Two Songs and a Story

They say some of the best creative projects are conceived in difficult times – and that's exactly what Checkpoint Theatre has done this time. Checkpoint Theatre takes theatre and music online via Sistic Live with Two Songs and a Story, an online video series of five solo performances that explores the stirring complexities of life and relationships during Covid-19. Birthed from times of isolation, the production is a beautiful blend of original music and storytelling.

From the safety of their own homes, five artists from different paths write about their respective life experiences – from something innocent such as the simplicity of friendships, to real-life accounts of helping out at foreign dormitories during the Covid-19 outbreak, to heavier topics such as overcoming trauma and deep-seated childhood fears. 

Two Songs and a Story is created and dramaturged by Huzir Sulaiman, and directed by Huzir Sulaiman and Joel Lim as part of Checkpoint Theatre's new focus on Singapore storytellers across media and platforms. As the title suggests, each writer-songwriter performs two songs and a story, blending prose, lyrics and music together. The five artists draw from their experiences of living through the 'Circuit Breaker' as they search for connection, love and healing, transforming them into self-penned words and songs. 

The result is a beautiful, introspective act of storytelling. The artists – Ants Chua, Inch Chua, Jo Tan, Rebekah Sangeeta Dorai and Weish – each present their original monologues and music, weaving multifaceted portraits of strength and fragility, peace and disruption. 

at least I have words now by ants chua gives us a glimpse into friendship's rich complexities in a culture that values romantic narratives; Inch Chua's Super Q was inspired by her time volunteering in migrant worker dormitories at the frontlines; A Bit by Jo Tan is a colourful anime series offering a welcome break from reality; And Then I Am Light by Rebekah Sangeetha Dorai overcomes the messy remnants of self-doubt and childhood trauma; and Be Here, With Me by Weish is an evocative piece bringing her trademark hypnotic loops and literary sensibility to life.

Two Songs and a Story will run from August 6 to 31 on SISTIC Live. Get your tickets from $15 here.