A decade later, the ban was lifted and now artist Loo Zihan is restaging this attention-grabbing act again, this time as “Cane”, in the long-running platform for small, high-quality art acts and works: the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival (www.singaporefringe.com).
“I was ten years old when Brother Cane was performed,” says Loo in the introduction to his re-enactment. “It was my first exposure to performance art. I identify with a lot of issues that Josef Ng was trying to highlight with his piece. And it is the right time to stage 'Cane' with the changes brought about in Singaporeans by the last General Elections and with the maturing of our artistic community."
“I believe strongly that it is time for us to take pride in our local art history. Re-enactment is something only an artistically mature community can accept, and I believe the Singaporean performance art community is ready for this form."
Artist Loo Zihan is not happy just to sit in silence.
“While nothing has changed with laws regarding homosexuality, society is not just about the laws that govern it. With events like Pink Dot, the gay community has an increased visibility and presence, and personally, I feel that Singaporeans are increasingly tolerance of difference, a necessary change for a country made up of such a diverse group of people.”
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“Cane” will be performed at The Substation on February 19, 8 p.m.; www.singaporefringe.com
All pictures by Miao Jiaxin.
