Here and N.O.W.

AS SINGAPORE'S MOST innovative performance company, TheatreWorks is no stranger to envelope-pushing programming. But it may surprise some to learn that the 34-year-old company had never initiated an all-women season of performance until now - or N.O.W., if you prefer.

N.O.W. - short for "Not Ordinary Work" - is a new interdisciplinary mini-festival helmed front stage and backstage entirely by women. Headed by veteran actress and producer Noorlinah Mohamed, it features a wide array of events including stand-up comedy, films, exhibitions and performances across three weeks in July.

Noorlinah says: "Increasing numbers of women are excelling in various aspects of art-making that were once dominated by men, such as visual arts, set and lighting design, and filmmaking. Today there's a critical mass of women talents who have made significant strides in their chosen fields. So it's time to have an all-women platform to highlight and celebrate these brilliant and diverse voices."