Five Minutes with Rupert Thomson

We took some time to get to know Rupert Thomson, the recently appointed Head, Artistic Programmes (AHL Venues) at Arts House Limited. Read more about his appointment here.

Image Courtesy of Arts House Limited

Tell us a little bit about yourself: What got you interested in arts programming and what has kept you going all these years?

Running a club night and throwing big house parties at university: bringing people together and having fun. Then later, when I was a journalist in Scotland in my twenties, our magazine organised discussion events and I loved the live sharing of ideas and points of view.

In terms of the desire to keep going, moments of real, in-the-moment live artistry are hugely nourishing. Last summer, seeing Francois Chaignaud perform a super intense, beautiful solo to an intimate audience on the stage of the Royal Festival Hall: experiences like that galvanise the soul.

What would you consider your proudest achievement to date?

Any big ear to ear smile from my wife (caused by me). I love ‘em!

You’re known for your ability to transform venues into iconic platforms for the arts. Are there big plans for AHL you can share with us at the moment? 

That is kind of you to say. In addition to our own venue spaces we are starting to explore how we will activate the ‘Civic District’ of Singapore with cultural programmes which is really exciting. So watch that space…

What do you find unique about the performing arts in this region?

Personally speaking: the importance of ghosts and shadows, of presences and absences, to the whole structure of meaning. These forces are so important for all performance experiences, and performance makers around the world could learn a lot from this region’s application of these mythical aspects and philosophical perspectives.

Image Courtesy of Arts House Limited

 Who is your favourite fiction author and why?

I’m sorry I can’t give you just one! I love what Jorge Luis Borges did with fantasy, at the purest end of our imagination and understanding of the world. In terms of contemporary writers, I am hugely enjoying Karl Ove Knausgaard’s expeditions into the space between reality and fiction. But for fun and sheer humane brilliance Jane Austen is an anchor. And I’m currently reading as much of the poetry and translations of Arvind Krishna Mehrotra as I can – he’s wonderful.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you since your arrival in Singapore?

At a Chinese New Year staff party, I was the (novice) head of a dancing dragon. I took it pretty seriously but everyone watching seemed to find it hilarious. I can’t think why!

If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Today my answer is ‘Come Together’ by Primal Scream and the late, great Andrew Weatherall.