However, it will take some ten years or more for the ordinary Singaporean to be imbued [...]]]>

The Esplanade is a world-class centre for the arts here. It is fitting that Singapore, having become a developed country, should have this accompaniment to help it announce to the world that it has indeed arrived as a developed country.

However, it will take some ten years or more for the ordinary Singaporean to be imbued with the appreciation of the arts – of culture, that is. In helping the country to reach its developed status, Singaporeans, in general, have had little or no time for the arts. Until then, The Esplanade will serve as a visual inspiration for Singaporeans to gear up interest in the arts.

Perhaps, the building of The Esplanade is a step forward for the people of Singapore in that this world-class facility serves to boost the service industry of Singapore. World-class performances attract audiences from the neighbouring countries to our shores. Such activities bring in money for the economy, besides providing employment for Singaporeans. The Government is right to pursue the development of the service industry, such as hospitality and tourism, to fuel growth for the economy in the years to come.

The Esplanade may not be first in the minds of many arts performance organisers here as it is expensive. It also may not fit the needs of these organisers who are generally looking for smaller theatres, with 400 or less seats. The closure of 326-seat The Drama Centre in Fort Canning on 15 Jul 2002 has exacerbated the problem of arts organisers looking for suitable smaller venues. The Drama Centre building is making way for the extension of the Singapore History Museum (in front of it).

With the arts being actively encouraged and Singaporeans having more time to devote to the arts, I look forward to the day when enough Singaporeans can be rallied to support the arts industry by attending its performances. When that day arrives, we will be able to put The Esplanade to full use as arts organisers will no longer think of small venues for their acts.

I am sorry to say that I have come home empty-handed! That’s because [...]]]>

Last weekend, I was at The Esplanade’s Open House to take in the sights as well as shoot some pictures to show those of you here who have yet to pay a visit to the Durian – as The Esplanade is fondly known.

I am sorry to say that I have come home empty-handed! That’s because I was stopped by The Esplanade’s staff from taking pictures of the place.
But, I am quite sore about the whole thing – not because I was told not to take pictures in the place, but rather because others have been allowed to get away with taking pictures.

A lady was clicking away but nobody stopped her. When I started taking pictures, one chap came up to me to tell me, politely of course, that photography was not allowed. Could it be the colour of my skin? The lady was a Caucasian tourist. Or could it be that tourists received better treatment than locals?

Being a typical Singaporean, I admit I was easily peeved at the thought of being discriminated against. This chap explained that I couldn’t take pictures there because there was a large piece of artwork which stretched across the whole foyer on the ground floor where we were standing.

When I pointed out that others were taking pictures too, he said that they were members of the media. But, frankly, that was a lame answer he had blurted out for that lady wasn’t a member of the press. She was a tourist pure and simple! Another Caucasian, presumably her hubby, was with her.

I then asked if I could take pictures of other areas in The Esplanade and was told that only the media was allowed to do that. After I identified myself as being a member of the media, he said as a matter of factly that I still needed permission as well as an escort. 
Now, I start to wonder why on earth their management has chosen to declare Open House at The Esplanade. I am sure you will agree with me that the idea of Open House means you are very welcome to look around as well as take pictures of the place!

But when you splash the words Open House and then let your staff pick and choose who they can stop from taking pictures and who they should close an eye to, you risk getting the wrong message across.

Part of The Esplanade’s Mission, according to their Web site, is that “We will set exceptional standards of service that will position us as a world leader.” I think the management needs to sit down and think of a way to drill that message into the minds of their staff.

I came away from The Esplanade disgruntled. It was my first visit there and it has left a bad after-taste in me.