THE REGIMENT. FROM HISTORY TO STAGE (WORK IN PROGRESS)

Today, our country is going on a nation-building narrative with the Bicentennial celebrations and there's no better time than now to talk about The Regiment In Singapore.

Every idea starts with a kick starter. Any money you contribute makes a HUGE difference – not just to this project but to the continued growth of our R&D and towards the full length play. We believe this project is worth investing in, and we welcome you as partners to The Regiment.

The total cost of this production will amount to $10,000-$15,000 from it's Research and Development to Work In Progress to the final production in 2021.

This crowdfunding will go into:
1) Research and Development of the project (Conducting interviews, reading on archives, engaging and identifying with historians and academics)
2) Minimum Wage for the creatives commitment and support their development as artists
3) Equipment rentals for lights, visuals, sounds to explore different styles of presentation
4) Aesthetics like props, sets and costume
5) Rehearsal space / work desk = welfare
6) Photo and Video documentation
7) uncovering a story that has not been told in our history textbooks

Your monetary contribution would be a gift to sustain longevity in developing artists and to help realise an idea to its fruition. No doubt that you are putting money in the production because you love theatre and you want to keep the Singapore arts scene alive!

WHAT IS 'THE REGIMENT' ?

“Ta’at Setia” - Loyal and True

These were the words that the brave soldiers of the Malay Regiment lived and died by. Up until the end, they fought tooth & nail to keep Singapore from falling to the Japanese invaders. And they did, to their dying breath. How did they come to this? Did they ever think to run? What were they fighting for?

In The Regiment, we try to piece together the story of a few recruits in the Malay Regiment, in the years leading up to the Fall of Singapore in 1942. We will see how this group of idealistic, young men come together under the threat of impending war, and how they try to uphold their oaths to each other and to the Regiment in the face of death & strife. Ultimately, we will witness their sacrifice as they succumb to an invading force too great to overcome.

WHY NOW?

Yes, this story of The Regiment has been done and said, but since no one was listening, everything must be said again! But this time, we aim to find new ways of using our bodies to tell compelling stories and open up spaces for more physically demanding work in theatre that is both accessible and exciting for mainstream audiences.

WHO IS IN IT?

This devised production is currently on its 2nd phase of Research & Development, directed and conceptualised by theater-maker Isabella Chiam, who has directed plays such as Bash: Latterday Plays with Phenix (SG) and created works with a physical focus, like '1 Table 2 Chairs: 10' with The Theatre Practice, 'Oddsocks' with Five Stones Theatre (SG/UK) & 'The Commuters' with The Knotted Project (UK). This is a hugely collaborative process which also involves actors & co-devisors from Farez Najid (Tanah-Air, Dramabox), Syaiful Arrifin (Mat Champion, Teater Ekamatra), Al-Matin (Acting Mad, The Necessary Stage), Yazid Jalil (Underclass, The Necessary Stage), Kaykay Nizam (Cerita Cinta, Akulah Bimbo Sakti) who have contributed to the work at every phase. We are also lucky to be supported by our writer, Faizal Abdullah (Siapa Yang Bawa Melayu Aku Pergu, RUYUNG),Yong Huay our lighting designer and Grace Lee-Khoo, who helped to dramaturg the first phase.

*Updated as of Jan 2020*

On 17th November 2019, the sharing showcase was held at Centre 42 under it’s Guest Room programme, a platform for work-in-progress presentation. Attended by 25 audiencws, the Guest Room platform have helped to open up dialogues with the community on what we need to look at to further shape the piece.

THIS WORK IN PROGRESS IS SUPPORTED BY CLF LABS, MENDAKI & MAK BESAR.

CROWDFUNDING PARTNER

BODEIGA BARBERSHOP

Image by cargocollective.com

Bodeiga is derived from ‘Bodega’ meaning convenient corner store, mainly found on the east coast of New York, a word that came from the Spanish word for “grocery store” – la bodega. Inspired by the convenient store concept, Bodeiga aims to be a creative lifestyle hub. As a stepping stone to the industry, the founders choose to barber as Bodeiga’s primary business. Focusing on friendly ambience, exceptional service and its strive to be one of the leading barbers in Singapore. Bodeiga was founded by 3 aspiring barbers in 2018 and joined by a marketing enthusiast a few months after.

Not long after it’s opening, Bodeiga collaborated with different organisations to bring about various events inside and outside of Bodeiga. Bodeiga was also featured in renowned websites such as Halalzilla & The Everday people. One of our founder, Taufiq Yusof, was also featured on 2019 #insprasisg campaign.

For every $5 donation - Bodeiga is giving away 5% off their services
For every $10 donation - Bodeiga is giving away 10% off their services
All rewards will be claimed by the End of Jan 2020.

Image by cargocollective.com