“Dabao” (takeaway) culture has long been a unique and intrinsic part of local life here but how can we make it more sustainable? That’s the central question at the heart of Reuse Lab, a new showcase by Singapore multidisciplinary design studio Forest & Whale. Spurred by the environmental damage caused by disposable food packaging and Singapore’s “dabao” culture, the studio interviewed hawkers and created sustainable, reusable and user-friendly takeaway alternatives that are based on local icons.

Take for example how the KopiCup (pictured) was inspired by the traditional kopitiam milk tin, or what a hybrid takeaway container comprising a compostable paper liner and a reusable container might look like.

Reuse Lab itself is part of  Good Design Research, a new initiative launched by DesignSingapore Council to support designers in their efforts to tackle some of Singapore’s biggest challenges, from sustainability to pandemic-induced issues. Over the next year, a new project will be showcased monthly that addresses challenges across various topics such as the environment, communities and culture.

Read more about it here.

October 15 to September 30, 2022 at Pop-up Gallery, Level 1 National Design Centre

What’s in a name? Theatre company Wild Rice’s latest production, Straight Acting, seeks to explore new definitions to the term “family”.

A comedy written by award-winning playwright Thomas Lim, the show’s premise focuses on two pairs of gay couples who marry in order to have a child. The play takes inspiration from the landmark 2018 court case where a Singaporean gay man gained permission to adopt his biological son born via surrogacy, which marked a first for Singapore.

But beyond the problems faced by Singaporean gay couples in starting a family, the play is also a mediation on how the traditional family unit will evolve in the future, given how young adults in Singapore and around the world are re-thinking the option of having children at all. This is due to various factors, including obvious ones like high cost of living and ethically, climate change.

Intrigued? Get your tickets here.

On now till October 24 at The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ Wild Rice, Funan

With Halloween looking to be low-key, socially distant affair again this year, here’s a unique alternative.

Sight Lines Entertainment is putting on an online escape room experience that invites audiences to solve a  murder mystery that takes place at a virtual recreation of old Changi Hospital. Don’t be put off by the visuals – this experience is written and directed by none other than one of Singapore’s most legendary playwrights, Chong Tze Chien, so don’t come expecting your usual haunted house scare fest.

Players are invited to take on the roles of “paranormal investigators” who must solve a crime that took place in 1996: the alleged murder of young canteen worker Farah (played by the talented Munah Bagharib) and the disappearance of four commandos who might have had something to do with her death.

Those who opt for the VIP version can also expect a melding of the real world and the virtual, where players will be taken to an old decrepit building in downtown Singapore to complete the experience. It’s an interesting blend of new age theatre, augmented reality tech and escape room experiences. If that’s your thing, book your tickets here – they’re selling out fast.

On now till November 7, Friday to Sunday, 8:30pm and 10pm