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Shawn Hoo

Shawn is a journalist on the arts beat at The Straits Times. He reviews books and reports on theatre and the visual arts as well as other cultural issues, for the Life desk. Prior to joining ST in 2022, he spent two years teaching writing and literature at higher education institutions in Shanghai and Singapore. He believes the arts, arts education and arts writing are essential.

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Latest articles

195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace founder to open new arts enclave at People’s Park in November 2026

An offshoot of independent arts enclave 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace is slated to open across 17 units and common spaces at the nearby People's Park.
An offshoot of independent arts enclave 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace is slated to open across 17 units and common spaces at the nearby People's Park.

Singapore arts guide till June 28: Must-see shows include an Agatha Christie murder mystery

Four new dance works will premiere at the 16th edition of the cont·act Dance Festival, previously cont·act Contemporary Dance Festival, which runs from June 8 to 28.
Four new dance works will premiere at the 16th edition of the cont·act Dance Festival, previously cont·act Contemporary Dance Festival, which runs from June 8 to 28.

Sleek police drama An Interrogation demands more than actors can deliver

In An Interrogation, the young but rising detective Ruth Palmer (Nadya Zaheer) has a hunch that the suave and slick Cameron Andrews (Salif Hardie) is her guy.
In An Interrogation, the young but rising detective Ruth Palmer (Nadya Zaheer) has a hunch that the suave and slick Cameron Andrews (Salif Hardie) is her guy.

Bumper crop of Singapore acts travelling to festivals and fringes abroad despite rising costs

Berahi: Holy Unions, choreographed by Norhaizad Adam,  will premiere at the newly opened East Kowloon Cultural Centre as part of the #Danceless Complex Festival on June 13 and 14.
Berahi: Holy Unions, choreographed by Norhaizad Adam,  will premiere at the newly opened East Kowloon Cultural Centre as part of the #Danceless Complex Festival on June 13 and 14.

ST’s picks of the best shows at SIFA 2026

The Straits Times’ arts team of editor Ong Sor Fern and writers Clement Yong and Shawn Hoo picks their best watches.
The Straits Times’ arts team of editor Ong Sor Fern and writers Clement Yong and Shawn Hoo picks their best watches.

Five must-see works at the Venice Biennale, from human bells to demented screen puppets

As you amble along the canals, let serendipity be the guide and look out for the signs to the off-site exhibitions.
As you amble along the canals, let serendipity be the guide and look out for the signs to the off-site exhibitions.

At a noisy Venice Biennale, South-east Asian artists’ quiet voices redefine volume and impact

Video still from The Spirits Of Maritime Crossing II (2024), directed by Thai artist and curator Apinan Poshyananda at the Venice Biennale 2026.
Video still from The Spirits Of Maritime Crossing II (2024), directed by Thai artist and curator Apinan Poshyananda at the Venice Biennale 2026.

In Last Rites, five Asian stage legends deliver a masterclass in living artistically

(From left) Singaporean actor Yong Ser Pin, Indonesian dancer Didik Nini Thowok, Japanese Noh actor Kanji Shimizu and South Korean actors Jung Dong-hwan and Nam Geung Ho form the star cast of Last Rites at the Singapore International Festival of Arts 2026.
(From left) Singaporean actor Yong Ser Pin, Indonesian dancer Didik Nini Thowok, Japanese Noh actor Kanji Shimizu and South Korean actors Jung Dong-hwan and Nam Geung Ho form the star cast of Last Rites at the Singapore International Festival of Arts 2026.

Down syndrome actors deconstruct Hamlet and what makes good theatre or acting

Pervuian theatre company Teatro La Plaza's Hamlet takes vignettes from Shakespeare's play to deconstruct assumptions around good theatre and acting.
Pervuian theatre company Teatro La Plaza's Hamlet takes vignettes from Shakespeare's play to deconstruct assumptions around good theatre and acting.

Naughty, funny works by pioneer sculptor Ng Eng Teng in a teaser exhibition

The Evocative Head: Fragmentation As Language In Ng Eng Teng’s Works is on at NUS Museum.
The Evocative Head: Fragmentation As Language In Ng Eng Teng’s Works is on at NUS Museum.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.