Lin Daiyu in Dream of the Red Chamber, Nikita in Happy Indian Women and Shivani in End of the Line – these are just three of the seven theatre roles 24-year old Ashie Singh (Theatre Studies, Class of 2024) took on in the past year.
The aspiring actress’ hard work and capabilities on stage have not gone unnoticed. In 2023 alone, she received the Student of the Year (Merit) in the Arts category at the NUS Achievement Awards, the University’s most prestigious celebrating excellence in non-academic pursuits, and the Paul Abisheganaden Grant for Artistic Excellence. This is no mean feat, considering that Ashie achieved all these while balancing full-time studies at NUS.
With her new grant, Ashie is advancing her theatre dreams in New York next January. She is one step closer in fulfilling her lifelong dream of studying acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. OSA speaks to Ashie about her artistic journey and aspirations.
Ashie as Shivani in NUS Arts Festival 2023 "End of the Line" finale scene (Credit: IG@bentanhankun)
Congratulations on receiving the Paul Abisheganaden Grant for Artistic Excellence! How did you feel when you first received the news?
I jumped at the news and was crying tears of joy – and I was in the middle of our rehearsals! I called my mother and loved ones and took a moment after to realise that my dream to go to New York was coming true. I had intended to fly to New York to take short-term acting courses, and this grant would provide me the opportunity and means to do so. There are some moments in life you will remember, and this was one of them for me.
Tell us what you intend to learn in New York next January.
I am incredibly excited as the short-term acting courses at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute course will allow me to better understand and use method acting as an artist. With the grant, I will also have access to other electives offered in a variety of areas to support the evolving demands of the industry and the needs of actors which would help me become a more aware and skilled actor
Ashie as Justine in the breakup scene of ‘Blackout’, presented by NUS Stage at NUS Arts Festival 2022. (Credit: IG@tetphotographysg).
How were you introduced to theatre?
I started my journey in theatre when I was in primary school and it continued throughout my schooling years. I still remember being in my drama class’ production of Alice in Wonderland, and the great amount of joy I derived by connecting not only with the story and its characters but also with parts of myself. I don’t think I have looked back since then.
When was the turning point that you decided to become an artist?
I entered university with the desire to be an anthropologist or journalist as people’s stories fascinated me. It was only when I joined NUS Stage that I realised that I wanted to be more closely connected to telling these stories. I wanted to live them. Being part of NUS Stage, and their productions made me realise I wanted to pursue my passion for storytelling through acting and creating.
"Happy Indian Women’" marked Ashie’s debut performance in local drama production outside of school.
What is the most cherished memory in your NUS life?
I am beyond grateful to have met Haresh Sharma through my Playwriting module in NUS. I got offered an internship for a lab session with The Necessary Stage that amalgamated to my debut performance outside academia – Happy Indian Women. Being a researcher and actor for that production tied me very closely to the stories we retold in the play, and I will never forget how freeing it felt to tell unheard but much needed stories of Indian experiences in Singapore.
What are your hopes or aspirations for the local theatre scene?
As a new actor in the local art scene, I would like to be part of projects where I am able to promote acceptance and celebration for all forms of diversity. To play a part in fostering such empathy and appreciation will be incredibly fulfilling. I want to be part of stories that come in all shapes, sizes and mediums that resonate with people, stir deep emotions within them and connect us all together.
Ashie (first row, first from the right) in “Dream of the Red Chamber” by The Finger Players.
You are graduating from NUS this July. Any word of advice for NUS’ student-artists aspiring to continue pursuing the arts beyond university life?
It’s scary, I get it. And sometimes it is. But there is nothing more fulfilling than doing something you love. I read this quote somewhere that goes along the lines of - you can fail at something you don’t love doing too. So why not use that shot at something you do love? So I say, I’d rather you feel scared than feel regret. What if it works out?
When will be we seeing you on stage again anytime soon?
I will be performing in Train to Pakistan, produced by HuM theatre, this November, so do keep a look out for that!
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