Singapore is such an interesting place, particularly if you enjoy art, culture and history. On 24 and 25 January, there’s an outdoor immersive experience called Story Walk that combines all of these in one guided tour type of experience. You’ll also have a chance to uncover some interesting hidden details through Singapore storytelling. Here’s everything you need to know!
What is Story Walk?
It’s a Singapore storytelling experience being held outdoors, across two evenings, and inspired by some of Singapore’s most iconic monuments and public spaces.
After the walk and guided tour of three artworks, you’ll also get to engage in a hands-on workshop creating a diorama echoing the theme of urban-nature harmony.
Is there a particular focus to the Singapore storytelling experience?
Story Walk 2023 took its cues from three art benches from the Benchmarks initiative. This project gave six Singapore-based artists the chance to create a series of art benches located between The Arts House and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Walking through the Civic District, these artworks stand out because they come in such a variety of colours, shapes and forms. They take something ordinary and infuse it with an opportunity to reflect on a story related to Singapore’s history.
This year, Story Walk will feature the other three benches, so you can expect a completely new experience!
Who are these three storytellers?
Laura Kee
Laura is a versatile actress, emcee and voiceover artist with over a decade of experience in television, film, theatre and commercials. Roles of note include in the long-form television drama Kin (2018–2022) and in the one-woman play, Emily of Emerald Hill.
During Story Walk, she will share hidden stories and tales about iconic attractions from the Esplanade all the way to the Merlion. There’s more than meets the eye!
Cheyenne Alexandra Phillips
Cheyenne is a climate artist with an eight-part podcast, an audio experience with Checkpoint Theatre and a weekly newsletter. She also founded and co-runs Outspoken and wrote the production on oil and gas industry called Playing With Fire.
During the Story Walk experience, Cheyenne will help you cast your mind back through history to the days before the Esplanade, to a time of merciless heat, family gatherings and smoking grills!
Hafiz Rashid
As an experienced museum docent, Hafiz runs tours that delve into the history, culture, folklore and languages of the Malay Archipelago (Nusantara). He has conducted tours and storytelling sessions at multiple institutions and festivals in Singapore since 2013.
On your Story Walk tour, Hafiz will reveal the site of a legendary competition between the fabled hero Badang and the champion of Kalinga.
Where will the storytellers guided tour go?
It will start at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, then take in the three aforementioned benches from the Benchmarks initiative (titled ‘#iykyk’, ‘Sayang! Satay Sayang!’ and ‘…all the King’s men’). The Story Walk will finish at The Arts House at the Old Parliament for the diorama workshop.
Guiding the experience will be three storytellers who will each share a unique tale, weaving local history with folklore.
What if I miss it?
In February, you can watch a series of digital stories that build on the narrative experiences from Story Walk. Available on Arts House Limited’s YouTube Channel, keep a look out for it!
What are the details?
Dates: 24 and 25 January 2025
Times: 5pm to 6.30pm and 7pm to 8.30pm on both days
Location: Starting at The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, going through the Civic District and ending at The Arts House at Old Parliament
Cost: $15 per person
Age: Recommended for ages 15 years and above
Book your tickets to the storytelling and guided tour experience here.
Liked this article about Story Walk 2025? There’s more events on this month including this literary event and plenty more in our Things To Do section.
