The Theatre and the State in Singapore

Orthodoxy and Resistance

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Performing Arts, Theatre, Stagecraft
Cover of the book The Theatre and the State in Singapore by Terence Chong, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Terence Chong ISBN: 9781136869471
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 26, 2012
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Terence Chong
ISBN: 9781136869471
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 26, 2012
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This book provides a comprehensive examination of the contemporary English-language theatre field in Singapore. It describes Singapore theatre as a politically dynamic field that is often a site for struggle and resistance against state orthodoxy, and how the cultural policies of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) have shaped Singapore theatre. The book traces such cultural policies and their impact from the early 1960s, and shows how the PAP used theatre – and arts and culture more widely – as a key part of its nation building programme.

Terence Chong argues that this diverse theatre community not only comes into regular conflict with the state, but often collaborates with it - depending on the rewards at stake, not to mention the assortment of intra-communal conflicts as different practitioners and groups vie for the same resources. It goes on to explore how new forms of theatre, especially English-language avant garde theatre, represented resistance to such government cultural control; how the government often exerts its power ‘behind-the-scenes’ to preserve its moral legitimacy; and conversely how middle class theatre practitioners’ resistance to state power is strongly influenced by class and cultural capital.

Based on extensive original research including interviews with theatre directors and other theatre professionals, the book provides a wealth of information on theatre in Singapore overall, and not just on theatre-state relations.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book provides a comprehensive examination of the contemporary English-language theatre field in Singapore. It describes Singapore theatre as a politically dynamic field that is often a site for struggle and resistance against state orthodoxy, and how the cultural policies of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) have shaped Singapore theatre. The book traces such cultural policies and their impact from the early 1960s, and shows how the PAP used theatre – and arts and culture more widely – as a key part of its nation building programme.

Terence Chong argues that this diverse theatre community not only comes into regular conflict with the state, but often collaborates with it - depending on the rewards at stake, not to mention the assortment of intra-communal conflicts as different practitioners and groups vie for the same resources. It goes on to explore how new forms of theatre, especially English-language avant garde theatre, represented resistance to such government cultural control; how the government often exerts its power ‘behind-the-scenes’ to preserve its moral legitimacy; and conversely how middle class theatre practitioners’ resistance to state power is strongly influenced by class and cultural capital.

Based on extensive original research including interviews with theatre directors and other theatre professionals, the book provides a wealth of information on theatre in Singapore overall, and not just on theatre-state relations.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Hans Folz and Print Culture in Late Medieval Germany by Terence Chong
Cover of the book Rethinking Foreign Policy Analysis by Terence Chong
Cover of the book British Generals in Blair's Wars by Terence Chong
Cover of the book Inclusive Education isn't Dead, it Just Smells Funny by Terence Chong
Cover of the book Environmental Victims by Terence Chong
Cover of the book Negotiating Minefields by Terence Chong
Cover of the book Philosophy Of Mind by Terence Chong
Cover of the book Text/Work by Terence Chong
Cover of the book Studying Societies and Cultures by Terence Chong
Cover of the book Current Controversies in Bioethics by Terence Chong
Cover of the book Commonwealth Caribbean Law and Legal Systems by Terence Chong
Cover of the book Drink in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries by Terence Chong
Cover of the book Italian Politics by Terence Chong
Cover of the book Performalism by Terence Chong
Cover of the book Psychological Illness by Terence Chong
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy