Preview: SIFAS Festival of the Arts 2023 by Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society

The Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS) Festival of Arts returns in 2023 for its 19th edition from Thursday, 20th April 2023 to Monday, 1st May 2023 at SIFAS and Esplanade– Theatres On The Bay. Curated with the theme Kalpana, meaning ‘imagination’ in Sanskrit, the Festival presents original highlight productions by teachers, alumni, students, and international partners such as Home, Kathambam, and Jaya Ram in collaboration with The Esplanade. These highlight performances will be complemented by free public programmes that include a visual arts exhibition, a culinary and crafts bazaar and workshops.

“This year we celebrate the 19th edition of the SIFAS Festival of the Arts, introducing a fresh approach to classical Indian musical and dance performances. The presentation of original productions – HOME, Kathambam and Jaya Ram, in collaboration with The Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, demonstrates how the classical Indian arts has innovated to creatively express and depict the many diverse issues that we are engaged with today. The SIFAS Festival of the Arts, thus provides an exciting platform for the discovery and appreciation of the classical Indian arts relevant for our times and contemporary audiences in Singapore,” says Mr Puneet Pushkarna, Chairman of Performances and External Relations, SIFAS.

Reflecting on her relationship with nature, environment, wildlife and consumer choices, HOME is a musical production conceived and created by Sushma Soma, in collaboration with multi-percussionist and music producer Praveen Sparsh. It is an extension of her critically acclaimed album HOME, which she created with American composer and musician Aditya Prakash. From sharing her gratitude and love for the planet to disappointment and rage in the current state of the world, Sushma also calls out her own complicity in the destruction of the natural world and the discrimination of the world around her that arises from her privilege.

Featuring independent artists from Singapore, SIFAS teachers, alumni and students, in a 20-piece ensemble unifying instruments of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, Kathambam presents a multi-genre and multi-ethnic musical concert. Performed at the Esplanade Concert Hall, the concert will feature melodies inspired by ancient poetry, Indian classical and folk music, western elements, and various languages.

An entirely original Odissi production, Jaya Ram brings to the stage the myth of Lord Rama, hero of the epic Ramayana. While maintaining the format of traditional Odissi presentation, Jaya Ram is a unique Odissi production that infuses influences of indigenous folk genres in both music and movement. Jaya Ram is the brainchild of the two Odissi powerhouses, Gajendra Panda and Ramli Ibrahim, and is a culmination of an in-depth research into the folk dance genres of South Odisha. The one night only performance in Singapore at The Esplanade Theatre marks the grand finale of a successful tour in Malaysia and India.

SIFAS 2023 runs from 20th April 2023 to 1st May 2023. Full lineup of events and tickets available here