TAY Tong 郑 东
Performing Arts in Singapore (Theatre/Drama),
Accession Number 003458
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 2
Total Reels
- Teo Kian Giap
Interviewer
- 01:34:28
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 2
Metadata
- 26 Jan 2010
Recording Date
- 00:58:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Mr Tay gave a brief introduction of himself. Chinese-educated parents and a brother, had a large extended family helmed by grandfather. Drastic change in family situation due to demist of grandfather and father’s illness, in particular the finances. Thereafter, adopted an outlook that one must be independent in life etc.
Arts was in the family. Parents and brother played music instruments except him. Father did not pressure to study. Watching both Chinese and English films. In Anglo-Chinese School (ACS), introduced to Shakespear through English literature. School encouraged the arts. Friends such as Ong Keng Sen, Ivan Heng, Lim Yu Beng. Felt that he did not need a degree, joined Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after National Service (NS), doing administrative job.
During NS days, watched a lot of performances with Ong Keng Sen, whom he knew since 13 years old. He later staged managed for Ong during Ong’s university days at National University of Singapore (NUS) and also at Theatre Works (like Beauty World in 1988).
Worked at MHA from 1984 – 89 . Joined TheatreWorks as Production Manager in 1989. Had to multi-task but learnt every aspect of the job. Mid 90s was golden years, with 12 full time staff. 2010, only 4 to 5 full time staff. Spoke on reason leaving MHA and joined Theatre Works. Mentioned situation of new arts manager entering the industry, and the different scenario when he joined in the late 80s. Talked about how the arts managers trained themselves for the job.
Touched on his reasons of studying for a MA at Goldsmiths College, and his experiences from it. Why he chose to come back to Singapore, in part due to Arts Network Asia (ANA). His role at ANA.
Highlights at Theatre Works (eg. Black Box, Mohd Sultan spaces, Springboard project with British Council).
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Reel/Disc 2 of 2
Metadata
- 26 Jan 2010
Recording Date
- 00:35:48
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Shared the plans for Theatre Works 25th Anniversary in 2010, and the rationale behind them. Quoted past productions of Theatre Works and tentative programming (documentary performance, restaging, site specific works, Night Festival 2010).
Talked about his working relationship with the artistic director Mr Ong Keng Sen.
Awarded Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Culture Award in 1996. First arts manager to be given the award in Singapore.
Mentioned the few panels that he sat in Singapore. Skeptical about these panels and committees currently. Felt that more effective to work through smaller eco-system like Theatre Works or 72-13.
Sat in a few foreign panels such as 104 (arts centre in Paris) and Rolex Mentor-Protégé Programme.
Challenges for arts administrators / managers in Singapore.
Advice for young arts managers.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
