Participant 2: Anonymous
(Completed on 23rd February 2017, Singapore)

1) What is your view on IMDA and its classification?
I do understand their decision in the context of how the society of Singapore functions. However, I do think that arts must always be free, in order to flourish. I personally don’t check their rating. It only gets interesting, once they ban a show.

2) How did you feel about IMDA’s denial of classification for Undressing Room, on the grounds that it contained ‘excessive nudity’?
I remember clearly a play I watched a few year ago in Singapore, in which guys stripped naked on stage. It was called ‘Take me out’ and was about the coming out of a team member in a sport team. This dealt with homosexuality and nudity in a very obvious way and was rated R18. In comparison, Ming’s performance was much more gentle, moderate and less in the face. Therefore I cannot understand IMDA’s decision to ban this play. I would have simply rated it R18 – adults can decide for themselves if they want to watch it or not.

3) What was your reaction to Undressing Room being withdrawn from the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival, after it was denied a classification by IMDA?
I was disappointed by the negative judgement of some people who enforce their moral on others. However, I was not entirely surprised, since this happened before in Singapore.

4) Why did you decide to take part in the revived Undressing Room, despite the controversy surrounding it?
I think it’s a cause worth supporting, to show how important it is that the Singaporean society develops a more natural and healthy approach to bodily things. A naked body cannot be a crime. Personally, I want to experience the feeling of the performance and see how it changes me. I liked the idea of such a performance and thought that this could help me to develop my stage skills. Perhaps I will leave with more awareness of myself and my boundaries? Perhaps I would feel more empowered in future to take part in performances? It’s training for me. In addition, I wanted to help Ming.

5) What were your thoughts or concerns regarding your participation in Undressing Room, a work that had not been approved by IMDA?
I participated in a private function, not an event, nor public session. Hence, I didn’t break any law. For me, this was simply a personal experiment about my personal approach on nudity. I don’t want to judge. For me, this was a private experience.

6) How did IMDA’s decision affect your participation or experience of Undressing Room?
It did not play any role. I made my decision to participate simply out of my own interest.

7) Other comments.
No.