Director for 2009

Life! Theatre Awards, and Cuckoo Birds, collaboration between Cake Theatre and Fine Arts

Centre, Malaysia, won him Best Set Design for 8th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards 2009.

2012 sees Fared reuniting back with his long time collaborators in several projects.