Singapore and France have always kept close relations with each other, and what better way to celebrate that sacred bond that with a festival? This April, the annual vOilah! France Singapore Festival returns once again to immerse visitors in the vibrant tapestry of French culture in Singapore, with a line-up of programmes that spans audiovisual arts, performing arts, visual arts, lifestyle, sports, science, gastronomy and music across the entire city.

This year’s festival takes on the theme of “Celebrating Passions,” which pays homage to France’s landmark year, highlighted by its hosting of the Summer Olympics for the third time. This celebration of passions underscores the driving force behind individuals striving for excellence in their respective fields, leaving lasting legacies, and driving positive change in society.

Staying true to the festival’s intention to showcase the best of French and Singaporean innovation and creativity, this edition is supported by more than 50 local and international partners. Together, these programme partners have put together a diverse festival line-up, which cuts across an exciting range of genres, to offer festival goers a chance to discover powerful expressions of passion, and unique perspectives made possible and better through cross-cultural explorations. 

One such example in the festival line-up is W!ld Rice’s Tartuffe: The Imposter, which is receiving a restaging after a successful 2022 run. The 360-year-old play created by French playwright Molière was adapted into a hilarious new script, that follows Tartuffe – a charming, seductive con artist – masquerading as a man of faith as he weasels his way into an unsuspecting wealthy family’s home, heart and bank account. Read our 4 star review here

The festival also commemorates the French legends and icons that are still beloved by Singaporeans today. Alliance Française de Singapour pays grand tribute to Antoine de Saint Exupéry, the highly acclaimed author of The Little Prince with the exhibition Saint Exupéry: A Legacy, which retraces his journey, with original artefacts, screenings, readings, and conferences. 

Meanwhile, Piaf! The Show is a musical tribute to Edith Piaf, the French musical icon of the 1940s, well known for her trademark song ‘La vie en Rose’ that has been covered by modern artists such as Madonna, Michael Bublé, and Lady Gaga. The musical celebrates the life and music of the legendary French chanteuse as inspired by the Academy Award-winning film La Vie En Rose and Marion Cotillard’s moving portrayal of Edith. 

The festival will close with a special programme Artletics, a vibrant celebration of urban artistry and athletic prowess. Led by the Embassy of France in Singapore and Art Outreach in the lead up to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, the two-day event will see French and Singaporean urban artists transform the Somerset Skate Park in the heart of Orchard Road into an inspiring canvas that channels their creativity and passion. A nod to integration of urban sports into the Olympics, the space will also see skateboarding athletes from both countries coming together to showcase their talents. The project embraces the spirit of street culture and aims to unite France and Singapore through youth, urban sports, and art. 

On top of these highlights, festival goers can also look forward to other performances such as Moby Dick by French-Norwegian artist Yngvild Aspeli, who brought the classic story to life with puppets and video projections; classical and jazz performances at the enchanting Botanic Gardens; and recitals by one of the leading harpists in the world today Xavier de Maistre.

Environmental causes take the stage at the public France -Singapore forum Nature in the City in partnership with France’s National Museum of Natural History that aims to raise awareness of current issues related to the knowledge, importance, function and preservation of biodiversity in urban areas.

Says Ambassador of France to Singapore Her Excellency Minh-di Tang: “Since its inception, vOilah! has fostered a vibrant exchange of culture, creativity and artistry between France and Singapore, showcasing the deep bonds of friendship that bind our communities together. This year, we hope for vOilah! to be a stage for people from both countries to showcase the fruits of their labours, and we hope it will inspire ideas and allow for new possibilities to take root as our nations unite in our mutual appreciation for cultural diversity.”

vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2024 runs from 25th April to 26th May 2024 across various venues. For more information on the festival and ticketing details, visit their website here