In a dimly lit back alley along Aliwal Street, people are sitting on the ground, chatting and drinking teh tarik. A Bluetooth speaker has been set up, and a song from 80s rock band The Smiths flows out of it, startling a ginger cat walking by.
A party? Not really. Welcome to a typically atypical chess meet-up of the Aliwal Chess Club (ACC).
While back alleys and music are not normally associated with chess, they both feature regularly in ACC meet-ups.
This particular one on Nov 20 celebrated the third anniversary of the club, which takes its name from the area where a group of like-minded friends like to get together and relax.
"We were just a bunch of friends who loved to drink teh (tea) and hang out in the Aliwal Street area, when we realised that most of us played chess," said 25-year-old club founder Hirfan Romzi.
In 2021, the six or seven friends, all in their early 20s, started taking their chess boards to their preferred hangout spots in Sultan Gate a couple of times a month, attracting curious passers-by.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin December 11, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin December 11, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
OLD ART, NEW LOOK, MURAKAMI STYLE
Japanese art history is seen in a new and fun light at Gagosian's Grosvenor Hill art gallery in London.
Hit children's animation Bluey will be on the silver screen
Mickey Mouse and Bluey are expanding their business partnership. BBC Studios and The Walt Disney Company said on Dec 17 that they would collaborate on an animated movie starring Bluey, the Blue Heeler pup who has become a global sensation on children's television.
Hollywood star Tom Cruise awarded US Navy's highest civilian honour
Action movie star Tom Cruise is not only a naval pilot on-screen in the film series Top Gun (1986 to present), but he has also now been given the United States' Navy's highest civilian honour.
Thai film How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies in the shortlist
Thai tear-jerker How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies has made the shortlist in the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, it was announced in Los Angeles on Dec 17.
Singer Elton John condemns legalisation of marijuana in the US and Canada
Iconic British musician Elton John spoke about his views on drugs, especially marijuana, in a recent interview.
Actress Nicole Kidman experienced 'burnout' shooting sex scenes for Babygirl
At an age when many start to slow down, 57-year-old Australian actress Nicole Kidman is enjoying one of her busiest years yet with three films and three television series in 2024 — and the raunchiest sex scenes of her career.
Squid Game creator still can't believe show's global success
As they tease the much-anticipated second season of Squid Game, the cast and creator of the hit South Korean survivalist drama are still trying to wrap their heads around its global success, which saw its debut season in 2021 become the most-watched series on Netflix.
Binge-worthy A sweet spy comedy on ageing
A MAN ON THE INSIDE Netflix ★★★★☆
The Return recasts Homer's Odyssey, mixed verdict for The Prosecutor
The story: Ralph Fiennes - who better? - portrays Greek king Odysseus of Ithaca.
Stunning visuals lift a timid prequel
The level of detail in Mufasa: The Lion King is astonishing