The Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) is back for another jam-packed edition, from 16 May to 2 June. Offering a mix of ticketed and free programmes, the annual arts festival will have everything from music and dance to film and theatre, plus artist talks and workshops to take part in. Here are some of the performances you can look forward to – including one that’s perfect for the kids!
#1 Peter and the Wolf (New Zealand)
When: 18 to 20 May, 10am and 3pm
Where: KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT
An adaptation of Sergei Prokofiev’s musical fairy tale of the same name, this magical performance by Silo Theatre will be a treat for all, featuring engaging puppets, stunning set pieces, animation, and music. Ideal for ages five and up, it tells the story of Peter who moves in with his bad-tempered grandfather who lives across the world. While there, a wolf escapes from a zoo and Peter heads on an exciting adventure to capture it. Snag a deal with the Family Package that includes four tickets at $120 (usually $160, for CAT 1 tickets).
#2 Bill Frisell Trio (USA)
When: 29 May, 8pm
Where: Victoria Theatre
Joined by jazz drummer Rudy Royston and bassist Thomas Morgan, Grammy award-winning composer and guitarist Bill Frisell is performing for the first time in Singapore this month, showcasing his wide-reaching repertoire, from country to rock and roll. Don’t miss the live rendition of his impressive improvisatory skills.
#3 Körper (Germany)
When: 31 May and 1 June, 8pm
Where: Esplanade Theatre
Choreographed by Berlin dance-maker Sasha Waltz, Körper first debuted back in 2000. It’s a breathtaking performance that joins body-focused imagery with personal monologues. The iconic work asks one key question: “What is the body and how it is constructed?” The performance involves 12 dancers who create a series of scenes that celebrate the body, drawing links to architecture, science and history.
#4 Crowd (France)
When: 1 and 2 June, 8pm
Where: Victoria Theatre
Crowd shines a light on the everyday identities of 15 partygoers at an open-field rave party in 90s Berlin. Go deep into their individual inner narratives with the backdrop of an energetic electronic dance music selection including techno anthems from Underground Resistance and more. This stunning work brings together rhythmic distortions and optical effects, and touches on the theme of violence at the heart of the human condition.
More for kids
Held at The Plaza, National Library Board, We Can Dance (10 May to 2 June) and De Relaxerette (16 May to 2 June) are two other fun interactive shows to take the kids to during this arts festival. Best of all, they are free!
At We Can Dance, step into a recording booth and record your dance following original choreography or the previous participant’s interpretation. After that, watch the a large version of yourself dancing with the troupe of dancers as it is projected on the walls of The Plaza. Also, enjoy a relaxing afternoon with De Relaxerette; grab your headphones and lay in a hammock as you listen to a collection of sounds and stories.
Up for some cinema instead?
Get excited for a great selection of films curated by Singular Screens this year, with pieces from Singapore and across the world, from Austria to the Philippines. One to watch in particular is the Southeast Asian premiere of local film Demons by Daniel Hui. Catch it and other films at the Screening Room at SIFA’s Festival House (The Arts House) and Oldham Theatre.
Chill out at the Festival House
During this year’s edition, The Arts House will be transformed into the Festival House, where performance discussions, workshops, talks and other activities will be held. Guests can enjoy delicious bites and drinks as they take in the festival atmosphere.
Get tickets now!
Groups of three or five can enjoy special ticket bundles that offer up to 25% off selected programmes. Concession tickets are also available for students and seniors.
Written in collaboration with
Singapore Festival of Arts (SIFA)
sifa.sg
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