Checkpoint Theatre to launch new 8-part podcast chronicling a freelancer’s journey through COVID-19

Checkpoint Theatre will be launching an autobiographical 8-part podcast titled ‘Vulnerable‘, written and performed by Associate Artist Cheyenne Alexandria Phillips.

Witty and compelling, Vulnerable takes audience through Cheyenne’s experience as a young freelance creative weathering a pandemic while living with congenital heart disease.

For her, the word of the past year has been “coping”. When the virus reached Singapore in 2020, she saw all her gigs cancelled one after the other and her newly-acquired tour guide license rendered useless. The unnerving realities of her health condition also meant that close contact with others would put her at dire risk.

In Vulnerable, Cheyenne recounts the tumultuous year with deeply personal revelations over the course of 15-minute episodes, with wit and insight. Her story offers a moving and reflective understanding of how Singaporeans have all changed and adapted amidst the ongoing chaos.

“If there was ever a time to admit to vulnerability, it was in a global pandemic,” said Cheyenne.

“This work came about because after a stressful year, I finally gave myself permission to write. After which, a tidal wave of material came, that Checkpoint was invaluable in shaping.”

This powerful account also sheds light on the invisible struggles the vulnerable amongst Singaporeans have been going through, from the logistical and financial strains to the emotional loads to bear.

Directed by Huzir Sulaiman, with sound design by Shah Tahir, Vulnerable holds a mirror to society and invites Singaporeans to consider their collective efforts, or lack thereof, in keeping everyone safe.

Photo by Joel Lim @ Calibre Pictures. Courtesy of Checkpoint Theatre

Ever since live theatres closed, Checkpoint Theatre’s range of multidisciplinary works has grown even broader, proving that art can be enjoyed anywhere.

Having previously presented audio experiences like ‘The Heart Comes to Mind‘ and ‘A Grand Design‘ in 2020, the company is once again showcasing its versatility through the use of evocative soundscapes to weave an immersive narrative experience – this time in an episodic format.

“Experiencing art from your home is like inviting someone into your private space to share their story with you,” said Joint Artistic Director Huzir Sulaiman.

“With Vulnerable, it’s twice as personal – you’re walking this journey with Cheyenne almost in real time. It does the vital job of giving visibility to unseen struggles those around us are facing, with the brilliant humour that is a trademark of Cheyenne’s.”

Vulnerable will be available for listening beginning 17 June 2021 on Spotify, SoundCloud, and YouTube, with two 15-minute episodes released every two days.

‘In Conversation: Chronicling the Pandemic’ – Checkpoint Theatre’s live discussion

Ever wonder how do we make art to capture history as it unfolds? Will new developments render our stories irrelevant? How do we build resilience for ourselves, and tell these stories with empathy?

Join Checkpoint Theatre live on Facebook on 25 June for ‘In Conversation: Chronicling the Pandemic‘, a lively and insightful discussion with Cheyenne Alexandria Phillips and Huzir Sulaiman as they go through the journey of conceptualising, creating, and shaping a memoir, while living through it.

In the one-hour panel, moderated by Nicole Wong, audience can hear about the creative ways in which they continually reinvented the work through ever-evolving circumstances, as well as their discoveries in the course of creating art in uncertain times.

Photo by Joel Lim @ Calibre Pictures. Courtesy of Checkpoint Theatre