M1 Singapore Fringe Festival: Oo-Woo
“Oo-woo” emerges as a poignant exploration of familial ties & caregiving. Penned by Raimi Safari & directed by Mohd Fared Jainal, the play encourages introspection about caring for an elderly family member with dementia…
The Spark: The #inspo for “Oo-Woo” came from a 2015 press report that revealed a disquieting reality: Singaporeans were admitting their sick & elderly into nursing homes across the border in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, where fees can be at least half as cheap as those in Singapore. Living in Johor might result in a more isolated experience, though, as the hassle of crossing the border may discourage families from visiting…
Image credit: Tuckys Photography
Safari found himself compelled to delve into the matter. “The play became my canvas—a vessel through which I could navigate the intricate interplay of duty, love, and the haunting complexities embedded in caring for an elderly mother with dementia.” Fared, reflecting on his role, found the play provided a platform for sharing & healing. “Dementia plays will always remind me of my dad, and how the family tried so hard to understand. Having the courage to come forward and share a slice of that… is definitely powerful. But beyond that, it helps in healing, too.”
It takes a village: For Safari & Fared, community & collaboration was essential in their work, from research to rehearsals. Safari sought firsthand accounts of families dealing with dementia, infusing the play with truth & authenticity. “It required balancing the depth of their stories with a universal resonance.” The script was gradually tweaked and refined by the entire creative team...
As ‘Oo-Woo’ prepares to take the stage, Safari hopes the play will challenge stigmas surrounding dementia, humanising the condition & encouraging empathy. “Not all of us have gone through a dementia case, but…on a primary level, we exist within a concept of a family. That will give [any] audience an entry point into the play.”
Treading similar terrain as Ben Target’s #Lorenzo, 'Oo-Woo' also wrestles with a web of complex emotions. The goal? To capture, maybe even understand inseparable love & sacrifice imbued within the role of caregivers…
The Necessary Stage presents “Oo-Woo” at Esplanade Theatre Studio on 24-28th January 2024 as part of the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival.
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