Singapore traditions meet fun at this night festival

The rich cultural heritage of Singapore contributes to its unique identity. A great way to experience this is through performances, local crafts and even games – at a festival of Singapore traditions. Running for its fourth year, A Date with Tradition is organised by Arts House Limited and held in conjunction with the Singapore Night Festival 2024.

It’s happening at Stamford Arts House (SAC) over three weekends – 23 and 24 August, 30 and 31 August, 6 and 7 September – and is free for all to attend. There’s also a discount on select workshops!

So, what’s different or new for this year’s festival?

Chan Jia Ying is Programme Manager at Arts House Limited; she says, “The festival will offer activities over three weekends instead of two. Also new are the Open Score Project (OSP), Kathak and Minhwa workshops for children. We’re bringing the Stamford Arts Centre community and the neighbourhood together through A Tapestry of Traditions.”

Here’s a look at the line-up for A Date with Tradition. Plus, there’s an opportunity to bring home a little piece of Singapore tradition for yourself!

# Performances highlighting the cultural heritage of Singapore

Melodies of Yesteryears – NAFA Saxophone Quartet

There are many tunes and folk songs that are indelible to the cultural heritage of Singapore. These include Ru Yan, the theme song of local drama series The Little Nonya, Ai Pia Cia Eh Yia or To Win You Have to Fight, and Malay folk songs. Hear them interpreted for the saxophone in this performance.

When: 23, 24, 30 and 31 August

Joget Putu Piring by P7:1SMA

What happens when Malay traditional dance and putu piring intersect? This open studio performance explores the art of crafting the beloved Malay kueh through the movements of Joget. This unique exploration of the cultural heritage of Singapore Malays is choreographed by Singaporean Norhaizad Adam, who received the National Arts Council’s Young Artist Award in 2021.

When: 30 and 31 August; 8pm to 8.30pm, 9.30pm to 10pm

Fledgelings Take Flight – TAC Youth Opera Showcase (performed mostly in Mandarin)

As the title suggests, young performers will showcase a variety of classic pieces to promote the rich cultural heritage of Singapore Chinese opera. Different operas will be performed over the two nights. These include Hua Mulan, a renowned play within Henan opera; Hu Family Village within Huangmei opera; Hong Xian Steals the Box within Peking opera, and Viewing the Scenery from Another Cave within Teochew opera.

When: 6 and 7 September; 6.30pm to 7pm

Palindrome – Open Score Project (OSP)

OSP is a musical ensemble based in Singapore, comprising musicians from different cultural backgrounds and musical influences. Some of the instruments played include ethnic percussion, cello, guzheng, accordion and pipa. The ensemble will play original compositions that bring out the harmonies created by both traditional and orchestral instruments.

When: 6 and 7 September; 8pm to 8.30pm, 9pm to 9.30pm

# Activities at A Date with Tradition, as part of Singapore Night Festival

Chinese Opera Rhythmic Exercise (conducted in Mandarin)

Learn basic movements used in Chinese opera from professional opera performers. Besides cultivating your interest in the art of Chinese opera, it will also improve your physical fitness and coordination.

When: All weekends; various times

A Tapestry of Traditions – community mural

Complete a community mural on the backwall of SAC by filling in designated areas with colour or your own designs. The mural showcases traditional arts from various cultures, giving traditions in Singapore a contemporary vibe. Participants are advised to wear old clothes or bring a change of clothes as there is a high chance of getting stained by the paint.

When: 31 August and 7 September; 4pm to 8pm

Beads That Bind

Learn basic skills in hand beading, a craft technique that’s a Peranakan tradition in Singapore, from a master beader. Then bead your own design to bring home. This activity is open to participants aged 7 years and above.

When: 6 and 7 September; 6pm to 10.30pm

# Workshops to immerse in different Singapore traditions

Stamp or Stitch! – create a drawstring pouch

Open to anyone from 3 years and above, this workshop will guide you through making a drawstring pouch of your own to take home. You can choose to decorate your pouch with floral motifs embroidery or block stamps with traditional motifs.

When: All weekends; various times
Cost: $9 per person

A Sea of Stories – The Boy, King, Island & Beast*

The well-known folklore that tells how Redhill or Bukit Merah got its name is given a musical storytelling. Accompanied by four musicians from OSP, a narrator will develop the story with audience interaction, including a hands-on kompang segment. This is recommended for age 7 and above.

When: 31 August; various times
Cost: $5 per person

Kathak Indian Dance Workshop*

The word ‘katha’ means ‘story’ in North India. Kathak retells ancient Indian epics and mythologies through dance, songs and music. Participants will learn the graceful hand movements, footwork and body movements to bring to life this Indian dance tradition in Singapore.

When: 31 August; 3.30pm to 6pm

Minhwa Hands-on Workshop for children 9 to 13 years old*

Minhwa is a Korean folk art style of painting. Children will be able to recreate a traditional Minhwa artwork using premixed colours. This is then framed with traditional Korean paper for them to take home.

When: 7 September; 3pm to 4pm
Cost: $5 per child

* Deal on workshops! Use code “ADWTEL20” to receive a 20% discount on the cost of the following workshops:

• Kathak Indian Dance Workshop
• Minhwa Hands-On Workshop for children
• A Sea of Stories
• De-coding Indian Dance

# Play traditional Singapore childhood games

Upsized Fun and Games

This was a huge hit last year so it’s back this year! Singapore adults in their mid-30s and beyond have fond memories of playing five stones, pick-up sticks and eraser battles during break times in primary school. You can relive the excitement and joy of these simple traditional Singapore games at A Date with Tradition festival of Singapore but with upsized versions.

When: All weekends; various times

Under the Big Top

Bring out your inner circus performer at A Date with Tradition through a variety of circus skills that were performed around Singapore in the 70s and early 80s. From plate spinning to juggling and spinning a diabolo, young and old are welcome!

When: 6 and 7 September; 6.30pm to 7.30pm

What are Jia Ying’s personal picks?

“A Date with Tradition, as part of the Singapore Night Festival 2024, has a diverse offering of performances, workshops and drop-in activities that showcases the different Singapore traditional art forms represented by our SAC artist-tenants. You’ll find me at the performances by Open Score Project, TAC, Bhaskar’s Arts Academy and P7:1SMA. I’ll also drop by A Tapestry of Traditions.”

A Date with Tradition 2024 in conjunction with the Singapore Night Festival 2024
Stamford Arts Centre, 155 Waterloo Street
IG @stamfordartscentresg | FB @stamfordartscentresg
artshouselimited.sg

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