Based on Russia’s infamous “Mad Monk” Grigori Rasputin, this ballet production stars superstar Sergei Polunin, who will perform in Singapore for the first time. The bad boy of ballet was London Royal Ballet’s youngest-ever male principal dancer at the age of 21. Polunin’s controversial role in Rasputin explores the ambivalence between power and weakness, good and evil. Rasputin also touches on the title character’s complex psychology and moral ambivalence, as well as his catastrophic effect on the Russian court. The set is modelled on a chessboard.
Rooted in Bali
Mizuma Gallery, Gillman Barracks
Jan 10 to Feb 16
Rooted in Bali, curated by Hermanto Soerjanto, presents the works of three contemporary artists who were born, raised and are now working in Bali. Coming from three different generations and with different artistic approaches as well as techniques and media, Budi Agung Kuswara, I Made Djirna and Made Wianta share something in common: At some point in their lives, they left the island to free themselves from the confines of the image of Bali and to seek global artistic values, despite being rooted in the Balinese spirit.
FILM
Official Secrets
In theatres Dec 26
It is 2003, and as politicians in Britain and the US angle to invade Iraq, British Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) translator Katharine Gun (Keira Knightley) leaks a classified email that urged her and her colleagues at the GCHQ to help in a secret US plot designed to secure a UN resolution to send troops into Iraq. Charged with breaking the British Official Secrets Act, and facing imprisonment, Katharine and her lawyers set out to defend her actions. With her life, liberty and marriage threatened, she must stand up for what she believes in. Based on the true story of a woman’s struggle for truth.
Judy
In theatres Jan 9
Fans of Judy Garland, star of 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz, will not want to miss this movie based on her life. Directed by British stage director Rupert Goold, it stars Renée Zellweger as the 46-year-old Garland in 1969, struggling to balance her career, children, health and love life. To cope with the stress, she resorts to drinking, drugs and impetuously getting married.
NIGHT LIFE
Coyote Ugly
3B River Valley Rd, Clarke Quay Blk B,
#01-08, Singapore 179021
Opens in January
The doors of the famous Coyote Ugly Saloon will swing open in Clarke Quay next month. This well-known American bar and restaurant brand, which inspired the cult movie of the same name in 2000, features female bartenders and dancers called Coyotes in a fun drinking environment. It will be taking over the premises of the former f-Club. The 700-capacity bar and restaurant will offer nightly choreographed dance routines.
