IMDA bans Wild Rice theatre performance 'Homepar' for depicting & glamourising drug abuse

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has banned local theatre Wild Rice from performing a dramatic reading of "Homepar", a theatrical performance.

In a joint statement with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), IMDA assessed the revised script in consultation with MHA and found that it breached the Arts and Entertainment Classification Code (AECC).

IMDA stated that the revised script submitted on Jun. 5 contained substantial changes from the previous version submitted on Apr. 21.

According to Wild Rice's website, "Homepar" by Mitchell Fang is part of The Rice Cooker Dramatised Readings and has an R18 rating.

"Homepar" follows Oliver, who hosts a "homepar", a house party where a gay nightclub atmosphere is recreated in a living or hotel room, with their closest friends in their home with their widowed mother.

The performance is scheduled for Jun. 21 at The Studio @ Wild Rice.

Depiction

The revised script apparently "depicts and glamourises" drug abuse, said IMDA.

In addition, the performance portrays an undercover Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) officer as shielding abusers from detection.

"It undermines Singapore's anti-drug policy, our drug rehabilitation regime, and public confidence in the CNB," IMDA added.

Performances "undermining Singapore's national interest" are not permitted under the AECC.

Wild Rice has been informed that its earlier script submitted on Apr. 21 met classification requirements and could be staged under an R18 rating.

However, Wild Rice chose not to revert to that version, resulting in IMDA banning the performance in its current form:

"Singapore's firm stance against drugs remains unchanged, and IMDA will continue to uphold the AECC to protect national interest."

Mothership has reached out to Wild Rice for comment.

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