Singapore International Festival of Arts 2022 pilots new experiences in unexpected venues

The Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2022 has opened ticket sales for its second tranche of festival programmes, including a mix of in-person programmes and on-demand digital commissions. Organised by Arts House Limited (AHL) and commissioned by the National Arts Council (NAC), SIFA 2022 returns from 20 May with the title The Anatomy of Performance – Ritual, inviting audiences to reflect on the rituals … Continue reading Singapore International Festival of Arts 2022 pilots new experiences in unexpected venues

Preview: The Anatomy of Performance – Ritual (SIFA 2022)

As we approach the endemic phase of COVID-19, and live performances no longer require audience members to be safely distanced, we look forward to an increasing number of venues filled once again, as the arts truly returns to a new normal. Coinciding just in time with that is the hotly-anticipated line-up reveal of the upcoming 2022 Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) this May, as … Continue reading Preview: The Anatomy of Performance – Ritual (SIFA 2022)

Reflections At Bukit Chandu Reopens with an Enhanced Retelling of the Battle of Pasir Panjang and The Malay Regiment

After a three year renovation period, Reflections at Bukit Chandu (RBC) has reopened its doors to the public on 9th September. Managed by the National Museum of Singapore, under the National Heritage Board, the newly revamped RBC reopens with an enhanced retelling of the story of the Malay Regiment in the Battle of Pasir Panjang, during which the heavily outnumbered soldiers from the regiment made … Continue reading Reflections At Bukit Chandu Reopens with an Enhanced Retelling of the Battle of Pasir Panjang and The Malay Regiment

SIFA 2021: Four live shows to be presented this August

The 2021 Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) may technically be over, but with the Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) measures, some of its programmes faced indefinite postponement during the planned run. But this National Day weekend, count your lucky stars, because four of its previously postponed programmes are back, and set to play live in theatres. The four productions are namely: In a rare collaboration, … Continue reading SIFA 2021: Four live shows to be presented this August

SIFA 2021 Wrap-Up: An Interview with Festival Director Gaurav Kripalani

Over the last four years, Gaurav Kripalani has served as Festival Director of the annual Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA). Considering the scale of the festival, that role alone would already be enough to keep any ordinary person’s day full. But if you look at the number of responsibilities he’s had in this past year alone, suffice to say that Gaurav is nothing less … Continue reading SIFA 2021 Wrap-Up: An Interview with Festival Director Gaurav Kripalani

Singapore International Festival of Arts 2021 wrap-up

When Gaurav Kripalani was first announced as the new Festival Director of the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) four years ago, he had his fair share of skeptics and critics. But under his vision, it seemed pretty clear what he wanted to do with our national arts festival during his stint – cater to the widest number of people as possible through a varied … Continue reading Singapore International Festival of Arts 2021 wrap-up

★★★★★ Review: OIWA – The Ghost of Yotsuya by The Finger Players (SIFA 2021)

A chilling rendition of an age-old horror story where it is humans, not ghosts, that are the true villains. “The Ghost of Yotsuya” is one of Japan’s most beloved and frequently performed ghost stories. As a timeless tale of tragedy and revenge, the classic has gone on to receive countless adaptations, from kabuki theatre to films and television series. With so many versions that already … Continue reading ★★★★★ Review: OIWA – The Ghost of Yotsuya by The Finger Players (SIFA 2021)

★★★★☆ Review: A Dream Under The Southern Bough – Existence by Toy Factory (SIFA 2021)

The long-drawn out dream finally comes to an end in an impressive finale to Toy Factory’s ambitious adaptation. Back in 2018, local theatre company Toy Factory was given a rare opportunity amongst local theatre companies – a chance to stage a single play across three parts over the next three years in the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA). That play would be Goh Boon … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: A Dream Under The Southern Bough – Existence by Toy Factory (SIFA 2021)

★★★★☆ Review: _T0701_ by Zeugma (SIFA 2021)

Black Mirror meets black magic. The ‘toyol’ or undead infant frequently features in Malay folklore, used as a tool by bomohs (shaman) to conduct black magic and cause mischief. But in a futuristic world ruled by technology, is there still a place for outdated superstitions or magic to exist? Blending cyberpunk with a quintessentially Singaporean flavour, local arts collective Zeugma’s new work _T0701_ imagines a … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: _T0701_ by Zeugma (SIFA 2021)

Review: From Mee to You by Chef Justin Quek (SIFA 2021)

Letting the culinary arts bring people together and SIFA to a close. When it comes to an arts festival, few people would include or even consider the culinary arts a relevant part of the lineup. But just as watching a live theatre performance can bring people closer together, so can food – even if we’re physically apart. That idea of a shared meal is what … Continue reading Review: From Mee to You by Chef Justin Quek (SIFA 2021)