Admittedly, 2011 was a very eventful year. But one of the highlights that brought the nation together was the General Elections that was the walk of the town during its reign over public and social media alike. Because more than ever, it was a time that every Singaporean had a say in who they wanted to represent them for their future. For many of us, the General Elections was the first time we could vote, and as such, we could no longer keep our eyes closed to the future of our nation. Naturally, some of the terms used in the election was immediately recognizable and as such, “Cooling Off Day” was inspired to tell the story of how everyday Singaporeans felt.
“Cooling Off Day”, written as a piece of verbatim theatre by playwright Alfian Sa’at, attempts to capture an emotional snapshot of those highly-charged few days leading up to this year’s oft-labelled “watershed” General Elections.It is a piecing together of 35 different interviews of real men and women in Singapore, over a cross-section of attributes such as age, race and social status, and their thoughts and views on anything vaguely relating to politics in Singapore .Boldly putting aside concerns about secrecy, the interviewees opened their hearts to share what they honestly felt and what they truly believe.
Covering a wide social and political spectrum, the candid interviews capture the GE experience through the voices of individual Singaporeans – from election candidates to pro-establishment civil servants; from taxi-drivers to teachers; from diehard opposition supporters to young people casting their virgin votes. From the transcripts of these real-life interviews emerges a script that chronicles the momentous event that not only rocked the boat, but created startling ripples that are still widening even now.
The re-run of this sold-out play discusses the private clashes behind the public debates that took Singapore’s heart by storm; even when the party politics turned its ugly side to the personal convictions that was hidden behind closed doors. The interviews– some hopeful, some fearful, some hilariously frank, some achingly honest – form a portrait of Singaporeans confronting the real meaning of democracy and rediscovering their role in shaping the country’s future.
An ensemble of our most versatile actors including veterans like Neo Swee Lin and Janice Koh, playing characters aged 17 to 70, take on these Singaporean voices – in a playful and poignant piece of testimony theatre that proves how political views are not just the hot air of coffeeshop talk.
Back by popular demand, Cooling Off Day by W!ld Rice showcases a slightly revised script but is true to the heart of its focus. It is an enlightening play that provides a refreshing reflection to Singaporean politics today, no matter which side you stand on. If you did not get an opportunity to catch it last year, this is the perfect excuse to catch this much-awaited play. Running from February 23 through March 11, tickets are now available at SISTIC website www.sistic.com.sg, SISTIC hotline (65) 6348 5555, SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide. To sweeten the deal, there is an Early Bird Discount from now till February 1, 20% discount for OCBC Credit & Debit Cardmembers & PAssion Cardmembers and 15% discount for General Public. Book your tickets now before it is sold out again!
Image Credits: Wild Rice, Albert Lim K.S.
