Singapore: Skin is in

It don’t matter if you’re black or white…” When Michael Jackson sang that line, he obviously did not have the grand M1 Singapore Fringe Festival in mind. And black, white, grey and more is the focus of the 13th edition of the theatre and art extravaganza with the theme ‘Art and Skin’, to be held from 4 to 15 January in venues across Singapore including LaSalle College and Centre 42. The skin being ‘a vessel for protection, identification, attraction and stimulation’, acts, reacts and leads to an upheaval of emotions, feels the festival’s artistic director Sean Tobin. With debates and activities related to art and skin, there are three categories: Fringe Highlights, which presents performances such as one by burlesque troupe ‘Skin in SIN’ that explores racism and xenophobia; Live Fringe, which features many talks, dance performances and sketches; and Fresh Fringe, the platform for upcoming artists. With a total of 12 events from 7 countries, the Singapore Fringe Festival has enough thought-provoking performances to keep you enthralled. Tickets for $25; visit singaporefringe.com