Forget the elaborate costumes and stages that you know from classical western opera! Join Akiko and Reuben in an introductory showcase to chamber opera - classical opera’s smaller, cozier and more modern counterpart – and be mesmerised by their exclusive performance at Museum @ My Queenstown!

Meet Akiko Otao and Reuben Lai!

Akiko Otao

Hello everyone, I am Akiko Otao, co-artistic director at L’arietta Productions! My earliest memory of western opera would be watching Verdi’s Aida at the Olympic Theatre in Tokyo back in the 80s. Even though I was maybe only 4 years old then, I distinctly remember live elephants and being spellbound by the melodies, drama and set of the show!

Till today, I believe in the power of that raw, operatic human voice, the magic of the stage and of performance. I hope this programme brings that same mesmerizing experience I myself felt when I first encountered opera. At its heart, opera is about being human and I am very excited to bring an experience of that humanity in this upcoming programme!

Reuben Lai

Hi, I am Reuben Lai, co-artistic director at L’arietta Productions! To be very honest, I did not enjoy western opera when I first encountered it as a teenager. It was not until 1988 when I first took part in an operatic production that I fell in love with it. As a member of the cast, there was something electrifying about performing and being part of a community and art form that is so rich in technique, artistry and history!

For me, the best operas are those that take you through a rollercoaster of emotions. It should make you laugh, cry, think and, most importantly, come back for more of this dizzying experience. This session will introduce you to a little bit of opera’s history but we will also make history as we perform a site-specific piece at the Museum @ My Queenstown!

More about L’arietta Productions

Founded by Akiko Otao and Reuben Lai in 2015, L’arietta Productions is a contemporary chamber opera company focusing on high-quality, cozy and provocative operatic performances. The pair first met in 2012 at a local production of Fences where Akiko played Nora and Reuben played Nora’s father-in-law. Their fictional connection extended into real life when they found that they both shared a burning passion for opera and a desire to update it for Singaporeans.

L’arietta Productions was born to challenge the preconceptions of opera by providing an intimate experience that communicates the zeitgeist of the 21st century. The young company is always seeking for new experimental pieces and collaborative opportunities to push the limits of opera and showcase it to a greater audience.

Details of the Programme

• Language: English
• Dates:

• Sat, 11 Sep: 1400-1500, 1530-1630, 1700-1800
• Sat, 18 Sep: 1400-1500, 1530-1630, 1700-1800

• Meeting Point:

• Entrance of Museum @ My Queenstown (46-3 Commonwealth Drive #01-388 Singapore 140463)

• Please arrive 20 minutes before the event for registration. Our facilitators will be wearing our event t-shirt.
• Parking is available behind blocks 46-2 and 46-3 Commonwealth Drive Singapore 140463.
• Venue is not wheelchair accessible.
• The event will proceed rain or shine.

Who should come?

• All are welcome to participate!

What to bring?

• Participants should bring along an umbrella, hand sanitisers, and a bottle of water.
• Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably.
• Asthmatic individuals are encouraged to bring their inhaler.

COVID-19 Precautions

• All hosts and facilitators in this tour programme are fully vaccinated or have taken a Pre-Event Test (PET) in the past 24 hours
• Facilitators in this tour or programme are trained in basic first-aid.
• All participants must complete TraceTogether, a health declaration form and temperature taking at the start of the event.
• All participants must wear their masks properly throughout the event.
• All participants must maintain a one-metre distance from other participants during the event.
• All participants will be issued with coloured stickers and be divided into smaller groups. Participants must stay with their groups and not intermingle between the groups

Disclaimer

• All ticket sales are final. There will be no refund if you wish to cancel your tickets.
• By agreeing to participate in the event, participants are responsible for any injury, loss or damage due to the negligence on his/her part or of the children under his/her charge.
• Participants must abide by the house rules set out by the host. Facilitators will brief participants at the start of the programme.
• Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.
• It is compulsory for a parent/guardian to accompany any child of or under the age of 12.

For updates:

• Follow us at @mycommunitysg on Instagram and @myqueenstown on Facebook.
• Visit mycommunityfestival.sg for all our latest updates.