Description
National Theatre, Singapore. 1963-1986.
Found a childhood photo of myself in front of this interesting structure that I am unable to locate in Singapore’s current landscape. After some enquiries, I found out it was the iconic Singapore National Theatre. The Fort Canning MRT exit and carpark currently occupies the land.
I love the fact that this theatre was built partly through public donations. More than $800,000 of the $2.2 million spent on the structure were public donations, represented by the red bricks. It is also this reason that it had another name, People’s Theatre. Apparently it was a good site to catch the National Day fireworks at the top of Fort Canning then. In 1984 it was closed due to its structural integrity. In 1986 it was demolished to make way for the construction of The Central Expressway.
During the week I was struggling with the application of Matthew 10:18 “You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.”. How can one be as wise as a serpent while still be harmless as doves? Sounded like a schizo to me. I then understand that being as wise as a serpent doesn’t mean to be like a snake but understand the schemes of a serpent. Being harmless as doves mean that it is a choice not to allow the evil to get into me by reacting to the schemes that I know of, to continue loving. Like how Jesus knew what Judas planned to do but still washed his feet and ate dinner with him with all sincerity.
