SINGAPORE : Foreign language performances are nothing unusual in Singapore.

However, one local theatre group went beyond language in an unusual collaboration with a Russian company.

"Sofaman" - which will be presented in Russian, English and Mandarin - is a collaboration between Singapore's The Necessary Stage and Russia's KnAM Theatre.

But there was something lost in translation in the early stages as the two theatre groups started work on the play in October last year, with all 19 members of cast and crew grappling with various means and ways to understand each other - including games of charades.

"We try to connect with Google Translator. It's difficult for us. But it's a very strong and interesting experience," said Tatiana Frolova, director, KnAM Theatre (Russia).

But the challenge went beyond words, to coping with different working styles.

Alvin Tan, director of The Necessary Stage (Singapore) said: "They had to start making decisions earlier than they usually do, and we had to delay our decision as we usually do, and kind of meet halfway. But in delaying the decisions and going slower, I find a different aspect of my directing.

"I find that I am more sensitive to other things. So I really appreciate that we were yanked out of our comfort zone and the opportunity to work in a different manner than our institutionalized way."

Sofaman is a story with three sub-plots, including one where a Singaporean woman and a Russian man fall in love.

Sofaman will next be staged in Russia next June. - CNA /ls