Wild Rice rejects IMDA's characterisation of banned theatre performance 'Homepar' as one that 'glamourises' drug abuse

Local theatre Wild Rice has categorically rejected the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)'s characterisation of its banned theatrical performance "Homepar" as one that "depicts and glamourises" drug abuse.

In response to Mothership's enquiries, a Wild Rice spokesperson said on Jun. 20 that the play does not condone or glorify substance use:

"This is a reductive reading of a nuanced and empathetic work that is, at its core, about healing and recovery.

The central character’s journey is one of struggle, resilience, and the power of community in overcoming addiction and stigma. Homepar does not condone or glorify substance use. It seeks to ask why people — real people, in our society — turn to drugs, often as a response to trauma, discrimination, and marginalisation.

The characters portrayed express a spectrum of attitudes, including rejection and ambivalence, and the play ends with a celebration of community that is explicitly and intentionally drug-free."

What IMDA said

The ban on the dramatic reading of "Homepar" was implemented on Jun. 20, one day before the performance was scheduled on Jun. 21 at The Studio @ Wild Rice.

IMDA had said in a joint statement with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that performance's revised script was found to have breached the Arts and Entertainment Classification Code and "depicts and glamourises" drug abuse.

"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.

It portrays an undercover Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) officer as shielding abusers from detection, IMDA said.

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

IMDA said that an earlier draft met classification requirements and could be staged under an R18 rating, but Wild Rice chose not to revert to that version, leading to the performance being banned in its current form.

Play was a work in development: Wild Rice

In response to IMDA's statement, Wild Rice asserted that it respects Singapore's firm stance against drug abuse.

Wild Rice also noted that "Homepar" is a work in development, and added that "it is deeply disappointing that that a developmental work has been thrust into the public spotlight and judged as if it were a complete and finished work".

"Homepar" is part of the theatre's The Rice Cooker incubation programme for new plays in development.

Under this programme, early drafts of plays are read in front of an audience by actors, so that playwrights can gather feedback on "what works and what needs more work", according to Wild Rice's website.

Two performances of 60 seats each had been scheduled for "Homepar", as part of a dramaturgical process that includes feedback and revision, said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson concluded that Wild Rice believes that the arts must have the space to explore "complex, often uncomfortable realities", especially if it is to create "meaningful, socially engaged theatre":

"Homepar does not ask audiences to approve of drug use. It asks them to understand the human stories behind it, and to imagine the possibility of recovery and belonging.

We remain committed to responsible storytelling, and to working constructively with regulators to ensure that this important new Singaporean work can be seen, understood, and appreciated for what it truly is.”

Top image from Wild Rice website/IMDA website