Kicking off Pangdemonium’s 2015 “Transformation Trilogy” is the comedy-drama “Circle Mirror Transformation” – the perfect play to open the year with. A hilarious and heartwarming tale of lost souls in search of new beginnings, this show runs from 29 January to 15 February 2015 at the DBS Arts Centre.
“Circle Mirror Transformation”, written by Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker, is set in an acting class made up of five wannabe actors – “earth mother” Marty, beautiful former actress Theresa, shy divorcee Shultz, moody teenager Lauren, and gregarious & gung-ho James. The line between their real lives and the theatre games they play soon blurs, and this transforms into much more than an acting class, as scenes of epic absurdity and drama of theatrical proportions unfold, jaw-dropping secrets are revealed, hearts are quietly torn apart, and lives are changed forever.
Much like the play’s characters, the show features an eclectic cast: award-winning actor Daniel Jenkins, the ever-versatile Adrian Pang, and Selma Alkaff, making her professional
debut since graduating from the School of the Arts. This will also be Neo Swee Lin and Nikki Muller’s debut production with Pangdemonium.
Voted as one of the top ten plays of 2009 by the New York Times, Time Out and theNew Yorker, “Circle Mirror Transformation” is full of heart and humour, and is a slyly astute observation of human nature and relationships, and our need to connect with one another.
Artistic Directors Tracie and Adrian Pang were smitten by this very funny and poignant study of human behavior observed through a peephole into an acting class. “This play is a hilariously quirky and heartwarming love letter to this thing we call theatre, and a surprisingly moving exposition of everyone’s quest for love, understanding and hope. The play’s theme of change and new beginnings kickstarts our 2015 Season perfectly, as it mirrors every individual’s inherent need for “rebirth”, “re-invention” and “renewal” as we start the year. SG50 or not, CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION is a great way to start 2015 – with lots of laughs, and even a couple of tears, and a timely reminder that we’re all, as individuals and as a community, trying to make sense of this world, and make the best of this life.”
Circle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker
Venue: DBS Arts Centre
Dates: 29 January – 15 February 2015
Times: Tue to Sun, 8pm; Sat 3pm and 8pm
Prices: $30 – $55
Ticket purchase: www.sistic.com.sg
“An absolute feast! Circle Mirror Transformation is the kind of gem that sends people into the streets babbling and bright-eyed with the desire to spread the word. Absorbing, unblinking and sharply funny.” New York Times
“Humorous and heartbreaking.” Associated Press