SG60 is just round the corner, and Singapore’s beloved cabaret troupe Dim Sum Dollies are back to celebrate it! In this episode, we speak to founding member Selena Tan about the Dollies’ 22-year history, their upcoming show, and whether or not cancel culture has made it harder for comedians. She’s had a gutsy journey herself, abandoning the law profession in a time when a career in theatre was unheard of, setting up Singapore’s only for-profit theatre company, and surviving the Covid pandemic. No one tells it quite like Selena! Also, check out a special promo below for YLB listeners who want to attend the Dim Sum Dollies show!
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00:00) Tell You First
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00:50) Intro
(
02:55) The Beginning of Selena's Career
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03:43) Dim Sum Dollies' Evolution
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06:40) Selena's Perspective on the Arts
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11:53) Dream Academy and Comedy in Singapore
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16:14) Selena's Journey to Law and Performing Arts
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25:30) Introduction to Theatre Companies
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26:21) Transition to Professional Theatre
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27:52) Challenges of the Theatre Industry
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28:44) Financial Realities of Acting
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36:35) Singapore's Unique Theatre Infrastructure
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43:26) Cultural Differences in Movie Making
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45:32) Support for Local Arts in Singapore
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48:44) New Generations in Theatre
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52:28) Comedy and Cancel Culture
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01:10:00) Upcoming Show and Creative Process
(
01:11:05) One Shiok Thing
Find Selena Tan + Special YLB Promo for Dim Sum Dollies - Sixty Sexy Years