In their latest concert, the Siong Leng Musical Association is collaborating with Liu Xiaoyi, the Artistic Director of Emergency Stairs, working alongside Siong Leng Artistic Director Lin Shao Ling. Together, they will serve as co-artistic directors for a new trilogy entitled “The Silence of All Things,” using Nanyin and its practitioners as a starting point to explore the deep connections between Eastern philosophy and contemporary Asian art.

The first instalment of the trilogy, “Thus Have I Heard,” directed by Liu Xiaoyi, will draw upon the philosophical reflections on sound from Buddhist classics such as the Heart Sutra, integrating elements of text, music, movement, and video to delve into the immediacy and contemporary relevance of Nanyin as a form of theatrical performance. In addition, Didik Nini Thowok, a cultural icon from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, has been invited as a special guest artist. His participation will offer audiences a cross-cultural lens through which to contemplate the history and future evolution of Nanyin.

“I have many thoughts about Nanyin. I care deeply about its survival and development. This concern gives me the courage to question it, to experiment with it. Experiments always point toward the unknown – the unknown is daunting, but it is also exhilarating. Naturally, I also care about the survival and growth of the Nanyin practitioners,” says Xiaoyi. “This concern drives me to focus on them, to explore their perspectives on sound and music, on performance and theatre, on art and culture. Thus, this work is not a reproduction of traditional Nanyin, but rather a collaborative imagining of Nanyin’s future, achieved through deconstructing its history and reflecting on the present, together with these Nanyin artists. I also have many thoughts about tradition.”

“Our traditional culture shapes both our creative methods and our ways of thinking. But can we, in turn, influence and redefine the development of our culture and tradition through our creative efforts? In the evolution of traditional culture, I believe that cross-cultural exchange is a crucial step. Through transcending boundaries, we gain a deeper understanding of our own limitations, as well as insight into the experiences of others beyond them,” he adds. “In Singapore’s multicultural context, this is a vital step in the evolution of traditional art. Whether through philosophical reflection or the exploration of other performing arts, we can find new ways to view our own traditions.”

Says Shao Ling: “During the workshops and rehearsals for the production, I was heartened to witness our Nanyin artists facing every challenge with an open and objective mind and heart. Watching them continuously push past their own limits and grow as individuals made me feel deeply comforted and proud. In the early days of exploration, one would step forward to play a solo, while the other four, each from their unique perspectives, would engage in the process of self-questioning and reflection. They delved into profound questions: What is the true essence of Nanyin? Is traditional Nanyin really what we think it is? What form does Nanyin take in our hearts?”

“These questions sparked deep, thoughtful conversations about the development of Nanyin on stage, bringing these questions to life for everyone to engage, explore, and introspect. Their fearless sharing of lesser-known stories and personal journeys has been both humbling and inspiring,” he adds. “This production may not fully encapsulate the harmony and beauty of Nanyin in all its complexity, but there’s something so genuine in its raw emotional power. I believe that their sincerity will resonate and leave a lasting impact, touching people’s hearts and souls. The future remains uncertain, but there’s much to look forward to.”

The Silence of All Things: Thus Have I Heard plays from 11th to 12th October 2024 at the Esplanade Theatre Studio. Tickets available from SISTIC