UNRESERVED Recommends: Your January Entertainment Diary
THEATRE
Matilda The Musical
WHEN: FROM 21 FEBRUARY 2018
WHERE: MARINA BAY SANDS, SINGAPORE
Ignored by her parents and older brother, young Matilda buries herself in books, pushing the boundaries of her little mind. Eventually, she’s shipped off to a boarding school where she finds herself struggling with telekinesis, a cruel headmistress, and protecting her friends. This multi-award-winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company brings to life the adventures of an extraordinary girl. Experience the enchanting tale of Roald Dahl’s Matilda through talented playwright Dennis Kelly’s imaginative storytelling and Tim Minchin’s magical setlist. Whether you’ve read Matilda or not, there’s nothing like sitting through a good theatre performance, and you don’t even have to go too far overseas to enjoy this.
ON THE SMALL SCREEN
True Detective
WHEN: 13 JANUARY 2019
The highly acclaimed investigative series has returned with a third season, this time starring Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali as the main detective Wayne Hayes and Stephen Dorff as his partner, Roland West. Ali’s character digs deep into the past to recall a case, in the same format as the previous seasons, only there are three timelines that crossover. The role of Hayes was originally cast with a Caucasian in mind, but Ali argued his way into the role with creator Nic Pizzolatto. The decision seems like a good one from our sneak peek of this season. It has more of the first season feel, and is less fast-paced than the second season. This season will also be Pizzolatto’s directorial debut, having previously only written for the series.
AWARDS SEASON
61st Annual Grammy Awards
WHEN: 10 FEBRUARY 2019
72nd British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA)
WHEN: 11 FEBRUARY 2019
91st Academy Awards
WHEN: 25 FEBRUARY 2019
It’s awards season this February. The Grammys have kicked off the party with the announcement of their nominees. They’ve made some changes and the diversity can be seen with female nominations being more prevalent this year. Janelle Monae, Cardi B and Ariana Grande are just some of the names popping up in different categories. This is partially due to the criticism regarding gender diversity when a study found that only 9% of the nominees between 2013 and 2018 were female. Other nominees to look out for are Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, Lady Gaga, Childish Gambino and Zedd.
Meanwhile, there is still a while yet to wait for the BAFTA and Oscar nominations, both happening in January. Some big blockbusters are being predicted for nominations already, like A Star is Born and Black Panther, as well as some arthouse films like If Beale Street Could Talk and Roma. But movie season isn’t over yet; December saw some extras being added to the list. Not to mention the controversy surrounding the hosting of the Oscars as Kevin Hart has pulled out, leaving the question of who will host the Oscars up in the air.
THE ARTS
Devices
WHEN: 23 JANUARY 2019 ONWARDS
WHERE: CHAN + HORI CONTEMPORARY, SINGAPORE
Born and raised in Malaysia, Chris Chong Chan Fui is an established artist internationally. Having exhibited in London, Paris and Austria, here’s a chance to see his works in Chan + Hori Contemporary, Singapore. Chong’s works are best seen up close to discover the hidden meanings inside them. Inspired by the soaring edible bird’s nest industry in Malaysia, his works depict devices that affect and interrupt nature in various ways. Explore a new world, captured in sculptures and on film, through the artist’s inquisitive mind.
at ArtScience Museum, 2017. Photo: Felipe Pantone
SINGAPORE ART WEEK
WHEN: 19 TO 27 JANUARY 2019
WHERE: AROUND SINGAPORE
It’s all about the arts in Singapore this January. Singapore Art Week (SAW) is back for the seventh year to explore all manner of glorious artistic expressions. Singapore will be transformed into a beautiful landscape of possibilities. Art enthusiasts will bear witness to the multi-disciplinary collaboration of museums, galleries, art institutions and art collectives that aim to bring all the prettiest things to the surface. A medley of international and local artists will come together in this week-long celebration of the arts. There will be plenty of art activities for the public to participate in – what is art if not a way to communicate a message to audiences; better still, to involve the audience directly? Take a walk through Singapore in January and find yourself in an art wonderland.
SCIENCE
All Possible Paths
WHEN: THROUGH JANUARY 2019
WHERE: AROUND SINGAPORE
Physics may not be for everyone, but it’s never too late to broaden your horizons. Expand your knowledge and be transported to the world of Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman, one of the most influential physicists of the twentieth century. Feynman was famous for his work in quantum mechanics and the theory of quantum electrodynamics, among other things. He was a well-loved lecturer at California Institute of Technology, with a flair for explaining even the most confuddling theories. Experience this physicist’s life from start to end through an array of film, sculpture and imagery. Feynman moves fluidly between science and art, influencing younger scientists in the way they view the two fields and inspiring many new visions.
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FLOWERS
Wild Himalayan Cherry Blossoms
WHEN: JANUARY 2019
WHERE: DA LAT, VIETNAM
Take time to smell the flowers this January. Before you run off to Japan to catch the cherry blossom season in March and April, you might want to check out Vietnam’s breathtakingly beautiful prunus cerasoides, otherwise known as sour cherry or wild Himalayan blossoms which are scattered around Da Lat. For the best views of these glorious bunches of pink fragile blooms, head to the ancient villas in Cadasa resort on Tran Hung Dao Street and the entrance gate of Truc Lam Monastery, among other places in the area. The temperature around this time is just perfect for flower viewing.
Related: Singapore: Asia’s Vibrant Foodie Destination
