The Swimming Pool Library

Synopsis

Reflecting an unconventional rite of passage where society’s labels of gender and sexuality may not necessarily apply, The Swimming Pool Library by acclaimed visual artist Brian Gothong Tan is an immersive, multi-sensorial production that looks at the relevance of society’s definitions of masculinity, and explores how feminine traits such as tenderness, kindness and vulnerability can also be part of masculine identity.

The Swimming Pool Library by Brian Gothong Tan is part of Tan’s artistic atelier within T:>Atelier. It consisted of a live performance, exhibition and series of engagement talks by artists and LGBTQ+ activists. The exhibition was split into various chapters that marked milestones in a rite of passage, reflected through the director’s intimate, surreal lens. Paper sketches, paintings, 3D printed sculptures, 3D film photography and DIY books evoke memories of a boy trying to make sense of who he is, and where life will take him. Complementing this was a live performance specially choreographed for the camera and performed in-situ at 72-13, while simultaneously live-cast over the internet. In 2022, The Swimming Pool Library received three nominations from the Straits Times Life Theatre Awards, including Best Set, Best Lighting and Best Costume.

About Brian Gothong Tan

Brian Gothong Tan is one of the leading creatives in Singapore, and is best known for his cutting-edge and highly engaging works in theatre, film and installation art. He graduated from California Institute of the Arts in 2005 under the Shell-NAC Scholarship. His works have been featured in numerous productions which have toured successfully in many countries like Italy, USA, Korea and the United Kingdom.

Director
Brian Gothong Tan

Associate Producer
James J. Tay

Stage Manager
Justina Khoo

Lighting Designer & Technical Manager
Andy Lim

Sound Designer
Boon

Asst to Brian / Set Coordinator
M. Nurfadhli Jasni

Costume Designer
Theresa Chan

Live-cast Editor
Eric Lee

Camera Director
Teh Yee Sheng

Hair
Ashley Lim

Makeup
The Make Up Room

Assistant Stage Manager
Christopher Ong

Lighting Operator
Yafiq Harraz Bin Mohamed Yunos

Multimedia Operator
Raziatie Bte Ramzi

Sound Operator
Mohamed Mirza Shah Bin Mohamed Iqbal

Production Crew
Jed Lim

Wardrobe
Janette Audrey Chee Min

Publicity / Marketing Design
Howie Kim

Publicity / Marketing Communications
Michelle Bong Lejtenyi

Public Engagement Programmes
Noorlinah Mohamed

Cast (in Alphabetical order)
Azizul ‘Izzy’ Mahathir (a.k.a. Vanda Miss Joaquim)
Irfan Kasban
Karen Tan
Lian Sutton
Ronald Goh
Umi Kalthum Bte Ismail

A New Commission of
T:>Works

Special Thanks to

Technical Equipment Partner
Senses AVL

Official Ticketing Partner
Peatix