Here's What's Happening This Weekend

Singapore Improv Festival

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Get ready for a whole new form of stand-up; from 3 to 5 June, Singapore’s first-ever Improvised Theatre Festival will showcase the best of the island’s alternative comedians, in a battle of mental acrobatics and natural wit. Spring for a comprehensive Festival Pass, or purchase regular day passes, to check out the 15 homegrown teams of professionals set to impress with their on-the-spot dialogues, stories, and characters – with a little spontaneous participation from the audience, of course. The festival opens with the Singapore National Improv Championships – where improve teams battle for glory in an epic show open to the public. Across all seven shows (and approximately 30 hours of improv!), no two Improv shows are the same; still, the real magic lies in having emotions awaken in you by genuine unscripted, unrehearsed theatrics.
Date: 3 to 5 June 2016
Time: 8pm (opening night)
Venue: Centre 42, 42 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187951
Admission: $25 – $199 (Full festival pass)
Tickets available at sgimprovfest.peatix.com
More info at festival.improv.sg
 
NANTA (Cookin’)
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Take it from someone who’s watched it firsthand in Seoul – back for another run in Singapore, this South Korean theatrical cooking show is certainly worth the hype. Described as a MasterChef-meets-Stomp extravaganza, NANTA features skilled chef-performers who bring their kitchen expertise to the table –­ literally. It’s a high-energy performance of flying utensils, flaming knives, and real, edible food as the chefs showcase their impressive samulnori skills, from a traditional Korean genre of percussion music. Pictures and trailers do zero justice, and they definitely won’t prepare you for the musical spectacle you’ll be presented with. Pro tip: don’t come on an empty stomach; the antics will surely whet your appetite.
Date: 3 to 5 June 2016
Time: 8pm (Fri), 2pm & 8pm (Sat), and 2pm (Sun)
Venue: Resorts World Theatre
Admission: $48, $68, $98, $118, $128
More info at sistic.com.sg/events/nanta0616
 
Pink Dot 2016
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This Saturday, come together to support the freedom to love at the annual Pink Dot rally held in Hong Lim Park. The day’s events include speeches by prominent members of the LGBT community, booths by 25 different community support groups, and performances by local artists Charlie Lim, Vandetta, and more. Ambassadors ShiGGa Shay and Liu Ling Ling take the stage as well, along with 2015 Ambassador Hirzi of popular YouTube duo MunahHirziOfficial. This year, look out specifically for volunteers who’ll be handing out placards – for you to pen down your thoughts or a message of love; before the day ends with a beautiful communal raising of the placards. Don’t forget to come dressed in pink, as a pledge to protecting the right to love, regardless of gender and sexual orientation.
In this annual celebration of tolerance, acceptance, and universal love, it’s important to make one thing clear – Pink Dot isn’t and shouldn’t be simply a “free concert” or form of weekend entertainment to pass the time on. Overcoming resentment begins with genuine understanding, so if you’re a curious first-timer looking to get in on the “festivities”, come with an open mind and heart, and leave the regressive discrimination and fear behind.
Date: 4 June 2016
Time: 3pm till late
Venue: Hong Lim Park
Admission: Free
More info at facebook.com/pinkdotsg 

 
Damien Rice – Live in Singapore
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If you missed him at Neon Lights last year, here’s your chance to catch Damien Rice live in Singapore once more – this time headlining his own show. From the folks who brought us Tame Impala live in Singapore, this one’s for the groupies who prefer soulful vocals and stripped down tracks – the Irish singer-songwriter’s specialty, of course. Get your tickets while you still can; it’s a one-night-only opportunity to have your eardrums soothed and your panties charmed right off.
Date: 4 June 2016
Time: 8pm
Venue: The Star Theatre
Admission: $68 – $148
Tickets available at sistic.com.sg/events/rice0616
 
Featured image from facebook.com/nantamacau.