Experimental theatre outfit T:>Works is putting on a whopper of a show. Titled The Swimming Pool Library (after the namesake novel by author Alan Hollinghurst), expect an immersive, multi-sensorial production that looks at the “relevance of society’s definitions of masculinity, and questions, among other things, why it can’t involve tenderness, kindness and vulnerability”.

Timely questions indeed. Conceptualised by prolific multimedia artist Brian Gothong Tan, The Swimming Pool Library is a live theatre production that will be simultaneously broadcasted online. It stars a formidable cast of artists from various disciplines, including Azizul ‘Izzy’ Mahathir (a.k.a. Vanda Miss Joaquim), Karen Tan, Irfan Kasban, Umi Kalthum Bte Ismail, Lian Sutton and Ronald Goh – they’ll come together to present a layered portrait of the quest for love and belonging in the garden city.

Not only that, but the production will also be complemented by an exhibition and multimedia installation – the full exhibition will open in January 2022, coinciding with Singapore Art Week. Rather than have audiences experience this richly multi-layered work at one go and forget about it after, The Swimming Pool Library has been designed to be enjoyed over a longer period of time through different forms.

“Rather than combusting everything in two months, we now expand our works into a transdisciplinary range of expressions, over five months of communication,” explains Ong Keng Sen, artistic director of T:>Works.

Live performance and digital live-cast take place on October 28 (sold out), October 29 and October 30, 8pm; and October 30, 3pm. Live performance venue: 72-13 Mohamed Sultan Rd. Catch the digital broadcast here. 

Exhibition and multimedia installation takes place from January 6 to Janurary 23, 2022

Given recent headlines and turn of events (anything from healthcare to housing rights), who wouldn’t be raging or feeling a general sense of malaise? We say, the best way to channel that pent up energy is to tune into party series Baby Boy’s special Halloween edition: Get Your Freak On.

There’ll be feel-good music courtesy of DJs Gay Chav and party queen Bobby Luo, as well as performances by some of today’s best drag queens, Dahlia Rose and the House of Miss Joaquim, Sapphire Blast and Vivihoe.

As everyone knows, the nightlife industry and live performers have been especially affected by the pandemic, so all of the tips and donations will go towards the queer nightlife community of DJs, drag performers, crew and organisers, all of whom are freelancers. The cover ticket is pay what you can – but do tip generously if you’re in a position to do so.

October 30, 10pm to 2am. Register here.

If you’re a fan of Singapore label Youths In Balaclava, here’s the latest with them: the collective is staging a event with local thrift store Stakeout that aims to teach trades such as silkscreening and leather crafting.

They’re aiming to create a casual atmosphere where guests are encouraged to strike up conversations with the members of Youths In Balaclava and Stakeout, and have any queries be answered. “Blank” T-shirts will be on sale to be silkscreened on, and guests can also expect to be able to craft their own leather bracelets to be brought home. If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at these crafts in a non-judgmental space, this is it.

October 30 to October 31, 12:30pm to 7:30pm at 635 Veerasamy Road #01-154 

As theme parks go, few are more striking than Singapore’s own Haw Par Villa; first opened in 1937, the theme park is famed for its larger than life statues and giant dioramas that depict various scenes from Chinese mythology. The theme park closed for renovations last year and now it’s set to relaunch officially this week, with a major new addition – the opening of a new institution called Hell’s Museum.

Allegedly the only attraction in the world dedicated to death and the afterlife, the 3,800 sqm space aims to provide unique comparative insights on how death and the afterlife are viewed and interpreted across religions, cultures, and the ages.

The immersive exhibition features specially commissioned videos and multimedia elements that will offer visitors a better understanding of the commonalities across the world’s major belief systems – and how different communities around the world, as well as in Singapore, draw meaning from death and dying.

Both Haw Par Villa and Hell’s Museum are managed by Journeys, a Singapore-based heritage specialist that focuses on reimagining historical sites (past projects include Changi Museum and Battlebox).

The opening weekend will see a slew of activities themed around the idea of wellness, and that includes park tours, Chinese ink painting classes and tea appreciation, hypnotherapy, breathwork and open-air yoga workshops as well as Halloween themed picnic sets by Glamping Society.

Intrigued? Get your tickets here.

Opens October 29, 262 Pasir Panjang Rd