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SINGAPORE : There is nothing ordinary about this conference, for a vivacious Irene Ang and her slew of “refined” jokes, costumes and parodies bring about a night of non-stop laughter and entertainment. Self-depreciative humour of heartland issues, including the sensitive topic of race and religion, is the essence of FLY Entertainment’s latest production, “The Extraordinary V Conference”.
The third instalment of the “V Conference” surpasses its predecessors by almost going beyond the pale, attacking heartland issues by parodying several events that dominated the news this year such as the AWARE EGM, Mas Selamat’s escape, the economic downturn, and even a hilarious Peranakan Idol!
The stand-up comedians pulled no punches, not even for MediaCorp actress Joanne Peh who was sitting near the front of the stage on the conference's opening night on Friday, when it came to making fun of hit Channel 8 drama, “The Little Nyonya”, which won Peh a Best Actress trophy at the Star Awards this year. According to the “V Conference”, all it takes to shoot actresses to fame is a storyline revolving around good food, a convincing rape scene, and lots of drama!
Other local actresses were not spared either. In the line of fire were stars Zoe Tay, Fann Wong, and even comedian Patricia Mok for her passion for all things Louis Vuitton.
For the veterans of the previous conferences, you will be delighted to know that Guan Yin Ma makes a return, and this time, with subtitles! This is one play that quotes deities and outlines their marketing strategies!
For the virgin conference participants, do note that while the ‘V’ in “V Conference” actually represents the name of a women’s anatomy, it can also stand for ‘vulgar’. It is rare that one would attend a show and hear uncouth curses spouted in generous portions, but it is rarer for a show to be so obscenely funny. But as comedian Irene Ang says in the play: “We are not vulgar, just scientific!”
Yes, this conference is not for the faint-hearted, the easily offended, the religious, or the sexually conservative. But for those who think they can handle such a play with a mature attitude, you will find yourself assailed with hilarious jokes, drag queens, and catchy tunes, such as the “Great Swine Song”.
All puns and jokes used are colloquial and all Singaporeans should be able to identify with the parodies of heartland issues, unless you are a cave hermit some where with no access to news or television. The Singapore Flyer as well as the upcoming Marina Bay integrated resort were not spared from the audaciousness of Irene Ang as no quarter was given in making fun of the giant Ferris wheel and its fantastic view of a construction site.
The cast of entertainers is simply stellar, with veteran comedian Irene Ang, actor Chua Enlai, and supported by Brendon Fernandez and Shane Mardjuki, who both are laudable in their impersonations.
My only gripe is the segment called “LOTF” – Language of the Future - as too many acronyms were used, and not all could be understood by the uninitiated. Some illumination by means of subtitles would have been a great help to those who are not familiar with the language of our younger generation.
Overall, I would rate “The Extraordinary V Conference” “Zoe Fann-tastic!” and I believe it will definitely “Upturn the Downturn!”, at least for two hours for its audience!
"The Extraordinary V Conference" runs till September 13 at Zirca. Tickets are available at all SISTIC outlets.
- CNA/il
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