SINGAPORE, Aug 14 — It has been suggested that we would quarrel less if we put our grievances in a song. Or perhaps, a sing-off to settle a disagreement is the perfect solution.
No, this is not an open call for a musical adaptation of “12 Angry Men”; this is an invitation to Singaporeans to settle their disputes — by facing off in a karaoke contest. Conceived by London-based local artist Jack Tan, “Karaoke Court” is both an evening of performances and arbitration, presented as part of Tan’s exhibition “How to Do Things With Rules”. Overseen by an actual lawyer and arbiter, selected participants will make their case by performing their versions of a song.
Inspired by the Arctic Eskimo and Inuit tradition of song duels, where litigants presented grievances to the entire community for judgment in the form of humorous and satirical songs, the audience at “Karaoke Court” will help decide who wins, while the processes and decision of the court are made legally binding via the participants’ signing of an arbitration contract.
“Karaoke Court” was first produced at The Gowlett Pub in Peckham, South London, in March last year, and will make its Singapore debut at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) Singapore, LASALLE College of the Arts on September 5. Litigants include a pair of best friends who disagree with each other’s taste in jazz and hip-hop music; and a music teacher and her student in dispute on how often she needs to practice.
“We usually perceive litigation as a negative experience — one which corrodes relationships and goodwill, one which divides rather than unites. ‘Karaoke Court’ turns that on its head. It is constructive, not destructive; through humour and performance, it encourages cohesion,” said Tan, who will play the role of the court clerk.
Coincidentally, the 44-year-old artist had previously worked in civil litigation and non-governmental organisations, undertaking human rights cases and policy-work before pursuing a career in the arts. He is currently pursuing a PhD in the Department for Drama, Theatre and Performance at the University of Roehampton in London, where he is researching performativity and legal aesthetics.
“The work is embedded within community practices and spaces, and does not simply attempt to make new art, but rather, to create new social norms,” he said. “I’m excited to be back here presenting Karaoke Court to a home crowd.”
The sing-off will take place at the Earl Lu Gallery at ICA Singapore, which will be transformed into a clerk’s office, where litigants may file their cases, complete with a resource area containing books and information about singing and law. Singing lessons will be provided in advance to participants, and they will be decked out in costumes and accessories produced especially for Karaoke Court by LASALLE Level 2 BA (Hons) Fashion Design & Textiles students. Themed refreshments will also be provided as part of the event.
The exhibition opens today at 6.30pm with “A Kiss is Just a Kiss”, a performance in which the artist “blesses” the gallery through various acts of kissing. It runs through to September 29 at ICA Singapore. “Karaoke Court” will commence on September 5 at 6.30pm at the Amphitheatre.
Interested participants can email [email protected] or call 9473 6638, or submit their “disputes” to “the Clerk” at the Earl Lu Gallery from next Tuesday to Sunday, between noon and 7pm. — TODAY
