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
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)
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)
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 But in a futuristic world ruled by technology, is there still a place for outdated superstitions or magic to exist?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)
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)
Art and politics collide in this moving tribute to the titular Portuguese amusement park. For most Singaporeans, Portuguese history and culture are likely to be little known subjects at the back of our minds. But with António-Pedro Vasconcelos’ Parque Mayer, one is left intrigued and compelled to find out more, thanks to the stirring performances and tale of revolution via art, as told through one … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Parque Mayer dir. António-Pedro Vasconcelos
Futurist cyberpunk hellscapes to accompany new songs from The Observatory. Presented as part of the 2021 Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA), Demon States is one of this edition’s most unique offerings yet. Produced by The Observatory, the immersive mixed reality experience acts as a preview for the local band’s upcoming album with Koichi Shimizu, and combines their music with set design by Irfan Kasban, … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Demon States by The Observatory (SIFA 2021)
Learning to connect again in three parts. After a year of the pandemic, watching dramatic readings on Zoom and pre-recorded archival footage, audience members are hungry for one thing – engagement. And one of the most effective ways of doing that is turning the tables and transforming the audience into the artist. In a way, that’s what 600 Highwaymen have done in A Thousand Ways, … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: A Thousand Ways by 600 Highwaymen (SIFA 2021)
Using dance to present the converging of cultures and our shared beliefs. Pan, or ‘盤’ is a word that appears across various Asian cultures and vocabularies, from Mandarin to Korean, Japanese to Vietnamese. While its Mandarin character takes inspiration from the Chinese creation myth of the giant ‘Pangu’, the romanized ‘pán’ also holds a variety of meanings, from a serving bowl, to the crouched intensity of … Continue reading Review: Pán 盤 by T.H.E. Dance Company
Initially slated to re-open last year, the Changi Chapel and Museum (CCM) has finally completed its renovations and is now open to the public again after closing in 2018 for major redevelopments. Shedding light on the personal stories of prisoners of war (POWs) and civilians interned in Changi prison camp during the Japanese Occupation, the museum will showcase 114 artefacts across eight galleries delving into … Continue reading Changi Chapel Museum gets a revamp with new artefacts and an enhanced experience
