{Review} Catch A Taste of The Forbidden |Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress

I’ve heard so much about this wonderful Dick Lee musical Forbidden City : Portrait of an Empress starring Kit Chan but each time it was staged before, I was out stationed. No wonder then that the hubs and I were really looking forward to finally go to the Esplanade Theatres to catch this well-loved classic and of course to see Kit Chan on stage!

Local theatre goers must have this epic musical as their 2017 Must Do, Must Watch musical and who could challenge that? Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress first commissioned by Esplanade- Theatres on the Bay for Esplanade’s Opening Festival in October 2002 has had a sell-out season at each restaging (in Sept 2003 and 2006).

Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress is the story of Empress Dowager Ci Xi (played by Kit Chan), her love story, betrayals and struggles, rise to absolute power, even as China was increasingly being ravaged by foreign powers as the Qing Dynasty struggled to retain control of China.

As the musical opened, I could feel the excitement and anticipation rising in the hushed audience. It was almost unbelievable that I was finally watching this epic musical at the Esplanade. The little one who has a love for history was equally in awe, this being his first ‘adult’ musical! Plus, he was eagerly anticipating watching Kit Chan, the singer of his favourite National Day song – Home! What a treat!

The Empress Dowager CiXi played by Cheryl Tan, Kit Chan and Sheila Francisco depicting different stages of her life.

The musical wasted no time in introducing the Dragon Lady and very soon we were transported into an unfamiliar time when the Emperor’s rule was absolute and his wants were insatiable (including his harem of concubines). As the older Empress CiXi (played by Sheila Francisco ) recounted her life’s hopes, joys, love, disappointments, struggles we were also given a running history of the ebbs and flows of the Qing Dynasty.

Forbidden City was a musical treat from the very start. Dick Lee’s beautiful music was equally matched with the excellent vocals of the 2017 cast.

With big shoes to fill, credit must be given to Cheryl Tan who plays the young Yehenara this time instead of Kit Chan. Her voice crystal clear as always, was powerful and captivating. We’ve watched her as Juliet in SRT’s Shakespeare in the Park Romeo & Juliet, as Ivy in Dick Lee’s Beauty World and even as Little Bo Frilly in SRT’s The Three Billy Goats Gruff, and I think this is by far her best musical performance ever. She was calm yet vibrant, playing a more matured heroine this time, putting away her usual more animated and girlish characterisations.

The young Yehenara (Cheryl Tan) with her hopes so high of finding true love with the Emperor.

Cheryl Tan lifted and refreshed us with her stunning vocals throughout Act One. I think the audience could feel Yehenara’s disappointment and betrayal when the Emperor quite quickly forgot about her after three months of what seemed like a fairy tale love affair. (I was amazed that when one got pregnant by the Emperor, he shelves you!!)

My favourite has got to be the really entertaining Record Keepers played by Sebastian Tan (Singapore’s favourite Broadway Beng) and Dwayne Lau (SRT’s Treasure Island). They were just the perfect amount of humour and wit! The Record Keepers were brilliant and everyone in the audience adored them… maybe because they added the light-hearted fun in an otherwise depressing storyline perhaps? haha…

I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t disappointed that we had to wait till Act Two before Kit Chan came on. Although every part of Act One was enjoyable, I still wished that the talented Kit Chan was on stage earlier and sang more… for she did not disappoint. Her well trained vocals was not only emotive, she commanded the presence only a star like her could. Everyone just could not get enough of her, I know that for a fact.

Kit made us all feel the deep sorrows a mother (even a Dragon Lady) must have felt for the passing of her child. If there were doubts that Empress Dowager ever cared for anyone, she removed it. How her heart must have broke when Emperor Tung Chih’s life was wasted. I teared as I watched and listened.

The stage sets were a awesome. Beautiful. Simple yet effective. I especially loved the funeral scene where the stage was opened up to reveal the depth of the really amazing theatre stage of the Esplanade! I had no idea it was so deep… other times when I’ve been to the Esplanade theatres, the productions had never used this to their visual advantage.

Forbidden City is Wey’s first ‘adult’ musical and I was half wondering if he would be able to sit through the 2 hour musical. As it turns out, I needn’t have worried because my 8 year old was totally absorbed throughout. So if you are wondering if your not-so young children will enjoy the musical, I would think so. He was intrigued by the larger than life characters and the story unfolding onstage, the beautiful stage sets and costumes and quite simply the awesome music. In fact, when the musical ended, he actually let out a cry of dismay “Oh?! That’s the end?!!?”; much to the amusement of the people seated around us. Of course, be prepared to answer questions along the lines of : ” Mama, what’s a brothel? Why did the Emperor go there?” ” What disease did he get from the brothel and why?” haha… I took it as a good teaching point moment although I did not quite go into too much details. 🙂

Not all musicals are created equal. It has been more than a decade since Singapore last watched this highly acclaimed iconic made-in Singapore musical and for me, Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress is still as stunning and magical as ever. When you go to see this musical, you will come away in awe at not just the entire production, but an amazement at our local talents.

Don’t miss this amazing timeless musical by local theatre big names or you may have to wait yet another decade for its restaging. Also this may very well be the last time to catch Kit Chan in the role as Empress Ci Xi! If you haven’t already booked tickets, be sure not to be stingy on the tickets, get the best seats for a better view, it’s worth every dollar! I promise! 

Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress plays at the Esplanade Theatre from 8 -27 August 2017. Book Early for the best Category Seats to enjoy the epic musical fully. Tickets available from Esplanade Box Office at https://www.esplanade.com/events/2017/forbidden-city-portrait-of-an-empress, more details at end of post.

Thanks for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

~ SAys! Audrey

We are grateful for the opportunity to attend Forbidden City – Portrait of an Empress, for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated monetarily for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of SRT and were provided for the purposes of this review. All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

About Forbidden City – Portrait of an Empress

 

When : 8 to 27 August 2017| Tues – Fri: 8pm | Sat : 3pm & 8pm |  Sunday : 1.30pm & 6pm

Where : Esplanade Theatre 

Duration : Approximately 2hrs (including a 20min intermission)

Ticket Pricing :

Tue–Thu, Evening / Sat, Matinee / Sun, Matinee & Evening
Standard: $58, $78, $98, $118
VIP: $128
Restricted View: $38

Fri & Sat, Evening
Standard: $68, $88, $108, $128
VIP: $138
Restricted View: $38

Tickets available through: https://www.esplanade.com/events/2017/forbidden-city-portrait-of-an-empress

To find out more about SRT, please visit www.srt.com.sg.

{Media Invite} The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey|A Night of Stunning Vocals

I was so looking forward to go to The Great Wall Musical at the Drama Centre Theatre with the hubby on Thursday night (especially since the kiddo was finally done with his Math Mini- Test).  Date night finally! Away from the crazy homework and mini-tests schedules!

Part of the excitement was also because it’s been such a long time since we’ve hit the theatres, and what a good one to start with. A brand new original musical based on a beautiful love story with a stellar cast! I was excited to get to see Nathan Hartono sing live on stage too! It was no wonder then that even on a week night, this musical was playing to an almost full house!

Set in the time of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, who wants to create a new history, a new One China united under his rule, the musical is based on the legend of Meng Jiang Nü (played by Na-Young Jeon) whose devotion and love for her husband Fan Qi Liang (Nathan Hartono), sends her on a long and arduous journey in search of him after he is captured by the Emperor’s guards to work at The Great Wall.

Behold the Great Emperor of China

The opening scene with Emperor Qin(played by George Chan) is grand and sets the tone of the times~ where fear of this great tyrant prevails throughout the new One China. The dramatic effect was perfect, with the Emperor perched up high against the dark backdrop.  We were transported immediately into those fearful tyrannical times where everyone’s existence is for the pleasure of one man- the Emperor.

The Emperor commands that all males be conscripted to build his Great Wall and all scholars be killed!

I think it safe to say that every single person in the audience was moved by the singing of Na-Young Jeon. She was amazing. Her voice crystal clear and beautiful. Her singing lifted our spirits as she found love and fell sweetly and deeply in love to runaway scholar Fan Qi Liang. We felt her misery, her helplessness and desperation when her beloved was arrested and taken away by the Emperor’s Guards. We wanted to run with her and journey with her as she went in search of her husband to see him again. Na-Young Jeon made Meng Jiang Nü real… our sister in a desperate situation. (I hear Ethel Yap’s performance as Meng Jiang Nü is equally enthralling)

The beautiful lovebirds

I really enjoyed watching the two well matched lovebirds on stage. Nathan Hartono did not disappoint. Handsome as he sang away to melt our hearts (hahah) but a pity I felt he didn’t seem to have as many singing parts as I had hoped. In fact, I have a nasty suspicion that his air-time was far lesser than the Women in the Village!! But then again that could be just me? If only there was more of Nathan and Na-Young… the night would have been perfect! haha..

Even so, every song in this 2.5 hour long musical was delightful with stunningly good singing.

The Women in The Village / Mother / Women of China take up quite a fair bit of the musical, unfortunately.

The set and costume were simple yet beautifully designed and each scene was an artistic visual treat.

I especially remembered a scene of Meng Jiang Nü’s journey which required an amazing display of precision and teamwork, as the villagers laid out the wooden planks for Meng Jiang Nü, who walks and climbs on each plank. As her journey progresses, it is a stunning visual.  Perhaps, through this repetitive act of laying out the pathway for Meng Jiang Nü, the audience also experiences the difficulty and the long journey she took.

Truly a great display of No wall too tall. No Journey too long… Meng Jiang Nü’s arduous journey in search of her beloved.

The Great Wall Musical is a powerful love story of one woman’s undying love and determination to be with her beloved against all odds. But it is not just a love story, it is an amazing story of human strength and tenacity despite immense suffering … A story about bravery and courage to stand up for what you believe in, and remain unyielding in spite of ruthless tyranny.

The Great Wall Musical runs from 14 -30 July 2017 at the Drama Centre Theatre, so there’s only one more week before it ends, next Sunday. Do catch it even if it’s a week night show.

The hubby gave it a thumbs up and has been telling everyone (who has asked us) that it’s a must watch. I agree 🙂 This is truly a Must – Watch Musical for 2017. Take a well deserved break from the mundane and be transported into another time, another world, another love. Book quickly at SISTIC https://www.sistic.com/events/cwall0717 before tickets are totally sold out! Have a lovely time with The Great Wall Musical!

Thank you for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

SAys! Audrey  

We are grateful for the opportunity to attend Glowtape Production’s The Great Wall Musical for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of Crispi I Photography & Glowtape Productions and were provided for the purposes of this review. All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

About The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey

When  : 14 – 30 JULY 2017 | Tue – Sat 8pm |Sat & Sun 3pm

* Please note that the role of Meng Jiang Nü will be played by Ethel Yap for performances on 16 Jul 3pm, 19 Jul 8pm and 26 Jul 8pm.

Where: Drama Centre Theatre (Map)

Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes  (15 minutes interval)

Who : No admission for infants in arms and person below 8 years old.

Ticket Pricing :  Check SISTIC for discounts applicable.

14 & 15 JULY	$68 – $98
FRI 8PM, SAT 3PM & 8PM	$68 – $98, $128 (VIP)
TUE – THU 8PM, SUN 3PM	$58 – $88

(Ticket prices excludes $4 SISTIC Booking Fee)

Tickets available through: Get Your Tickets Now
SISTIC Website
SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555
SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide

{Giveaway} Glowtape Productions’ The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey| 14 – 30 JULY 2017

Glowtape Productions presents The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey from 14 – 30 July at the Drama Centre Theatre.

The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey is a spectacular musical adaptation that transforms Meng Jiang Nü’s tale into a soaring musical odyssey. Raw emotions are laid bare in a dazzling display of vocal showmanship as the characters come to life in a beautiful contemporary setting detailed with traditional design influences.

Captivating and profoundly moving, this production weaves a gripping tale of love and courage against an epic backdrop of imperial China. In the face of insurmountable odds, a young everywoman does not yield to her fate. What unfolds is a passionate display of a woman’s resolve as she stands alone against the ultimate symbol of unbridled hubris and power.

Join the phenomenal Na-Young Jeon’s Singapore debut, multi-talented George Chan and homegrown singing sensation Nathan Hartono as they team up this July for The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey.

No wall too tall.
No journey too long.
The legend of Meng Jiang Nü.

Behind the imposing façade of The Great Wall lies one of the most enduring legends in Chinese folklore – the story of Meng Jiang Nü, whose tears brought down the Great Wall.

This original musical with brand new script by acclaimed Singaporean playwright Jean Tay, who won best original script for Everything But The Brain and authored Boom, both literature texts in schools, is led by an international team of artists – featuring composer David Shrubsole (National Gallery Singapore’s Opening Festival, London Road) from the UK, helmed by Australian director Darren Yap (Man of Letters, Miss Saigon, Mamma Mia!), and starring talents from the West End – Dutch-Korean actress Na-Young Jeon (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon) and Monique Wilson (Miss Saigon, The King & I), along with George Chan (Chicago, December Rains) and homegrown singer-songwriter Nathan Hartono, fresh from his stint on Sing! China.

The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey is a musical not to be missed! We can’t wait attend this amazing new musical in July. Book your tickets early at SISTIC and get the best seats before it is a Sold Out performance!

GIVEAWAY : 

WIN a Pair of Tickets worth $144!  

We’ve got great news for our loyal followers and fans of Nathan Hartono!

Glowtape Productions has kindly sponsored a pair of Cat 3 tickets worth more than for the 16 July, Sunday 3pm performance! Do follow ALL the instructions below to take part for your chance to win! 

To take part and qualify, please make sure all the following steps are completed:

1) COMMENT on this blog post stating your Facebook Name and Email address.

2) LIKE SAys! Happy Mums  and The Great Wall Musical on Facebook.

3) LIKE and SHARE this Facebook post on your Facebook Wall with the caption “Tag @Friend A Tag @Friend B Tag @Friend C Tag @Friend D Tag @Friend E, I want to watch The Great Wall : A Woman’s Journey with @Says Happy Mums ”. DO set your post to PUBLIC so that we are able to verify your entry.

Bonus entry:

1. Follow us on Instagram {@sayshappymums}
2. Repost this photo on IG and tag @sayshappymums @thegreatwallmusical #TheGreatWallMusical  + 3 Friends 

Terms and Conditions:

• Giveaway ends 30 June, Friday at 2359 hrs.
• Collection will be at the Drama Centre Theatre, Level 3, 45 minutes before show time. Do note that children younger than 8 years old will not be admitted.
• Winner will need to produce their IC to claim their tickets.
• Prize is fixed and cannot be changed to a different day or time.
• Tickets are non-transferable, non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
• The Winner will be notified by the email provided under the blog comments and must reply within 48 hours, failing which, a new winner will be drawn, without notice.
• This giveaway is open to Singapore residents only.
• The Sponsor reserves the right to request for a redraw if the drawn winner on our blog has also won tickets to the show from another giveaway.
• Incomplete / Half-completed entries will be disqualified without notice. Decisions are final and no changes/disputes will be entertained.
• All information is solely collected for the purpose of this giveaway and we will not send unsolicited emails to your inbox unless you have opted to subscribe to us (on the right of this page!).
• This giveaway is in no manner associated with any social media accounts except our blog.

Thank you for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

SAys! Audrey  

About The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey

When  : 14 – 30 JULY 2017 | Tue – Sat 8pm |Sat & Sun 3pm

* Please note that the role of Meng Jiang Nü will be played by Ethel Yap for performances on 16 Jul 3pm, 19 Jul 8pm and 26 Jul 8pm.

Where: Drama Centre Theatre (Map)

Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes  (15 minutes interval)

Who : No admission for infants in arms and person below 8 years old.

Ticket Pricing :  Check SISTIC for discounts applicable.

14 & 15 JULY	$68 – $98
FRI 8PM, SAT 3PM & 8PM	$68 – $98, $128 (VIP)
TUE – THU 8PM, SUN 3PM	$58 – $88

(Ticket prices excludes $4 SISTIC Booking Fee)

Tickets available through: Get Your Tickets Now
SISTIC Website
SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555
SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide

{Review} Pangdemonium’s RENT! | A Broadway Musical Treat

After a most touching and wonderful production of Falling, Pangdemonium surprises yet again with a stellar cast and an amazing production of RENT at the Drama Centre Theatre from 7- 23 October 2016.

Indeed this new production of RENT in Singapore is a fitting round off for Pangdemonium’s 2016 Season of Love! Simply not to be missed if you are a musical lover. We had a wonderful Sunday matinee filled with beautiful singing that left our souls recharged, thanks to Pangdemonium’s generous media invite that opening weekend.

RENT premiered in 1996, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Although, I have not watched this overseas, I think I can quite safely say that Pangdemonium did no disservice to this well loved musical.  This year’s production of RENT in Singapore is spectacular and it showcases amazing local talent!

RENT is set in NYC amidst social unrest, drug abuse, prejudice, same-sex relationships and HIV AIDS. A group of young talented adults searching for hope, for love and for meaning in life  despite uncertainty, rejection and fears. The narrator Mark (Benjamin Chow who last saw in The LKY Musical and The Three Billy Goats Gruff) is a struggling film-maker and is room mates with doomed musician Roger (Cameron MacDonald). Roger feels depressed and haunted by the suicide of his HIV AIDS girlfriend but inevitably finds love again in a young beautiful but troubled club dancer, Mimi (Tabitha Nauser) who also suffers from HIV AIDS. And then, there is the same-sex relationship between Tech wizard, Collins (Juan Jackson) and drag queen Angel (Aaron Khaled), which is a beautiful giving love that ends in tragedy as Angel dies from HIV as well. This very loving relationship is perhaps starkly contrasted against a more disastrous explosive same sex relationship between wild-child performance artist Maureen (Mina Kaye) and Joanne (Frances Lee), a hot-shot human rights lawyer.  These few friends struggle against all challenges with broken hearts, some fractured friendships, love and loss pushed to the limits and come out perhaps stronger, together.

RENT was first performed 20 years ago in perhaps a somewhat different world when social norms and acceptance was not rampant. In today’s modernity, even in our own Asian society, personal beliefs aside, homosexuality does not seem like a taboo subject anymore. It is still a relevant powerful musical, if not, as a window into the souls of those at society’s fringe.

Indeed, the hubs and I had an amazing afternoon with the stellar cast of Pangdemonium’s RENT. Just the dance sequences alone were nothing short of awe-inspiring. And then there is the sensational singing of not just one but the entire cast. Personally, I was amazed at the vocal talent and loved every moment of the beautiful singing on stage. One of my personal favourites was Maureen, played by Mina Kaye, who so amazingly thrilled us with her powerful vocals in Little Voice, not so long ago. She made yet another incomparable performance at RENT and I can’t wait to see what she does when she’s back from her studies in the USA. Tabitha Nauser, who played Exotic Dancer Mimi, was a delight to watch with her melodious lyrical voice and sleek dance moves, she charmed the audience effortlessly.

The 2 hours 3o minutes flew by all too quickly and the theatre was lit with thunderous applause from the audience at the end.

The memorable characters are bound to remain with you even as you leave the theatres and yes, the music will make your heart sing and lift your spirits in this dreary October month. RENT is as powerful and as energetic as it is about friendship, acceptance and love in spite of poverty, hopelessness and rejection.

Do catch RENT if you have been lucky to get hold of tickets which are almost sold out already! IF you still have not gotten tickets yet at http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/rent1016, check and check again if they may have returns, and GO!

Pangdemonium 2017 Season Ticket

If you missed getting tickets to this yet another  amazing production by Pangdemonium, you may like to snap up the season tickets for 2017 which is available already! Click Pangdemonium 2017 Season Ticket to purchase at SISTIC and you’re sure never to miss out on any of the great productions next year ~ The Pillowman in February, Tango in May and Fun Home in September 2017!

About RENT

When:  7 to 23 October 2016 | 7.30pm (Tues – Sat)| 2.30pm (Sat & Sun)| Sun, 23 Oct: 7.30pm

Where: Drama Centre Theatre

Who: Rating: R18 Mature Content

• Advisory 16: Mature Content for 12 & 19 October 2016 7.30pm and 15 & 22 October 2016 2.30pm Shows
• No admission for infant in arms and children below 13 years old

Duration: Approximately 2 hrs 30 min plus 15 min interval

Ticket Price : Exclude SISTIC Charges

Preview (7 Oct 2016)

Standard: S$70, S$50, S$30
Restricted View: S$25

Tue – Thu & Sun matinees
Standard: S$85, S$65, S$45
Restricted View: S$30

Fri & Sat evenings
Standard: S$95, S$75, S$55
Restricted View: S$40

For more information, visit http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/rent1016

Tickets available through:
SISTIC Website
SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555
SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide

{Review} Pangdemonium’s Falling | 13 May – 5 June 2016

Do you know what’s autism? I mean most people have heard of it, but will never actually come face to face with it ever. I went to the theatres with the hubs on Sunday to watch Pangdemonium‘s latest production, Falling.

Falling is about ordinary parents, Bill and Tami, struggling to do their very best to bring up their 2 teenage kids, Lisa 16 and Josh 18 who suffers from severe autism. Family life revolves around Josh and his routines, his obsessions and rigid set of rules that have been created to help them get through each day. Life almost falls apart when grandma visits from Australia…

The lights dim and we are introduced to Joshi (Andrew Marko), who goes through his daily set routine of fun ~ rolling himself around the house in circles, tapping on the calendar and ending with a “choo-choo” before he tugs on a string to let down feathers from a box. Joshi is happy doing his thing.

At first, everyone in the theatre laughs at the seemingly simple repetitive routines that keep Joshi happy. Yes, we’ve all heard about autism and what it is like and yes, this was exactly what to expect right?… Do you think that’s all to it?

It turns out that the reality of the show as it progresses hits everyone in the heart, right on the spot. Falling is the most beautifully moving show that I have been to in a really long time. It reminded me about what being a mother means ~ The unconditional love for our kids no matter what. I could not stop my tears from flowing as did the many ladies in front of and around me too. Everyone was sobbing and reaching for tissues to wipe away those tears.

I empathised most with the character Tan Kheng Hua played. A mum, just an ordinary mum, trying her best to love her son who cannot control his fears, his thoughts, his irrational behaviours, who needs everyone around to help him ‘not be stuck’ and to soothe him. All he needs is love, love enough to bear with his condition and be there for him all the time.

When routine is disturbed by the presence of a visitor, will it spell irreparable damage for everyone at home?

One cannot help but admire how cleverly Tami (Tan Kheng Hua) soothes each tumultuous and sometimes life-threatening situation. Her patience with Joshi, her unconditional love for him, to make things right and better for her son, who needs all the help he can get even at the risk of herself ‘falling’ from sanity and her marriage ‘falling’ apart… she remains stoically loving Joshi. I think many in the audience must have wondered if they could do the same, if they were in her shoes. I did.

My favourite line from Tan Kheng Hua must have been when she was desperately trying to reach out to her teenage daughter to tell her how much she loved both of her children. “You can hate him, it’s okay you get to hate him! But mums don’t get that choice! We can’t help it, we love our kids no matter what!” That was perhaps the most piercing line and so true for every mother. Mums, we really don’t get to choose whether to love our children or not, they are ours, and we simply have to love them. It’s called unconditional love.

I think many were moved to tears because of the strength of Tami’s unconditional love for Joshi. Despite the struggles and difficulties, the anguish and sometimes physical hurt that Joshi can cause to her due to his severe autism, she continues to love and protect him. I couldn’t stop crying because of Tami’s strength and patience with an obviously impossible situation she’s stuck in.

My husband held my hands tightly as I sobbed and in our silent glance, we knew too we were so blessed with Wey. We knew we had to be more loving and patient with him. If Tami could do it with her Joshi, we should too with our active little boy who is most of the time delightful but sometimes annoyingly difficult ~ aka just being a normal child.

Watching Falling also made me realise that we often view others with our own set ways of what’s the right way of doing things. Sometimes, there is no right way, just the loving way. If it fits the family and it works, then go with it. Life should not be what you expect someone else to do or be, but what fits that person you love best. Whether a family eats together may work for one family but not for many others and it doesn’t mean there is no love in that family.

Of course there are lighter moments when the theatre roared with laughter, for example when Tami turns a tensed moment into a fun moment for Joshi and even grandma has to dance and jive shaking her pills for Joshi. Or when teenage Joshi decides to ‘touch’ himself in front of his God-fearing grandma. Embarrassing teenage moments indeed but reinforcing how autistic people have the same needs just like any other boy his age ~ nothing ‘unnatural or wrong’ at all!

Tami turning a tensed moment into a fun moment for Joshi. Even grandma has to shake the pills and dance for Joshi.

Kudos to the stellar cast Adrian Pang, Tan Kheng Hua, Andrew Marko and Neo Swee Lin, for a powerful emotive performance. Andrew Marko was convincing and unrestrained as he brought us all straight into a world we never knew, a marginalised misunderstood and often ignored part of our society. Neo Swee Lin is every bit the optimistic, no-harm intended, ignorant yet loving grandma (mother-in-law) that everyone loves.

Falling is as enlightening as it is heartbreakingly beautiful. I walked away realising my mothering struggles were minute in comparison with what some others faced and went home from the Sunday matinee loving my son more. I realised how blessed I am with Wey, even though he can be difficult at times. Nothing compares with what Tami and families with autistic children face daily. I’m finding the strength to be more patient with Wey when he steps out of line (I hope it lasts haha..)

This is really life changing theatre. It is emotional, it is unforgettable and it is exceptional. Pangdemonium’s Falling runs at the KC Arts Centre till 5 June 2016. Don’t be afraid to go watch it, book your tickets at SISTIC and you will know why Falling is a show for everyone. I am thankful that Pangdemonium has brought this unseen world to stage in Singapore and I do so hope many people will get a chance to catch this extraordinary show about unconditional love that overcomes struggles and makes our little troubles seem so minute.

Thank you for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

SAys! Audrey  

We are grateful for the opportunity to attend Pangdemonium’s Falling, for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated monetarily for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of Pangdemonium and were provided for the purposes of this review. All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

About Falling

When:  13 May to 5 June 2016, 8pm (Tues – Fri) , 3pm (Sat & Sun)

Where: KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT

Who: No admission for infants in arms and children below 12 years old.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours (no interval)

Ticket Price : Exclude SISTIC Charges

Preview 13th May
Standard:  S$40, S$30

Fri & Sat Evening
Standard: S$55, S$45

Tue – Thu, Sat & Sun Matinees
Standard: S$50, S$40

For more information, visit http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/falling0616

Tickets available through:  SISTIC Website | SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555 | SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide

{Review} A Night with Shakespeare in the Park | Romeo and Juliet

This Mother’s Day we decided to do something different … we had a rather unusual date night at the park, plus Shakespeare. Perhaps it was the thrill and exhilaration of doing something different, it felt fun, almost like a first date (haha)… Yup we were on our way to our very first Shakespeare in the Park at Fort Canning!

The hubs is not an outdoor person and we’ve largely never entertained the thought of Shakespeare in the Park for obvious reasons haha…. Singapore’s humid weather is not for the faint hearted.

On a rather unusual date with the hubs 🙂

As a Lit student back in my college days, I’d always wanted to catch a Shakespearean play. Back then, the arts scene was very different. There was markedly less support for the arts and probably less like-minded people committed to the arts. When I arrived at Fort Canning park on Sunday evening, I was really taken by surprise. A large crowd had already  gathered at the Gothic Gate way before 6.30pm! Wow!

Huge crowds gathering as early as 6pm, braving the humidity and heat for Shakespeare

It made me feel so proud to see Singapore out on a summer’s night coming for a night of Shakespeare 😉 Shakespeare indeed continues to hold his audience 400 years later!

The long queue to get inside was fast moving and picnic mats filled up the entire grounds quickly. We made our way further towards the right side of the stage seeing that most of the front was already filled. (It turns out that was a very good vantage point as most of the play actually took place on the right! So don’t be afraid to move on in and spread your mats without the squeeze!)

Once we got comfortable, we were ready for dinner before the show. The hubs prepared a really good Caesar’s salad, snacks and grapes while Shirley brought along sandwiches and drinks.  We were ready to kick off those shoes and experience our very first Shakespeare in the Park 🙂

Thankfully, it was cooler than imagined and everyone was all set for a fun relaxed night. The grounds was abuzz with friendly chatter, excited conversations and laughter. Friends catching up, couples hand in hand and families having a good time.

Perhaps the greatest love story ever told, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet needs no introduction. A classic tale of sweet forbidden love, the tragedy of a bitter family feud, SRT’s Romeo and Juliet opened to wild cheers from the audience as the skies darkened and the stars came out to play.

Set in a somewhat modern day city state, the simple stage was brilliantly done with different small sections separated by stairs and height levels plus a centre stage where Juliet’s bed and tomb eventually would be.

Cleverly designed multi-levelled, multi-sectioned stage

This made for easy change of scenes, zooming in for more intimate private moments (balcony scene) between the two lovebirds and zooming out for large scenes (fight scenes). I liked the clever crack running through across the entire stage, reminding the audience about the opposing feuding families we were about to meet.

Thomas Pang was delightful in his role as Romeo. Energetic, polished and spirited, this handsome Romeo would have caused younger hearts in the audience to fall helplessly in love with Romeo that night. 🙂

Thomas Pang and Cheryl Tan sharing a Romeo Juliet moment

Familiar face Cheryl Tan (who played Ivy Chan in Dick Lee’s Beauty World and Little Bo-Frilly in SRT’s Three Billy Goats Gruff) plays Juliet, with her usual vibrant and animated acting as in her previous roles. I would have appreciated a gentler more demure Juliet than the one at the park that night. But perhaps her characterisation was more in line with the modernity that the production was aiming for.

Juliet on her balcony thinking about her Romeo

Ramesh Panicker was every part the important Capulet patriarch, Juliet’s father, and played his role with presence and formality. One clearly got the sense that he was someone not to be trifled with.

Overall, the strong cast kept the entire audience riveted to the developments on stage which were fast paced and none too draggy.

Do also keep a look out for Edward Choy (Goh Keng Swee ~ The LKY Musical) who plays Paris the disappointed suitor, Shane Mardjuki (SRT’s Hello Goodbye) who plays Mercutio the impulsive friend of Romeo and Benjamin Chow (Lim Chin Siong ~ The LKY Musical/ The Troll in SRT’s The Three Billy Goats Gruff),  who plays Benvolio Montague.

Audiences will not have missed the dramatic accompanying music setting the mood of each scene so precisely. From the romantic scenes of the two young star-crossed lovers to the fight scenes as Tybalt challenges Romeo and then the sense of urgency and shock of Mercutio’s death, the music of Ruth Ling set the tone for the play to perfection. Special mention must also be made about the exquisite costumes designed by award winning Moe Kasim, which gave the play a distinctive modern yet Asian feel especially at the Capulet’s party.

Going to this play made me feel like a hopeful school girl again and brought back fond memories of those carefree college days. I had fun and am thankful for the special company I had that night – my beloved (who isn’t quite a Shakespearean fan)… but said he had a fun night too haha…

I am hopeful that we’ll be able to venture to more park productions if they come by again. However, it is highly likely that this Shakespeare in the Park- Romeo and Juliet would be the last park production for a while (unless a patron sponsor is found soon) so don’t miss out on this very special experience.

The run ends on May 22nd 2016, at Fort Canning, entrance by the Gothic Gate. Book your tickets at SISTIC, show details at end of post.

If you do go, be early as carpark is limited (nearest carpark – Carpark A, 50 spaces) but free at night 🙂 Otherwise, park at Park Mall and make a short walk across to Fort Canning Hill. Also everyone gets there early to get best seats as it’s free seating!

Thank you for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

SAys! Audrey  

We are grateful for the opportunity to attend SRT’s Shakespeare in the Park ~ Romeo and Juliet, for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated monetarily for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of SRT and were provided for the purposes of this review. All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

About Shakespeare in the Park – Romeo and Juliet

Dates: Wed, 27 Apr – Sun, 22 May 2016 @ 7.30pm (Park opens at 6.30pm)

Venue: Fort Canning Park (Located at Gothic Gate at Carpark A)

Ticketing: SISTIC website or call 6348 5555

Ticket Pricing (Excludes Booking Fee)

Preview show (27 & 28 Apr 2016) & all Wednesday shows

Picnic:
Advanced Ticket – S$40 (Available until one day before performance)
Standard Ticket – S$50 (Event Day)

*Premium Picnic:
Advanced Ticket – S$58 (Available until one day before performance)
Standard Ticket – S$68 (Event Day)

Pavilion Package – S$85
(Includes a priority queue, a seat, 2 glasses of wine or soft drinks, canapes and souvenir programme.)

Thu, Fri and Sun shows except 1 May(PH)

Picnic:
Advanced Ticket – S$48 (Available until one day before performance)
Standard Ticket – S$58 (Event Day)

*Premium Picnic:
Advanced Ticket – S$68 (Available until one day before performance)
Standard Ticket – S$78 (Event Day)

Pavilion Package – S$98
(Includes priority queue, a seat, 2 glasses of wine or soft drinks, canapes and souvenir programme.)

Sat shows
1 May (Labour Day) and 21 May (Vesak Day)

Picnic:
Advanced Ticket – S$58 (Available until one day before performance)
Standard Ticket – S$68 (Event Day)

*Premium Picnic:
Advanced Ticket – S$78 (Available until one day before performance)
Standard Ticket – S$88 (Event Day)

Pavilion Package – S$108
(Includes priority queue, a seat, 2 glasses of wine or soft drinks, canapes and souvenir programme.)

 *Includes priority queue, a spot in the Reserved Picnic area near the stage and an inflatable backrest.

 

{Review} A Magical Mind-blowing Night with The Illusionists @ MBS

The kids were all so excited to know they were going for a Friday night treat yet again at the Marina Bay Sands Theatres, this time to watch the opening night of the world’s best selling touring magic show, The Illusionists – Live from Broadway!

Both Shirley and I had trouble keeping their excitement contained before the show, after all it isn’t everyday you get to watch world class magicians perform right before your eyes! The first time Wey came close to live magic was at A Night of Magic at Raffles and he has been left wanting more since.

Just fresh from a highly successful multi city tour and run on Broadway, Singapore is set to be dazzled and thrilled by the death-defying and mind-blowing tricks by The Illusionists this May! The Illusionists – Live from Broadway opens at the Marina Bay Sands, MasterCard Theatres from 6 – 15 May 2016. More detailed show info at end of post. Book your tickets fast at Marina Bay Sands Ticketing Website or SISTIC .

And it was an amazing Opening night of magic for everyone in the audience! A total of 8 world class magicians are showcased in The Illusionists – Live from Broadway! Yes! not just 1 but 7 different acts to take your breath away and set you at the edge of your seats! haha!

The 8 world class magicians include:

The Master Magician ~ Luis De Matos

Luis hails from Portugal and is renowned for pushing boundaries in stage illusion. He plays the host of the entire show and knits the entire presentation together seamlessly as he entertains and beholds the audience who cannot help but be in awe and amazement.

Luis De Matos ~ Shirley says he is oogle-worthy …. haha I have to concur 🙂

The kids and I were left dumbfounded by his seemingly impossible opening act… and it was easily my favourite one for the night. First, he shows you a glass with water and he dabbles with the water, and before you know it, a real life goldfish is swimming in it!!! Next he covers the tank of water that has no life whatsoever in it and with a gentle tap and dabble of the water, he reveals a tank full of live goldfish swimming vibrantly in the tank (I hear it’s 250 goldfish!!!) …How did he  do it?!!??? I DON’T Know hahaha but I love it!!!

Here’s a little sneak peak video from the preview session… haha and you will see what I mean… Want more? haha Catch him at the show 🙂

The Clairvoyants ~ Thommy Ten and Amelie Van Tass

I cannot but be left in awe of the powers of Amelie Van Tass… yes I mean powers when I say powers. She must have a super power of some kind because what she did cannot be called a trick! These two young magicians’ ability to read the minds of others certainly left the entire theatre astonished and in wonder! Quite simply said, it was Mind-blowing!

During the show, Amelie was blindfolded while Thommy told everyone in the audience to hold out something personal in their hands. Amelie could say exactly what was the item that Thommy took from the volunteer, effortlessly! Items identified included a lip balm (and even the colour no.), a bank token, the Serial No. of a $2 note! hahha need I continue? Amelie could even tell the birth date of a lady – 30 September.. wow!

Look at what Amelie did with Shirley’s packet of tissue in the video below and tell me how she did it if you can! Better yet, go watch her and be convinced about her ‘powers’.

I do not know how Amelie did it!! haha… perhaps she went for Shichida classes everyday for 24hours?? hahaha… I must ask Shirley since she is a Shichida parent 🙂 LOL!!

The Escapologist ~ Krendl

Both K and Wey’s absolute favourite for the night was Krendl, the Escapologist!

The Escapologist ~ Wey’s favourite Magician Hero 🙂

Krendl was truly spectacular, infusing both old and new world magic. He kept Wey at the edge of his seat as he attempted to escape from a closed box before the sharp knives came plunging down into the box. As the countdown clock went to zero, the knives came plunging into the box which fell open to reveal an empty box and before you knew it, in a poof, Krendl appeared at the back of the theatre instead!

The breath-taking feats did not stop there. Yes the kids were holding their breath and hoping for the best as Krendl performed the death-defying Harry Houdini trick in the water chamber!

Water-torture chamber! How long can Krendl hold his breath for to escape?

At one point, Wey really thought it was the end for Krendl and let out an anxious cry of despair and fear. haha… but all is well for the top magician as he emerged unscathed, he became an instant hero in Wey’s heart! 🙂

The Manipulator, Hyun Jon Kim

I personally enjoyed the acts of Hyun Jon Kim a lot. I kept my eyes fixed on his fast fingers, just to figure out how he did what he did….

Watch those quick fingers of The Manipulator!

Nope, I still cannot figure how The Manipulator managed to pull cards from mid air or make playing cards turn blank with a wipe of his hands and later on make photos of each magician appear on the blank cards! It was a Wow moment indeed! Wey thinks he has a photo-copier hand that zaps the prints onto the cards as he wipes over them! hahaha! (hmm, where is that laughter emoticon?)

The Eccentric ~ Charlie Frye and Sherry

In classic Charlie Chaplin style, The Eccentric Charlie Frye entertains everyone with silent comedy, slapstick acrobatics, juggling and magic. We had quite a few oohs and aaahs from K, Wey and R as he juggled balls and pins endlessly without missing a beat!

Charlie Frye and wife Sherry

The Enigma ~ Sam Powers

Sam Powers magic was so grand-scale that Shirley is still marvelling at the feat. During the show, he made this shiny red train appear in a flash right before our eyes. It was so fast, we almost didn’t get it. Yup, a real train just popped up suddenly on stage!

Now did you catch the train that just appeared on stage?

The Alchemist ~ Leonardo Bruno

When The Alchemist asked for a lovely volunteer and picked a lady, Wey cried out to me, “Hey, mummy, you should be the one he picked ‘cos you are really more lovely than her!” hahaha… it was so amusing and heartwarming to hear that from my baby boy. (Nobody get in the way of this boy’s mummy! LOL!) Born into a family of magic, this young magician thrilled the audience with simple amusing tricks and left the lady volunteer charmed with a lovely rose in the end.

Hint : Do book early for front row seats if you want to have a good chance of being picked as a volunteer. There are lots of opportunities for audience participation throughout the show and it makes the night so much more memorable and fun!

The New York Times calls it “a high-tech magic extravaganza” and NY1 cheers, “Awesome. A solid 10!”

It’s not any wonder why The Illusionists ~ Live from Broadway is a smash hit! With it’s all new mind-blowing magic, death defying stunts, I now have 3 kiddos that want to be illusionists too!!! haha… I can totally understand them after watching the spectacular acts tonight!  (hmmm, where do I find Magic School for these wannabes?!!)

Illusionists Wannabes!! LOL!

Be inspired, dumbfounded and amazed by The Illusionists~ Live from Broadway, we were! I am so glad to have had a magical night to remember with these 3 happy kids for always 🙂

Psst! Just for Mothers’ Day, 8 May 2016, MOTHERS GO FREE!!!! So hurry and get booking now for Sunday!

Buy 1 standard priced ticket and Mum gets to go FREE!!  Only valid for B/C/D Reserve tickets, for shows on 8th May @ 1pm or 6pm. Flash your ticket stub at Long Chim Restaurant & Bar at MBS and get 15% off ala-carte dining. *This promo is NOT an illusion…. hahaa

Thank you for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you’ve read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

~ SAys! Audrey

We are grateful for the opportunity to attend The Illusionists ~ Live from Broadway for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of Base Entertainment Asia and were provided for the purposes of this review. All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

About The Illusionists ~ Live from Broadway

When: 6 to 15 May 2016 |  Wed to Fri : 7.30pm |  Sat : 2pm, plus 7.30pm for 7 May 2016 only | Sun: 1pm & 6pm 

Where: Sands Theatre, MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands (Map)

Who: Children under 3 years of age may be admitted free of charge provided they do not occupy a seat (they must be seated on the lap of a parent or guardian). Children aged 3 years and above must purchase a ticket for admission.

Duration: Approx. 120 min with 20 min interval

Ticket Price (excludes Booking Fee):

VIP Reserve : S$165
A Reserve : S$145
B Reserve : S$115
C Reserve : S$85
D Reserve : S$55

Series Pass Saver

25% off standard tickets with Series Pass Saver (Through Marina Bay Sands Ticketing Website, Call Center, SISTIC Hotline and Internet Only)
Save 25% when you buy tickets to more than one Base Entertainment family show

Tickets available through:

Marina Bay Sands Ticketing Website
SISTIC Website
SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555
SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide

{Giveaway} Shakespeare in the Park ~ Romeo & Juliet | Celebrating Shakespeare’s life & works 400 years on

If you’ve always hated Literature as a subject but loved reading books simply just to venture into a far faraway land without worrying over Grade A or F, you would be familiar with William Shakespeare and his works.  The tragic love story between Romeo & Juliet is perhaps the most classic story used during schools days.

Today, 400 years following the death of William Shakespeare, Singapore Repertory Theatre specially presents Romeo & Juliet as the ninth production in the Shakespeare in the Park series. Past productions from the series include The Tempest, The Merchant of Venice, Othello, Twelfth Night, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Much Ado About.

To join in on the celebrations over Shakespeare’s life and works, SRT has chosen to stage what is probably Shakespeare’s most well-loved play, which has had a profound influence on music, film, theatre and debates over the years.  For us, it will be our first Shakespeare in the Park experience and we are really excited over the opportunity.  If you have any tips to share, please tell us!

SRT’s production of Romeo & Juliet will be the biggest Shakespeare production in this part of the world in 2016. It will be a stunning contemporary production created by some of the best theatre practitioners on and off stage.

“Our production of Romeo & Juliet focuses on the breathless quality of the play, of love tragically cut off before it ever really begins. Set in a modern dystopia, our production presents a heartbreaking tale of forbidden love, fatal choices and passion bigger than life itself. Come to the park to recapture the feeling that never leaves you: first love.” – Daniel Slater, Director of Romeo & Juliet

The annual tradition of Shakespeare in the Park attracts up to 30,000 people from all walks of life and is an anchor event in the cultural calendars of many.

The young lovers will be portrayed by Thomas Pang (Tribes) and Cheryl Tan (Beauty World and Red Riding Hood), with Remesh Panicker, Shane Mardjuki and Daniel Jenkins in other leading roles.

Giveaway

We have TWO (2) pairs of Picnic Tickets with a total worth of $200 for our readers.  So grab your spouse or BFF and take part in this giveaway together for maximum chance!  Winners will be receiving a pair of tickets each.  Just click on the image below to take part.  Do follow the instructions below to take part for your chance to win!

Click on this image to take part in the Rafflecopter Giveaway

Terms and Conditions:

• Giveaway ends 16 April 2016, Saturday at 0000hrs.
• Prize is fixed and cannot be changed to a different day or time.
• The Winner will be notified by the email provided under the blog comments and must reply within 48 hours, failing which, a new winner will be drawn, without notice.
• This giveaway is open to Singapore residents only.
• The Sponsor reserves the right to request for a redraw if the drawn winner on our blog has also won tickets to the show from another giveaway.
• Incomplete entries will be disqualified without notice. Decisions are final and no changes/disputes will be entertained.
• All information is solely collected for the purpose of this giveaway and we will not send unsolicited emails to your inbox unless you have opted to subscribe to us (on the right of this page!).
• This giveaway is in no manner associated with any social media accounts except our blog.

Best of luck!

~ SAys! Shirley & Audrey 🙂

About Romeo & Juliet

Dates: Wed, 27 Apr – Sun, 22 May 2016 @ 7.30pm (Park opens at 6.30pm)

Venue: Fort Canning Park (Located at Gothic Gate at Carpark A)

Ticketing: SISTIC website or call 6348 5555

Ticket Pricing (Excludes Booking Fee)

Preview show (27 & 28 Apr 2016) & all Wednesday shows

Picnic:
Advanced Ticket – S$40 (Available until one day before performance)
Standard Ticket – S$50 (Event Day)

*Premium Picnic:
Advanced Ticket – S$58 (Available until one day before performance)
Standard Ticket – S$68 (Event Day)

Pavilion Package – S$85
(Includes a priority queue, a seat, 2 glasses of wine or soft drinks, canapes and souvenir programme.)

Thu, Fri and Sun shows except 1 May(PH)

Picnic:
Advanced Ticket – S$48 (Available until one day before performance)
Standard Ticket – S$58 (Event Day)

*Premium Picnic:
Advanced Ticket – S$68 (Available until one day before performance)
Standard Ticket – S$78 (Event Day)

Pavilion Package – S$98
(Includes priority queue, a seat, 2 glasses of wine or soft drinks, canapes and souvenir programme.)

Sat shows
1 May (Labour Day) and 21 May (Vesak Day)

Picnic:
Advanced Ticket – S$58 (Available until one day before performance)
Standard Ticket – S$68 (Event Day)

*Premium Picnic:
Advanced Ticket – S$78 (Available until one day before performance)
Standard Ticket – S$88 (Event Day)

Pavilion Package – S$108
(Includes priority queue, a seat, 2 glasses of wine or soft drinks, canapes and souvenir programme.)

 *Includes priority queue, a spot in the Reserved Picnic area near the stage and an inflatable backrest.

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[Update 19 Apr ’16]

Our heartiest congratulations to below winners for fulfilling the requirements in the Rafflecopter giveaway!  We will be in touch shortly with regards to prize redemption details.

[Update 19 Apr ’16]

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