Events
Oo-woo
The Necessary Stage (Singapore)
World Premiere Book Now“… Oo-Woo follows in the footsteps of Raimi’s earlier work Rindu Di Bulan and captures the complexities of family, particularly the bond between parents and children.”
—Bakchormeeboy on an earlier iteration of Oo-woo at Playwrights’ Cove 2022
Oo-Woo is a loving story about taking care of a person with dementia in a family. We find out secrets and hidden wishes that strain the family. When the pet bird goes missing, the family finds out about upsetting things. They question what they know about duty and love.
The show is written by Raimi Safari and directed by Mohd Fared Jainal. The four actors are Dalifah Shahril, Farah Lola, Isabella Chiam, and Yazid Jalil. It talks about dementia. It is unclear what is real or fake in the show. The bird in the story makes us think about what we will give up and choose when life is uncertain.
Oo-Woo was developed at The Necessary Stage’s Playwrights’ Cove 2022. The mentor was Resident Playwright Haresh Sharma.
There is a post-show talk on 25 January 2024. Speech to text interpretation can be done if needed. If you need this service, email us at info@singaporefringe.com before 15 December 2023.
Artist Statement
“I believe that theatre can create change. Looking after the elderly in a family is a personal story. Through the show, we are able to share why it is hard and what we have given up for them.
“Oo-woo talks about the struggle between doing what you want and helping your family. Oo-Woo tells a story about caring for the elderly with dementia to make us think about three things:
- Why family is important
- What we would give up for loved ones
- How we can support caregivers
“We hope that this play will make people talk and think more about this topic. We hope they will care for others and want to do something for their community. Together, we can build a society where people support each other. We help our elderly and people who care for them. Oo-woo wants more to know and care about those who have to look after elderly family members.”
—Raimi Safari, Playwright
“… Oo-Woo follows in the footsteps of Raimi’s earlier work Rindu Di Bulan and captures the complexities of family, particularly the bond between parents and children.”
—Bakchormeeboy on an earlier iteration of Oo-woo at Playwrights’ Cove 2022
Through tender storytelling, Oo-woo unravels the intricate web of caring for an elderly family member with dementia. As the story unfolds, deep secrets and hidden desires come to light, casting doubt on the strength of familial bonds. When their cherished family bird mysteriously disappears, a journey of unsettling discoveries begins, challenging the characters' understanding of duty and love.
Written by Raimi Safari, directed by Mohd Fared Jainal, and starring Dalifah Shahril, Farah Lola, Isabella Chiam and Yazid Jalil, Oo-woo delves into the haunting realm of dementia, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. A single bird brings into question the sacrifices and choices we make when faced with the unknown.
Oo-woo was developed at The Necessary Stage’s Playwrights’ Cove 2022 under the mentorship of Resident Playwright Haresh Sharma.
Post-show dialogue on 25 January 2024, with speech to text interpretation available upon request. Please email your request to info@singaporefringe.com before 15 December 2023.
Artist Statement
“I believe that theatre has the power to create meaningful and transformative experiences within a community. By exploring the theme of taking care of the elderly in a Singaporean context, we shed light on the challenges and sacrifices involved in this deeply personal journey.
“Oo-woo delves into the internal struggles between personal aspirations and familial obligations, resonating with many individuals who face similar dilemmas. By addressing the poignant topic of caring for the elderly with dementia in Singapore, Oo-woo prompts the community to reflect on the importance of familial bonds, the sacrifices we make for our loved ones, and the need for support and compassion in navigating such situations.
“We hope that this play will initiate conversations, spark empathy, and encourage action within the local community. Through collective reflection, we can build a more inclusive and supportive society, where the needs of our elderly are acknowledged, and the challenges faced by caregivers are understood and addressed. Oo-woo aspires to foster greater awareness and compassion for those caring for their elderly family members.”
—Raimi Safari, Playwright
Download artist biographiesDate & Duration
24–27 January 2024, 8pm
27–28 January 2024, 3pm
75 min with no intermission
Location
Esplanade Theatre Studio
Price
$35 | $28*
*Concession for students, NSF, senior citizens and PWD cardholders
Esplanade&Me Specials (7 Nov - 31 Dec 2023, limited tickets)
Black & White card members enjoy a 10% discount off standard price tickets. Log in to your Esplanade&Me member account to access the promo code.
Language
In English and Bahasa Melayu
Accessibility Features
Open captions in English for all shows
Rating
Advisory (Some Mature Content and Coarse Language)
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