A two-hour monopoly on comestibles — that’s what a movie theater has on each viewer. More decisively, a precious non-familial relation (significant other, social peer) usually accompaines the client. So to maintain status he usually pays up. (What’s ten bucks in comparison to not getting sex or being the laughing stock of one’s social circle?)

To add on to Gamerz blog entry, What is Man? (水许传) is part of the Huayi festival that occurs during the Lunar New Year period [http://www.huayifestival.com/2008/WhatisMan/whatisman.html]

In response to some points made, upon attending past productions (Huayi & Singapore Arts Festivals) possibly due to cultural differences, foreign productions style and content may not be as easily taken to by locals. English translation sometimes can’t bring out the ‘feeling’ associated with that classic story or instant humour tailored with taiwanese taste in What is Man? Having exposed to taiwanese culture (taiwanese dad & relatives), though being brought up here (singaporean mom), I was able to understand and enjoy the nice contrast of classic opera actions versus modern taiwan current affairs jokes or vulgarities. I felt this production was more adept to those under 40 years of age, it should be a hit with younger guys. As depicted in the production. in the context of more aggressive taiwanese folks, especially in underworld gangs, vulgarities use and speaking loudly are very common.

I must admit for theatre arts patrons, $88 is rather pricey for a modern production (lesser props, casts and costumes). However cost is often relative to revenue. Personally I find a reasonable price for a weekly event, if that constitute 2% or less of my monthly wage. (i.e.: If I earn $2500, I would spend on average about $50 on a production)

Overall I felt this production displayed the difficulties guys encounter and their rationalising process with regards to loyalty to brotherhood, potency or impotency, love, women, trust, income earning capacity, social image, society pressures, etc. Then ending that with an interesting notion on universe creation. Perhaps it is contrasting man against universe - earth’s creation and survival of years had been irrelevant of man’s problems/desires.

In all, as compared to other modern or singapore productions, I must admit that the actors were sharp, witty and stage displays and transitions were refreshing. I was satisfied to had attended this event.

*The above personal views are made by a 26 year old female who attended the 8pm production on 13 Feb 2008 who is not working in any arts related industry or job nature.

The performance was not bad and as what you said if I am earning 2.5K per month, $88 is a small amount. I totally agree with that statement =D

i was a little disappointed how my 2 familiar actors (David Wang and Joseph Chang) replied the questions from the audience. they sumed up like everything is fine. duh… i saw David counting the rows of audience, then talking to another actor beside him. wonder is he talking about some beautiful girls in the audience seats.

hi GaMerZ, the drinks bars outside the theatre are under Oriental hotel i think… hotel prices, $4 coke is typical?
=P

Is it by Oriental Hotel? If that is the case that explains why. lol