A Work-In-Progress reading of “Social Distancing Ambassadors” By Zulfadli Rashid (Big) | SIFA 2024
Admission: Free with $20 Refundable Deposit
Synopsis
During the pandemic, Norah's career pause from the airline industry led her to embrace the role of a Social Distancing Ambassador, offering stability amidst her father's conspiracy theories. Teaming up with Brayden, they navigate pandemic challenges alongside Norah's father, Haji Razali, while forming unexpected bonds.
Experience their journey through this work-in-progress, "Social Distancing Ambassadors (SDA)" - a dramatic reading followed by an artist-audience dialogue.
This play is written by our outgoing Writer-in-Residence, Zulfadli Rashid (Big). It is part of Centre 42's line-up at SIFA 2024: Tomorrow and Tomorrow.
Documentation
Video documentation of the 1 June performance of Social Distancing Ambassadors. Video Credit: Moonrise Studio, courtesy of Arts House Limited.
Creator's Message
During COVID and the Circuit-Breaker (CB), I found solace in the simplicity of life without the usual chaos. It made me realize the privilege of stability in uncertain times, which I'm humbled by. Social Distancing Ambassadors is my attempt to capture the essence of that period, to preserve our collective memory. It's a work in progress, and I'm grateful for the chance to share a piece of it with the guidance of Sean Tobin and the talented cast - Elnie, Abang Joe, and Andre. I welcome feedback from the audience to help shape its development.
The Process: Behind the Scenes
15 March: Post-rehearsal feedback and discussion during the first read for Social Distancing Ambassadors, featuring playwright Zulfadli Rashid, director Sean Tobin, and performers Elnie Mashari, Andre Chong, and Joe Jasmi.
27 May: Andre and Elnie, in character as "social distancing ambassadors", rehearsing a scene in the Rehearsal Studio at 42 Waterloo Street.
28 May: Elnie and Joe rehearsing one of the last scenes of the work-in-progress in the Black Box at 42 Waterloo Street.
31 May: The cast during the curtain call of the first performance of Social Distancing Ambassadors. Photo Credit: Moonrise Studio, courtesy of Arts House Limited. View more photos at Centre 42's Facebook.