From 15 – 24 Nov 2024, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay welcomes you to Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts, a celebration of the rich tapestry of Indian arts and culture. Each year, we gather to honour timeless traditions that have shaped our heritage while embracing the vibrant and contemporary expressions of today. Embracing a global perspective, this year’s Kalaa Utsavam weaves together artistic excellence and the thrill of discovery, offering performances from different countries designed to touch the heart and ignite the imagination.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is excited to announce that ALICE (in wonderland) by Hong Kong Ballet will be the centrepiece for the second edition of da:ns focus – Ballet by the Bay, which will take place from 21 – 23 Feb 2025. The company makes a significant return to Esplanade after 20 years, marking the first presentation of an Asian ballet company and a family-friendly production under the da:ns banner.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay presents da:ns focus – Salero Flamenco from 10 – 12 Jan 2025—a weekend celebrating the passion, soul and intensity of flamenco, featuring some of the best musicians and dancers from around the world. In Spanish, the word ‘salero’ embodies vivaciousness, charm and grace—an apt description for this spirited dance form and its artists. As part of the weekend, we welcome back celebrated Flamenco artist Sara Baras, who returns with Vuela, her company’s 25th anniversary production that pays tribute to the late Spanish guitar virtuoso, Paco de Lucia.
From 6 – 8 Dec 2024, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay invites you to take a trip to the terrain where extreme sports and contemporary dance meet, at da:ns focus – Out of Site. We present a contemporary dance weekend annually that is framed by a different theme. On the tail of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics 2024, this year’s theme, Out of Site, foregrounds the intersection of extreme sports and dance. Highlights include Corps extrêmes, the widely acclaimed creation by Rachid Ouramdane, a compelling production that brings the worlds of dance, acrobatics, highlining and rock climbing together in an ode to the present, to freedom, and life.
Join us for the 23rd edition of Baybeats, Singapore’s largest free alternative music festival presented by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, from 11 – 13 Oct 2024. This year, we welcome back several great bands that have previously performed at Baybeats, including B-Quartet and sub:shaman, who will be debuting new material after a hiatus of more than five years. We continue to present artists from across Asia including post-hardcore outfits, Hands Like Houses (Australia), math-rock extraordinaire LITE (Japan) as well as CHS (South Korea). We’re also thrilled to introduce indie-rock alternative artist, Mèow Lạc, one of the first few Vietnamese artists ever to be curated in the line-up. We are also privileged to partner with esteemed regional festivals, Jakarta Music Con from Indonesia and Emerge Music from Taiwan, which offer us the opportunities to showcase Singapore’s talents abroad and raise the festival’s international profile.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay presents the second edition of da:ns focus – Connect Asia Now (CAN), a weekend dedicated to contemporary works by Asian dancemakers, from 4 – 6 Oct 2024. This year’s line-up features new dance productions which engage deeply with the embodiment of ritual, resistance and metamorphosis. In this second edition, CAN features the internationally acclaimed butoh troupe Sankai Juku; two boundary-breaking dance artists Eisa Jocson and Venuri Perera in a first-time collaboration; and rising multidisciplinary artist Joshua Serafin.
From 12 Jul – 7 Sep 2024, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay presents the second part of the Land trilogy in our contemporary theatre season, The Studios 2024, where four artists invite everyone to consider the world today, to examine the powerful forces that shape our trajectories as individuals, communities, societies and nations. An updated staging of Air by Drama Box looks at the dispossession and loss of the Orang Seletar, an indigenous community of Singapore. With Singapore Art Museum, we jointly present the Asian premiere of Rhapsody in Yellow by Ming Wong, a work that traces Sino-American “ping-pong” diplomacy during the Cold War. Closer to home and set against the sweeping backdrop of the Malayan Emergency, visual artist Sim Chi Yin’s debut theatrical performance One Day We’ll Understand explores memory, inheritance and family history. Lastly, Thai director Wichaya Artamat makes his Singapore debut with This Song Father Used to Sing (Three Days in May), a reflection on the relationship between individual and national history, the ceremonial and the ordinary, and time.
After 21 years of serving The Esplanade Co Ltd, first as a Board Member since 2003 and as its Chairman from January 2015, Lee Tzu Yang will be stepping down on 31 Mar 2024. Lim Ming Yan, current Deputy Chairman of Esplanade and Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation, will assume chairmanship from 1 Apr 2024. During his tenure as Chairman, Mr Lee supported the accomplishment of key milestones of Esplanade. These included the successful conceptualisation and completion of the new Singtel Waterfront Theatre; Esplanade’s transformation as a digital performing arts centre which leverages on technology to bring its programmes to wider audiences and communities; the deepening of Esplanade’s role in developing industry capabilities through the new Esplanade Academy, as well as getting the organisation back on track post-pandemic. He has effectively led the Board, and continuously encouraged constructive discussions and contributions from Board Members throughout these times.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay celebrates A Tapestry of Sacred Music this year from 12 – 14 Apr 2024. For the festival’s 15th edition, we hope to transport audiences to another realm, transforming our performance venues into the vibrant landscapes of grasslands, the serenity of temples, or the awe-inspiring ambience of churches, allowing them to experience performances as if they're truly there. These include the throat singers of Tuva Huun-Huur-Tu and UNESCO Artist for Peace Kudsi Erguner who leads a Sufi music ensemble comprising two prominent Turkish Islamic vocalists, Imams Bekir Büyükbaş and Yunus Balcıoğlu. Our Forecourt Garden will be transformed into a Balinese temple stage, where traditional Balinese performers will showcase the heritage artforms such as Wayang Wong, Calon Arang, and the iconic kecak chants with performers seated in concentric circles. Over at the Concert Hall, we welcome vocalist and internet phenomenon Callie Day for a gospel music performance, as well as Singapore’s only Gregorian chant ensemble Schola Cantorum Sancti Gregorii Magni who perform with the venue’s acoustics adjusted to replicate that of a cathedral.
Embark on a journey through the captivating landscapes of the Nusantara, where tradition and folklore meet contemporary creativity in a harmonious dance, at the 23rd edition of Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts, presented by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Revisit tales that transcend time in two newly-commissioned works: Teater Ekamatra's reimagination of a well-known folktale, Bawang Putih Bawang Merah, their first work produced for the mid-sized Singtel Waterfront Theatre; and Samsara by film auteur Garin Nugroho, a “cine-concert” that marries a vibrant, live electronic music soundscape with traditional Balinese performance elements. In Hidup Pop Yeh Yeh! (Long Live Pop Yeh Yeh!), pioneering and younger artists celebrate the legacy of a beloved music genre. In Dangdut Koplo Extravaganza!, be enthralled by two of Indonesia’s most promising dangdut performers, Ochi Alvira and Syahiba Saufa. Also check out Jalan Raya, a performance-installation by Zarina Muhammad, inspired by annual Hari Raya visits.
Flipside is all about finding humour and connection in the everyday, and this year, as the festival presented by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay unfolds from 31 May to 9 June 2024, we pay homage to the ordinary object. In Stars in Our Eyes: Star Show (France), tin cans, tangled wire and kitchen tiles form the obstacles in a treacherous journey of an astronaut, while in Ta Lent Show (Thailand), a cushion, slipper and wastepaper bin tell poignant stories of nature and human relationships. Big Mob (Australia/UK) features larger-than-life slinkies that will pop up along the Esplanade Waterfront. In The Distraction (Australia), object manipulation, physical humour, live cameras and green screens collide. Equally “distracted”, are the robot vacuum cleaners in Stars in Our Eyes: Love of Risk (France). One Two, One Two (South Korea) takes the rola bola to the next level in a story of compromise and balance between friends. In Thingamabob (UK), self-made slings and pulley systems form the backdrop of an absurd quest to find the hardest way to juggle.
da:ns focus – EveryBody by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is an inclusive weekend (19 – 21 Apr) of dance, challenging the conventional idea of a dancing body and redefining what is possible in dance and in life. We hope that this second edition of EveryBody will bring new perspectives on what it means to dance, and what it means to be human. The Running Show by Monica Bill Barnes & Company is an enlightening dance-theatre performance that speaks to the community and humanity of dance. It will activate a large cast of Singapore dancers, ranging in age from 12 to over 70 years old. Australia’s leading inclusive dance company, Restless Dance Theatre, presents Listen to See, an intimate experience of discovery where the company’s dancers invite audiences to share moments of connection through short dance exchanges. EveryBody also brings back a range of participatory programmes, such as EveryBody workshops for beginners of all ages and 13 short dance-along sessions in EveryBody Dance Now. Join us at EveryBody for a line-up featuring 17 different performances, experiences, workshops and dance-along sessions, and discover fresh perspectives on dance, art and life.
March On, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s children’s festival returns from 6 – 17 Mar 2024. In its fourth edition, the festival presents specially commissioned immersive experiences by homegrown companies as well as international co-productions and presentations exploring the themes of home, adventure and coming of age.
You're invited to an unforgettable experience in the arts at Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts, which will run from 16 – 25 Feb 2024 at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. In Everything For You, our commission with Singapore theatre company Nine Years Theatre, witness how family ties provide much needed comic relief and unexpected support in life’s seemingly insurmountable problems. Fans of Cantonese opera must not miss Woman Warrior: Mu Gui Ying and The Sassy Princess which feature veteran Hong Kong actress and actor, Liza Wang and Law Ka-ying. Revel in the elegance and charm of the traditional pingtan art form with the Shanghai Pingtan Troupe and get to know The Four Beauties of ancient China. Co-commissioned and co-produced by Esplanade and National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts Weiwuying, Dance a Dance from My Body explores the similarities and differences of port cities Singapore and Taiwan’s Kaohsiung through the mesmerising language of dance. With many concerts featuring artists such as waa wei of Taiwan, WUTIAOREN from China, music lovers are in for an aural and experiential treat at Huayi 2024 too.
华艺引领鲤鱼跃龙门 🐉，爆竹迎新岁!
由滨海艺术中心呈献的第22届华艺节将从2024年2月16日至25日，再次以一系列多元多样的节目，带来顶尖华人艺术家的创意作品。为华艺节拉开序幕的是新加坡九年剧场通过委约作品《只在乎你》带来笑泪交织的日常生活，展现亲情互相扶持的力量。粤剧迷们期盼已久的大制作《宫主刁蛮驸马骄》和《穆桂英大破洪州》也将以绚丽的舞台设计和精致的戏服和妆容面向新加坡观众。由滨海艺术中心与卫武营跨域共制的全新舞作《我所起舞的地方》将探索舞者与土地之间的关系，透过语言与身体挖掘其中的故。音乐爱好者们也别错过了魏如萱（台湾）、五条人（中国）等多位音乐人所呈现的一场场好看又好听的沉浸式音乐盛宴。
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay presents its first edition of Ballet by the Bay, a ballet lovers’ weekend of classics and neo-classical works, from 22 – 24 Mar 2024. Ballet by the Bay will take place annually as part of da:ns focus, our year-round dance season comprising five themed weekends. In our Theatre, we will present Melissa Hamilton's International Ballet Stars Gala, our first live performance featuring international ballet stars in almost five years. Eight star dancers from the world’s top-tier ballet companies such as The Royal Ballet and Stuttgart Ballet will perform with talented dancers from our own Singapore Ballet. At the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre, Singapore’s National Contemporary Ballet will make its Esplanade debut with Impermanence, a work choreographed by its founder and former principal dancer of Singapore Dance Theatre, Jeffrey Tan. There will also be a free programme at our Concourse stage on the opening day of the weekend for all to enjoy. More information will be released at a later date.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay presents Voices – A Festival of Song from 7 – 10 Dec 2023, an annual music festival that covers a range of styles and genres, filling the centre with song. After 10 years of developing this festival, we step back to the basics to ask why we love to sing and why we continue to sing. This year’s line-up looks back at the repertoire and styles that evoked such inspiration, exploring music synonymous with the singing foundations that are by no means any less rich or any less excellent in their own regard. Some highlights to look out for are Die Singphoniker from Germany, who will show us the beauty of classical part-song singing, and London Community Gospel Choir from the UK who will deliver a charismatic gospel performance. From Singapore, we have Chroma who will exemplify how sacred polyphonic music of the Renaissance era has built strong groundings for ensemble singing, and Joyce Lee Tung and Cindy Honanta who will charm us with a gorgeous collection of Viennese opera arias from the Classical period, a must-sing for all young classical singers out there!
Get ready to experience the diverse facets of street dance and its culture over three days at FL/OW – The FULL OUT Weekend. Presented by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay as part of da:ns focus from 1 – 3 Dec 2023, FL/OW promises exciting performances, workshops, battles and parties! Singapore’s street dance scene is active and growing with a busy year-round calendar of events organised by local dance studios. Esplanade's launch of FL/OW as a biennial platform complements the existing vibrant scene by bringing focus to what street dance can be beyond the conventional. This year’s highlights include FULL OUT! 2023, a street dance showcase featuring iconic dance crews, Dance Mixtape, a triple bill featuring street dance theatre, a genre that emerged in the 1990s blending street dance with theatrical elements and structures and 5.6.7.8, comprising three electrifying nights of street dance showcases by Singapore choreographers and crews.
From 17 – 26 Nov 2023, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts presents on-the-pulse explorations of culture and identity by some of India and Singapore’s best-known names in the performing arts, alongside exciting musicians and bands who have emerged in the last decade. Southeast Asia’s first Indian arts festival with a multi-genre focus will celebrate these talents as well as the power of stories and folklore in both traditional and contemporary contexts.
Singapore’s largest alternative music festival is back this year, bigger and better (and still free for all to enjoy)! Held from 6 – 8 Oct 2023, the 22nd edition of Baybeats is one not to be missed by music lovers as Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay presents an exciting line-up of homegrown and international acts, supported by new partnerships. Committed to celebrating and supporting the Singapore music community, Esplanade is privileged to be in partnership this year with two esteemed East Asian festivals, Taiwan’s Golden Melody Awards and Festival (GMA) and Ear Up Music Festival from Hong Kong, helping to raise awareness of Singapore’s talents overseas and profile the festival internationally. Baybeats festival village returns this year too, offering festival goers a space to relax and recharge.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay presents CAN – Connect Asia Now, a weekend dedicated to contemporary works by Asian dancemakers, from 13 – 15 Oct 2023. CAN will take place annually as part of da:ns focus, our year-round dance season comprising five themed weekends. One of the most acclaimed Asian contemporary dance companies in the world, TAO Dance Theater (China), makes a long-awaited return to Singapore with the Southeast Asian premiere of their latest works, 13 & 14. For the inaugural CAN, Esplanade is commissioning new works by two Southeast Asian female choreographers, Kornkarn Rungsawang (Thailand) and Melati Suryodarmo (Indonesia).
The Studios turns 20 this year and it will be expanding to include an additional performance venue, artists from a wider geography and companion programmes that enable deepened engagement with the artistic work and the issues raised. Our overarching theme for the next three years is Land. For 2023, we turn our lens inwards and examine our relationship with land under the specific theme of Landings. How much do we know about the land on which we reside? What does it mean to us, and to what extent do we understand what we are trying to protect or preserve, particularly in Singapore where urban re-development is analogous to progress? What is the cost of this progress and what do we give up or have we given up, in order to move ahead? Taking place from 28 Jul to 3 Sep 2023, the six productions and the companion programmes are a starting point to examine some of these complex questions.
DBS and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay announced a strategic partnership, anchored by a common vision to help uplift the community and pave the way towards a more inclusive and socially-conscious Singapore. As part of the new partnership, DBS will donate SGD 3.5 million towards Esplanade, in support of the full range of free programmes that will be presented at its Outdoor Theatre every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and on public holidays. As such, the Outdoor Theatre, which has a seated and standing capacity of about 1,000 people, will be recognised as the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre at Esplanade for the next five years.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay welcomes everyone to the 14th edition of A Tapestry of Sacred Music—a festival where we bring together practitioners of different faith communities in a sharing of their cultural expressions. Taking place from 28 Apr – 1 May 2023, this is a one-of-a-kind event in the region and presents rare access to music that is often cloistered within places of worship. And yet, because these musical practices are inspired by the concept of a higher power and refined over generations of devotional practice, they are also some of humankind’s most intriguing and moving expressions.
Flipside rambunctiously takes over Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay for 10 days of circus, comedy, physical theatre and puppetry. From 26 May to 4 Jun 2023, the festival presents a bumper crop of international artists from seven countries, performing alongside artists from Singapore. Puppetry takes centre stage with two theatre productions—Chimpanzee (USA) and Famous Puppet Death Scenes (Canada)—that debunk the idea that this art form is ‘just for kids’. Puppets appear outdoors along the Esplanade Waterfront too in the form of roving Seagulls (Australia). Flipside also celebrates the wonderfully imaginative world of circus, clowning, physical comedy and street arts performed by acrobats in Circus Park (Taiwan); street artists in My Dream (South Korea), Circus Olympics (South Korea) and Bakeke (France), as well as Kulu Orr who plays a quirky character in Control Freak (Israel). Flipside continues to be a key platform for Singapore’s circus and aerial arts community as we launch Circus Open Stage this year to feature ground circus practitioners performing short routines.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay welcomes everyone to Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts 2023 from 18 – 21 May 2023. One of the oldest art forms, storytelling preserves and shares memories, culture and tradition. Stories better connect us with the world we are in and are often lessons or a source of inspiration. In our 22nd edition of Pesta Raya, we celebrate and explore stories that keep the rich culture of the Nusantara alive.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay brings audiences to the next level of appreciation for dance with da:ns focus—five weekends of dance programmes throughout the year, each focusing on a particular theme or genre. We kickstart the series with EveryBody (14 – 16 Apr 2023), focusing on works created with inclusivity and diversity in mind, followed by Body Language (5 – 7 May 2023) which shines the spotlight on the interplay between contemporary dance and text. We profile distinct voices and creative impulses from the region during CAN – Connect Asia Now (13 – 15 Oct 2023), and celebrate and explore Singapore’s vibrant and active street dance scene at FL/OW – The FULL OUT Weekend (1 – 3 Dec 2023) Lastly, Ballet by the Bay (Mar 2024) will enthral ballet lovers with world-class productions of classics and neo-classical works.
Since 2003, Esplanade's The Studios has established a reputation for presenting thought-provoking works and giving space for theatre-makers to explore different issues in a variety of forms. As The Studios season moves into its next decade of growth and with the recent opening of the new Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade, we wanted to explore new ideas. One of these possibilities is TRIP, a programme within The Studios that supports early-career directors by giving them opportunities, resources and a platform. Through connecting them with an experienced creative and technical team, and providing them with a professional venue, we create a safe and supportive environment for these directors. In consultation with our Resource Panel of experienced theatre professionals (Aidli ‘Alin’ Mosbit, Edith Podesta, Sean Tobin), we selected Sim Yan Ying “YY” and Renee Yeong as our directors for the inaugural edition for TRIP. In April 2023, YY will be directing No Particular Order by Joel Tan and Renee will be directing I am trying to say something true by Michelle Tan.
Taking place from 9 – 19 Mar 2023 over the school holidays, March On 2023—Esplanade’s annual arts festival for young audiences and their families—will feature three commissioned works that take on the theme of identity and how children navigate their environment. How do children see themselves and the community that supports them? How do they develop the strength to face challenges and difficulties? What is a safe space or environment to a child, and how is the community a part of it? These are some of the questions we hope to explore during the festival.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay invites everyone to explore ways to discover new worlds, make memories and have a good laugh for a moment’s relief from the stresses of life at Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts from 27 Jan – 5 Feb 2023. It has been close to three years since we last presented overseas artists physically at the festival and we warmly welcome them back. Huayi kicks off with ART, Godot Theatre Company of Taiwan’s humorous and thought-provoking adaptation of Yasmina Reza’s celebrated play. Travel with the famed Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan to the bustling Bangka district of its artistic director Cheng Tsung-lung’s Taipei childhood in 13 Tongues. Completing the eclectic music line-up are An Evening with Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Taiwanese indie darlings ANPU (formerly known as Deserts Chang), Accusefive and Elephant Gym.
百兔齐聚，一蹦一跳迎华艺🐇
由滨海艺术中心呈献的第21届华艺节将从2023年1月27日至2月5日，再次以一系列轻松而又不失冒险精神的精彩节目，带来顶尖华人艺术家的创意作品。距离上次呈现海外艺术家的现场演出已有三年之久了，非常开心能够再次欢迎他们的到来。为华艺节拉开序幕的是台湾果陀剧场改编自雅丝米娜• 雷札（Yasmina Reza）最广为人知的幽默喜剧《ART》。另外，跟随台湾著名舞团云门舞集，在《十三声》中穿越到艺术总监郑宗龙儿时在台北的那些年，感受艋舺的繁华热闹。强大的节目阵容还包括香港中乐团的《春颂》，台湾独立音乐人安溥（原艺名张悬）、告五人和大象体操带来的真诚演绎。
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is proud to present the 10th edition of Voices – A Festival of Song, a celebration of vocal music to be held from 1 – 4 Dec 2022. The theme for the 10th edition is homecoming, which is a befitting one, as we welcome back old friends and regulars of the festival. Highlights include a new Christmas concert by The King’s Singers from UK, an A Cappella Gala featuring MICapella, 1023 and Acapellago from the Philippines, as well as performances by Rio SilaenVoices of Indonesia, L’arietta Productions, Sing’Theatre, Singapore Lyric Opera, Sugar Bees, LimTayPeng and the DJs from 96.3 Hao FM, and more. Voices 2022 features a diverse range of forms and styles of singing, from choral, opera and a cappella to pop, musical theatre and xinyao, and more. Over four days, almost every corner of Esplanade will come alive with the sound of the human voice.
Baybeats brings the best of alternative music from Singapore and beyond to everyone. From 28 – 30 Oct 2022, we welcome back regional acts and overseas collaborations at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, as well as the strong online community to experience the raw energy of Baybeats. We are also happy to announce the return of the festival’s beloved Powerhouse stage—renamed Powerhouse2 at the new Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade. For the first time, we will be collaborating with Taiwanese music festival LUCfest at the Esplanade Annexe Studio. The 21st edition of Baybeats is filled with the long-awaited return of many of our favourite things. We can’t wait to have everyone back on our grounds, moshing, rocking out and simply having a good time.
Making sure that the arts is accessible to and embraced by diverse communities in Singapore, is always at the heart of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s work. This October, as the centre celebrates its 20th anniversary, it will roll out a series of new accessibility features to welcome patrons of all ages and abilities.
Over the past two decades, Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts has been a champion for the Indian arts and this year from 18 – 27 Nov 2022, the festival builds on the relationships developed over the years with artists and arts groups, while also introducing new and exciting artists and art forms that audiences can look forward to. We are thrilled to welcome the return of international artists such as sitarist Anoushka Shankar, and newly co-produced works by Apsaras Arts, Bhaskar’s Arts Academy and playwright A Yagnya. Exciting and upcoming musicians, such as Punjabi outfit Band Walle, Tamil group D.N.S.V and a night of soul and R&B with singer-songwriter Shak’thiya will also feature at the festival.
Humans are creatures of habit. We fear changes that disturb our sense of self and our sense of belonging to a home or community. Yet we constantly crave the new. New tastes, sights, and experiences that excite and inspire us. These two contradictory impulses also underlie In New Light – A Season of Commissions as Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay marks its 20-year journey as an arts centre for everyone. Presented from 12 Oct to 31 Dec 2022, In New Light’s commissions celebrate 20 years of artistry and collaborations that have made Esplanade a home for the arts, and the arts an integral part of Singapore’s cultural identity and diverse communities. In New Light also presents new works and a new venue. In a world still experiencing the aftershocks of the pandemic and existential crises on ecological, technological and other fronts, these commissions hope to provide new lenses through which we can better question, heal, and ultimately, create our future.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s 18th edition of Moonfest – A Mid-Autumn Celebration marks the occasion with a wide array of free performances of traditional Chinese arts and ticketed workshops for everyone to enjoy with their families and friends. In keeping with the festival’s objective to preserve traditions, Moonfest will present for the very first time, puppetry performances by Sin Hoe Ping, San Chun Long and Sin Ee Lye Heng performed in Henghua, Hainanese and Teochew respectively. There will also be xiqu performances featuring Cantonese Opera excerpts by the Chinese Theatre Circle and a getai concert infused with folk songs, Hokkien and Huangmei Opera. For those who enjoy a play on words, catch a witty crosstalk performance by the Young People’s Performing Arts Ensemble as well as storytelling in radio-play style by father-daughter duo Patrick and Jo Kwek. To push the boundaries of traditional arts, Teochew Opera artist Tan Wei Tian will be collaborating with electronic music producer evanturetime, and young nanyin artists from Siong Leng will team up with guitarist Sebastian Ho to breathe new life to traditional classics. This year, in addition to our parent-child and adult workshops, there will also be a grandparent-child workshop.
第十八届艺满中秋将在中秋节呈献一系列的免费华族传统艺术节目! 🌕🏮
滨海艺术中心第十八届艺满中秋将在中秋节这温馨的节日呈献一系列的免费华族传统艺术节目以及多项售票的学习坊，让大家与亲朋好友一同赏艺术、品中秋。艺满中秋一贯致力于延续传统，今年也不忘初心，首次推出新和平、三春隆和新怡梨兴的偶戏。他们将分别以兴化、海南和潮语演出，希望他们的这份热忱让你深受启迪。 同时，别错过敦煌剧坊带来经典的粤剧选段，以及串联民间好歌、福建戏和黄梅戏的歌台演唱会。为持续推动传统艺术的发展，潮剧新星陈纬恬将与电子音乐制作人evanturetime搭档，而湘灵音乐社的南音新秀们则与吉他手何维杰合作，为传统经典作品注入新鲜活力。另外，除了有适合大人以及亲子互动的学习坊之外，我们还增设了祖孙学习坊，让公公婆婆陪着孙子们一起同乐。希望大家在轻松温馨的环境下，不仅能学习和体验华族传统艺术，还能增进与家人的感情。
This year, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s da:ns festival invites us to immerse ourselves in where dance takes us from 13 – 23 Oct 2022. This is also pertinent as after this edition, we will be transforming the festival into an exciting season of dance programmes spread out through the year, each with specific themes that allow for richer appreciation of this artform. After a hiatus of international dance productions touring to Singapore, this year's festival features diverse works which have tenaciously survived through the pandemic. In Tree of Codes, audiences will be transported into a world of visual and musical overdrive from three visionaries—multi-award-winning choreographer Wayne McGregor, Mercury Prize-winning producer Jamie xx and renowned visual artist, Olafur Eliasson. The Esplanade commission and co-production, No. 60 by Pichet Klunchun Dance Company, arrives in Singapore after its tour in Europe. To celebrate the opening of Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade, we have commissioned The Human Expression (T.H.E) Dance Company’s newest work, Infinitely Closer. Also featured is Singapore Ballet with Evening Voices, a spirited triple-bill set against the beautiful Marina Bay skyline. Our work-in-progress platform for Asian dancemakers, Forward Shift, will feature new creations by two emerging Asian dancemakers, Hwa Wei-An and Liu I-Ling.
Possibly the longest-running annual jazz event in Singapore, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s Jazz in July celebrates its 15th edition through varied expressions of this music. Throughout the month of July, Esplanade will be bringing to audiences diverse offerings by the Singaporean jazz community, from breezy ballads to edgy free improvisation. These include Louis Soliano, Chok Kerong, Andrew Lim & Tan Weixiang, Aya Sekine, Mario Serio, Joshua Wan, Anson Fung Guitar Trio, Thomson Big Band, and many more. At the same time, the festival welcomes artists from the region and further abroad, such as Aaron Burnett (USA), Lucy Yeghiazaryan (Armenia/USA), Joyce Moreno (Brazil), Loop Doctors (Hungary), Kelapa Muda (Indonesia), Hachul Song Quartet (South Korea), Sunny Rattana Wongsansern & Julian Cary (Thailand), and Hope Yeh Trio (Taiwan). Aside from sharing their unique styles of jazz music, they will also be forging friendships and connections through the various jams and interactions with their counterparts in Singapore. Head down to Esplanade for an exciting 31 days of jazz performances and workshops in July, where there is a flavour of jazz for everyone, regardless of their tastes and inclinations.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay presents a line-up of live concerts as part of Mosaic Music Series from July 2022. Singapore artists and bands Forests, Coming Up Roses and brb. kick things off, followed by Linying and Sobs in September and October respectively. These young musicians represent the rich talent and diversity in Singapore’s alternative music scene, and many have journeyed with us through the different stages of their development and growth. After a two-year hiatus, we’re also excited to welcome international artists back at Mosaic. Indie-pop icon, boy pablo (Norway) in November, preceded by K-indie quartet, Say Sue Me, ambient experimental music artist, Meitei from Japan, and Bangkok-based singer-songwriter, Phum Viphurit in October, with many more to be announced in the coming months.
Over the last 19 years, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s The Studios has been a space for inspiration, innovation and imagination. This is the final year of The Studios in the format we are familiar with. The opening of Esplanade’s new Singtel Waterfront Theatre later this year has given this platform the opportunity and space to evolve from 2023 onwards, and we look forward to sharing more about a new iteration of The Studios in time. In this final season of this iteration, our commissioned productions and supporting programmes illustrate how theatre can be construed as an act of collective care as we come together and share a couple of hours, or even a moment of epiphany. We hope that these programmes help you perceive refreshing new ways of living and relating after the circumstances of our recent past.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay welcomes everyone back to experience the 21st edition of Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts at the centre, from 26 – 29 May 2022. It is also Esplanade’s 20th anniversary this year and even as we look forward to the future, we take a moment to shine a focus on icons who have shaped our arts and entertainment scene. At the same time, we put a spotlight on the next generation of artists who are making their mark on the scene. In An Evening of Dikir – Teraju Tiga, the Esplanade Concert Hall will come alive in one epic night of dikir barat. Our digital screenings will entertain audiences beyond our shores and those in Singapore who want to experience Pesta Raya from home.
Flipside returns to Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay from 3 – 12 Jun 2022 after two interrupted years. With more borders re-opening, families reuniting and a re-awakening of social, sporting and cultural life, the festival looks more like its pre-COVID self. For the first time in two years as well, we are excited to welcome international artists back to the festival in person. Join us at Flipside with its fun, quirky mix of experiences: from intimate, interactive performances and workshops, to spectacular outdoor events.
As we try to chart an equilibrium between caution and normalcy, it is natural to seek out anchoring influences in our lives. For many, this comes in the form of a belief in something greater than our worldly concerns or a deeper truth beyond our material existence. Some of the most primal expressions of such beliefs are manifested through the stirring power of the voice, and drums that elevate the spirit. They soar, swell, and even physically move us—bringing a visceral experience that cannot be adequately conveyed in words. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s A Tapestry of Sacred Music returns from 25 – 27 Mar 2022 and brings a rich diversity of musical offerings, with focus on two fundamental manifestations of sacred music: the voice and the drum. This year, we are grateful to be able to welcome overseas artists back to perform live, together with practitioners from our local communities.
We are excited to announce the return of March On, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s annual children-centric festival for people below 12 and their families, from 9 – 13 Mar 2022. At the heart of this year’s festival is the question: How does a child’s environment impact their learning and growth? Explore the answers at the festival’s participatory arts experiences and multi-disciplinary programmes for families and schools.
As part of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s 20th anniversary celebrations, the centre presents PopLore – A Year of Singapore Popular Music, a year-long exploration of Singapore’s epic, storied and vibrant popular music from the 1960s to the present and beyond. With a focus on the many popular music forms in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil, PopLore presents a series of live concerts from January to December 2022, featuring a roster of luminaries in the Singapore music scene such as Dick Lee, Jeremy Monteiro, Marcus Chin and Najip Ali, as well as younger artists including Charlie Lim, Fauzie Laily, Izzathy Halil, Nathan Hartono, Olivia Ong, Shabir and The Freshman. To enrich the experience for audiences and to raise awareness of the history and future possibilities of Singapore’s popular music, the series will also feature podcasts, videos and an exhibition at Esplanade on the various cultural forces, behind-the-scenes players and live music venues which shaped the scene. Produced in consultation with music industry veteran Lim Sek and emerging from the seismic disruption to the scene that is COVID-19, PopLore celebrates the power of music across generations, language and geography, and seeks to spur conversations and reflection on the way forward.
As Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay commemorates the 20th edition of Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts, we bring to you new, original works by Singapore artists (five commissions and two co-productions) that delve into what really matters in our lives in times like this. In the original play, Between You and Me by Nine Years Theatre, a long-buried family secret is unveiled when a celebrated actress and a mother of three daughters come under the spotlight once again after winning a prestigious film award. Ding Yi Music Company brings you 5lements, a music concert inspired by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Chinese philosophy. Go on a musical journey that shines a light on mental issues and the importance of feeling connected in Get in Touch – A Theatrical Music Concert featuring pipa artist Gildon Choo and ruan musician Leah Lo, amongst others. Experience the bittersweet stories of women from different eras fighting against traditional female stereotypes told through the language of dance in If It’s Now by Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre.
随着华艺节迎来了20周岁生日，滨海艺术中心将为大家带来新加坡艺术家们的全新原创作品（五部委约作品和一部联合制作），这些作品深入探讨了在这样的时代背景下，究竟什么才是我们生活中真正重要的东西。九年剧场原创剧目《你我之间》讲述一位知名女演员赢得著名电影奖项后获万众瞩目，然而她与三个女儿之间的矛盾越演越烈，一个埋藏已久的秘密也随之浮出台面。鼎艺团最新委约作品《五行》将以五音五行为你带来一场受传统中医理论和中国哲学启迪的音乐会，滋养你的五脏。琵琶演奏家朱伟康与阮演奏家罗彩霞携好友们呈现委约作品《请留言》跨界音乐剧场，带领观众开启一场别具意义的音乐之旅，探究精神健康，以及人与人之间心灵相接的重要性。与新加坡华族舞蹈剧场联合制作的《如果是现在》则通过舞蹈，道出身处不同时代的女性为打破性别陈规、苦乐参半的人生经历。
At the heart of Esplanade’s vision to be an arts centre for everyone, is making sure that the arts is accessible for as many people as possible. Esplanade is proud to take our accessibility and social inclusion efforts further, by becoming Singapore’s first Dementia-Friendly Arts Venue and a Dementia Go-To Point. In addition, a new ticket concession scheme for persons with disabilities (PWDs) will be implemented for all Esplanade Presents programmes launched from December 2021.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore’s national performing arts centre, marks the last of its teen years as it turns 19 on 12 Oct 2021. In anticipation of the centre’s 20th anniversary, Esplanade is pleased to share more about its upcoming plans and activities for 2022. Highlights of Esplanade's 20th anniversary in 2022 include new physical and digital spaces for more programmes and experiences; PopLore, a year-long exploration of Singapore's popular music from the 1960s to the present and beyond, and initiatives to make the arts more accessible to the young and to people with different abilities and backgrounds.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay's alternative music festival Baybeats marks its milestone 20th edition with a line-up that reflects the raw, unbridled energy of the music community it serves. To allow as many audiences as possible to join in, this year’s festival from 4 – 7 Nov 2021 takes a hybrid format, with live, in-venue and livestreamed performances. The Esplanade Theatre stage welcomes back some of the most iconic Singapore bands who have performed in past editions. A first for the festival—the Esplanade Annexe Studio will feature artists in collaboration with indie organisers, labels and presenters. As with past editions, Baybeats continues to cast a spotlight on younger bands and individuals making a name for themselves through in-person and livestreamed performances. To commemorate this special year, a commissioned four-part video series that explores universal themes surrounding music will premiere on Esplanade Offstage.
Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts marks its 20th year of championing the Indian arts this year. As the first Indian arts festival with a multi-genre focus in Southeast Asia, the festival has sought to be a catalyst for excellence by developing and supporting the creations of Singapore artists in debut performances and premieres. Continuing in this direction, this year’s edition features a breadth of newly produced Singapore works. Over the years, Kalaa Utsavam has also brought artistic teams from all over the world together to raise the bar creatively through commissions and collaborations. This year, a digital commission featuring renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar and acclaimed singer Shankar Mahadevan will allow us to continue showcasing international artists in Kalaa Utsavam, despite current travel restrictions. For the first time, we have specially curated short films by international and Singapore filmmakers. We hope to keep our audiences connected to the rich diversity of Indian culture and the diaspora’s stories through these in-venue and online screenings.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is delighted to present our 17th edition of Moonfest – A Mid-Autumn Celebration featuring a wide array of traditional Chinese arts performances and activities by Singapore and overseas artists. This year, we have planned a hybrid festival comprising both on-site live performances from 17 – 19 Sep 2021, and digital programme offerings till 3 Oct 2021. Everyone can look forward to an eclectic line-up of traditional Chinese art forms ranging from xiqu, music, dance, puppetry, crosstalk and more. At this year’s Moonfest, we have specially curated a series of digital performances by Shanghai Pingtan Troupe, Taiwan Puppet Theater and Foshan Cantonese Opera Troupe which put the spotlight on heroic figures who embodied the “courageous” spirit. This is also the first time Moonfest is featuring pingtan—a 400-year-old genre of musical storytelling performed in the Suzhou dialect. Apart from performances, Moonfest will also feature workshops for parent-child bonding as well as those targeted at adults who are keen to learn more about traditional Chinese arts and culture.
滨海艺术中心第十七届艺满中秋一如既往地呈献优秀海内外艺术家的华族传统艺术表演与活动。今年的艺满中秋将一分为二，2021年9月17至19日为现场演出，线上节目则持续至2021年10月3日。今年的节目种类繁多，包括戏曲、音乐、舞蹈、木偶戏和相声等，精彩纷呈，让人目不暇给。我们由衷敬佩前线人员的奉献与勇气，更希望借由滨海艺术中心这个国家表演艺术中心，传递恒心和希望的力量。因此今年的艺满中秋特别策划了一系列线上节目，以英雄人物为主轴，展现他们勇往直前、无所畏惧的精神。我们非常荣幸邀得上海评弹团、台北木偶剧团以及佛山粤剧院参演，他们将分别演绎花木兰、孙悟空以及杨再兴的传奇故事。这也是艺满中秋首次呈献评弹，让大家领略以苏州方言演唱，具有四百多年悠久历史的说唱艺术。除了精湛的演出，艺满中秋也推出一系列的学习坊，让不同年龄层的参与者都能探索华族传统艺术与文化。
The 16th edition of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s da:ns festival will take place from 8 – 17 Oct 2021 and presents the proposition of finding new ways to dance. Presented within four focal points, it addresses pertinent developments in dance, and sets us towards open pathways for dancing into the future. The festival looks inwards to see outwards, to reflect and celebrate how far and diverse our dance scene in Singapore has become in GO LOCAL. With the ongoing pandemic, dancemakers are expanding more into virtual stages and digital realms, which call upon both artists and audiences to see dance THROUGH A NEW LENS. DANCE REVOLUTION engages with important social issues of our times to empower individuals and communities through dance projects. After a year-long hibernation, we invite dance lovers and curious novices to reset and dance again in PARTICIPATE.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s newest venue, Singtel Waterfront Theatre gets a roof over its main building and is set to receive its Temporary Occupation Permit end of this year. Officially opening in Jun 2022, Esplanade's new medium-sized venue will host many more new works that express the stories, creativity and artistic talent of Singapore and the region. The three-week opening festival from 22 Jun – 10 Jul 2022 will feature three new works by Singapore and regional artists as well as a host of free performances, talks and other activities. Before that, Esplanade will be inviting various communities of supporters, audiences and artists in Singapore to help the centre finetune this new space through a series of free performances during the trial & orientation programme in early 2022.
Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts has, for the last two decades, been a platform where a wide range of works from the Nusantara are presented and appreciated. From 10 – 27 Jun 2021, the festival will feature live performances, digital performances via live streams, workshops and short films, which will be available for viewing on Esplanade Offstage. Taking centre stage this year are 1970s Singapore icon, Sanisah Huri, who celebrates her 50th year in music, and two productions commissioned for the festival—Pulang Balik a double-bill by Teater Ekamatra and Tempoh by Orkestar Trio (Singapore) and Djangat (Indonesia). This year, the festival has also commissioned a special dance film, Sarung, by acclaimed Indonesian film auteur Garin Nugroho.
Flipside returns to Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay from 28 May – 6 Jun 2021 with renewed vigour after an abrupt cancellation last year due to the pandemic. Many things have changed since; the festival’s DNA, however, remains the same. Flipside’s playful, fun-loving personality continues to lead the way as we invite audiences to revel in quirky inventiveness, witness feats of physical strength, flexibility, courage, creativity and most importantly, to enjoy our shared humanity. This year, the festival will take the form of live, digital and hybrid productions and juggling workshops will also be conducted online by Bornfire Circus.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay invites artists, curators, programmers, writers, researchers and practitioners across all disciplines in the performing arts to apply for its inaugural Contemporary Performing Arts Research Residency. Supported by the National Arts Council, Singapore, this new artistic research development programme takes place in Singapore between April and June 2022. The fully-funded residency aims to support creative research in contemporary performing arts and welcomes various manners and methodologies of enquiry, embracing a pluralistic approach towards research that unfolds not only through the written word, but also includes forms of experimentation with the body, performed moments, and other non-traditional systems of knowledge.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s A Tapestry of Sacred Music returns this year from 1 – 4 Apr 2021, gathering different faith communities and artists who perform music rooted in spirituality, in a secular setting. Together, their expression and artistry convey hopes, reaffirms convictions and take our minds to higher contemplations. Though the artforms may stem from different traditions and come in different flavours, the act of performing them is a pertinent response to shared human experiences and emotions, in the face of our present circumstances.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s brand new annual festival for children, March On, which will take place this year from 10 – 14 Mar 2021. The festival presents arts experiences criss-crossing music, theatre and dance for children below 12 and their families to participate in. The specially curated programmes at March On delve into relevant issues facing the young of today and place children squarely at the centre of the creative process. This children-centric festival not only adds to the range of programmes at Esplanade for young audiences, it is also committed to collaborations and the sharing of thought leadership. The festival will bring together arts practitioners to create new work for young audiences, as well as in panel discussions and talks.
In 2021, we press ‘play’ on some of the live performances in The Studios that had to take a pause in 2020, as well as new ideas that have been laying fallow and waiting for the right time to emerge. A poignant and apt start to the season in January, #THEATRE by INDEX is a site-specific conversation with the Esplanade Theatre. In April, we look forward to welcoming back Dragon Ladies Don’t Weep by Margaret Leng Tan and Lost Cinema 20/20 by Brian Gothong Tan, two commissions that were meant to be a part of The Studios 2020 season. To round off the 2021 season, By Design by CAKE is a playful exploration, looking ahead to new artistic possibilities and expressions at the intersection of graphic design and performance.
As Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay presents the 19th edition of Huayi from 19 Feb to 14 Mar 2021, we invite all of you into our artists’ worlds and creations. During these challenging times, Esplanade remains committed to supporting and working with Singapore artists and has commissioned six new works. These include Toy Factory Productions’ All the World is One’s Stage featuring four Singapore theatre veterans; Nanyin concert Fantasia presented in celebration of Siong Leng Musical Association’s 80th anniversary; puppetry theatre production The Universe According to Niu by Paper Monkey Theatre, and more. Audiences can also look forward to new collaborations between artists in Singapore and overseas. For instance, Singapore’s chamber music ensembles re:mix and Asian Cultural Symphony Orchestra String Ensemble will be performing celebrated Chinese composer Huang Ruo’s A Dust in Time, which was written as a response to the ongoing pandemic.
2021年第19届的华艺节将邀请大家走进艺术家们的创作世界，见证他们的创新，感受他们的挑战，肯定他们的蜕变。在这段艰难时期，滨海艺术中心也继续坚持支持本地艺术家的初衷。从2月19日至3月14日，今年华艺节将有六部滨海艺术中心委约作品——TOY肥料厂制作、介绍四位本地资深剧场人的《一个人的舞台》；湘灵音乐社庆祝80周年的南音跨界音乐会《幻》；猴纸剧坊的偶戏《牛转乾坤》等等。观众也可期待海外艺术家与本地艺术家的合作，比如由本地两组弦乐团 re:mix和亚洲文化乐团弦乐团，演绎由国际知名作曲家黄若为疫情时代创作的《时间的尘埃》。
Following the first online edition of the festival held in Aug 2020, Baybeats returns to Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay for an unprecedented second time this year, from 6 – 8 Nov 2020. At a time when there are still limits to physical gatherings, the team has put together a line-up of digital programmes with livestreamed performances from our crown jewel, the Esplanade Concert Hall and the magnificent Esplanade Theatre. At the Esplanade Annexe Studio, audiences will be able to be part of a special two-way livestreamed experience. We also plan to welcome back small groups of live audiences at the centre for selected performances in line with the government’s regulations. So, grab your gear, roll up your cuffs, gather your troops and rock on(line) and onsite at Baybeats!
Amidst an unexpected and sweeping pandemic, we hold on to hope. The arts has the magnitude to build resilience and vigour in difficult times, connect mankind closer to the beauty of nature and reaffirm the positivity of life in all its permutations. In this 19th edition of Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts, we throw the spotlight on the local Indian arts that has shaped Singapore’s cultural and arts scene. The festival highlights include three digital premieres: Amara – Dancing Stories of Banteay Srei by Apsaras Arts; Pallavi through Abstractions by Chowk Productions and Pathey Nimidam – 10-minute Tamil plays in collaboration with RDG. Look out for an array of free digital programmes, our annual Chakra-thon hindustani music performances by prominent artists from India, Stories for Solving specially for families, podcast conversations with Zakir Hussain, Leela Samson, Arundhati Nag, Atul Kumar, Devdutt Pattanaik and Singapore artist Md Raffee.
Singapore’s national performing arts centre Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay turns 18 on 12 Oct 2020. Following the pilot trial performances with live audiences which took place at several arts venues in Singapore including Esplanade in September, the centre looks forward to welcoming everyone back at #mydurian again. While live performances with audiences are still not allowed, PIP’s PLAYbox and Jendela (Visual Arts Space) will re-open from 9 and 16 Oct 2020 respectively, and Esplanade’s daily guided tours will also resume from 15 Oct 2020. As part of the anniversary celebrations, Esplanade will be launching two specially curated limited edition tours: a Family Tour & Play Date and a Night Tour. In addition, free virtual tours on Esplanade's website will also be available for those who prefer to experience and explore our venues from the comfort and safety of home.
At a time when concepts of space and movement have been deeply altered and redefined for our own safety, how does a dance festival keep moving? Can it provide a plausible direction for us to look deeper within ourselves for comfort or inspiration during these trying times? With these questions on our minds at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, we have consciously anchored da:ns festival 2020's programmes to be introspective and inquisitive, to create meaningful and thought provoking digital programmes. These include festival commissions by Berlin-based Singapore artist Ming Poon, legendary Japanese street dance quartet s**tkingz and Thai artist Pichet Klunchun. In addition, exciting new international works such as Dancing at Dusk – A moment with Pina Bausch’s The Rite of Spring captures a precious final rehearsal of a specially assembled cast from 14 African countries on a beach in Senegal before lockdown descended, while the documentary Friedemann Vogel – Incarnation of Dance offers viewers a glimpse of the ballet star’s everyday life. From 12 – 31 October, through various artistic interventions, da:ns festival invites you to rediscover dance and choreography in your own unique ways and to reimagine possible futures and states of being, especially in these peculiar moments of suspension.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s 16th edition of Moonfest – A Mid-Autumn Celebration goes online and sheds new light on traditional Chinese arts. From 25 Sep – 4 Oct 2020, we have put together a special selection of free digital programmes which continues to champion traditional art forms such as xiqu, dance, folk songs, puppetry, poetry and crosstalk performed by Singapore artists and arts groups. Look out for the special virtual edition of the Lantern Walkabout too! In this current climate, traditional arts play an even bigger role now to uplift spirits, provide respite and to also bring people together as we celebrate a shared culture and heritage. The digital space is a new stage for us and the possibilities, with technology, seem limitless. But while we have moved our festival online, we have not forgotten about the importance of connecting and engaging with our audiences. As most of us are spending more time with our family at home these days, we have also prepared lots of interactive and engaging activities that you can participate in and learn more about traditional Chinese arts together with your little ones during Moonfest Online. The performances and activities will be available on Esplanade Offstage and Huayi’s Facebook page.
滨海艺术中心第十六届艺满中秋由现场呈献转为线上节目，与大家一起发掘华族传统艺术之美。从2020年9月25日至10月4日，我们筹划了一系列免费的数码节目，继续推广由本地艺术家和艺术团体表演的传统艺术形式——戏曲、舞蹈、民歌、木偶戏、诗歌和相声。同时，我们也很兴奋在今年的艺满中秋推出了一个全新设计概念的虚拟提灯会，邀大家上线同游！在这充满挑战的时刻，传统艺术扮演着尤为重要的角色。除了欢庆本地独特的文化及文化遗产，艺术也可以提供喘息的机会，并且鼓舞和凝聚人心。数码空间对我们而言是一个崭新的舞台，新兴科技的运用更令它充满无限可能。不过，即使将艺目搬到了网络上，我们始终不忘与观众保持联系。这些天，大多数人也许有更多与家人相处的时间，因此我们也准备了一系列互动性亲子节目，让大人与孩子一起上线，多认识和品味华族传统艺术。演出和活动将在Esplanade Offstage和华艺节面簿上进行。
Octoburst! – A Children’s Festival is bursting through Esplanade’s spikey domes to reach all our friends at home with a series of free-to-access digital programmes from 5 – 18 Oct 2020. Although the current COVID-19 situation has required us to stay safely at home, away from our favourite playing grounds, and from friends and loved ones, we see no reason why we shouldn’t continue to celebrate Children’s Day with the 18th edition of Octoburst! Online. This year, we move beyond the physical confines of our lovely ‘Durian’ to reach children of all ages and needs; be it at home, in school or with our friends in student care centres in Singapore.
This August, audiences can celebrate Singapore’s National Day from the comfort of home, as Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay presents a power-packed line-up of free online programmes featuring Singapore artists and various art forms. Red Dot August will feature performances streamed online by Singapore and Singapore-based artists. Two of Esplanade’s well-loved music programmes—Baybeats and the Coffee Morning & Afternoon Tea concert series—will also be making online debuts. In little red comma, audiences can explore homegrown fiction and diverse literary voices. And as part of the Raga series, there will be screenings of two dramatised readings featuring new works by Singapore playwrights.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is gratified and proud to continue presenting the 13th edition of Jazz in July this year amidst the evolving COVID-19 situation, as we hope to offer some optimism and respite through the arts while our society cautiously recovers from this crisis and gradually inches towards normalcy. However, as we are unable to welcome audiences back at our performance venues in line with the current government advisory, everyone is invited to join us in the digital realm as we celebrate the artistry of jazz and diversity of Singapore jazz cats through performances filmed live and streamed from the Esplanade Concourse! This is the first time we are presenting live performances—albeit without audiences at the venue—since Esplanade was closed in April. Each performance will be streamed live on Esplanade Offstage and Esplanade’s Facebook page at 8pm daily and available for viewing for 24 hours from 8 – 31 July 2020.
[A note from Yvonne Tham, CEO of Esplanade] The arts may not heal someone with the virus. But the arts can heal persons or even society, whose wounds are perhaps emotional, mental or deeply etched into culture and prejudices. In this pandemic, the arts also help keep many of us entertained, comforted or engaged at home. The sense of community a live arts performance can create is irreplaceable. Until then, we can still share the power of music, theatre, dance, stories, poetry and the visual arts online and in our homes. As our Mall and public spaces re-open under Phase 2 from 19 Jun, you can patronise the many Singapore F&B and retail outlets at the Esplanade Mall and find some brief respite in our waterfront and garden spaces. Your safety remains a priority and we will be taking the necessary precautionary measures at Esplanade. I look forward to welcoming you back into our venues. On behalf of everyone at Esplanade, stay safe and strong.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay's annual festival in celebration of the nusantara and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts, goes online from 19 – 28 Jun 2020. Even though the centre's performing venues remain closed in Phase 1 of Safe Re-opening for COVID-19, do continue to stay connected during this season through the arts, heritage and culture of the Malay Archipelago that is also a part of Singapore's culture. Audiences can enjoy nine productions made up of three new works and six archival recordings from previous Pesta Raya editions, from the comforts of home.
Audiences at home can enjoy an even wider variety of Singapore arts at home, as Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay releases more online offerings till the end of the circuit breaker period for COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), and beyond. The programmes will feature newly-produced content, as well as never-before-seen archival videos of Esplanade’s past performances. Highlights include two brand new theatrical productions presented as part of The Studios Online; archival video recordings of three acclaimed theatre and dance productions previously presented as part of Esplanade’s cultural festivals; and special Mother’s Day concert releases. These new releases add to the range of online arts offerings that Esplanade has been rolling out since Mar 2020.
We are familiar with loss in varying shades, from the irritation of losing a favourite pen to the devastation and anger that come with the loss of life or love. Loss, however, exists in tension and symbiosis with “finding” and in the middle of these two opposites, we often find hope. The productions for The Studios 2020 exist within this tension. This year, we have two commissions in the season. Dragon Ladies Don’t Weep features new music icon Margaret Leng Tan, while Lost Cinema 20/20 is by multimedia artist Brian Gothong Tan. With Teater Ekamatra and Checkpoint Theatre, we present Punggah by Johnny Jon Jon and The Heart Comes to Mind by Lucas Ho respectively. Both works delve into death and how reconciliation and redemption emerge from its messy aftermath.
Those born in the Year of the Rat are often described as witty, imaginative and curious. The Rat, after all, had out-witted the other 11 animals in the race to become the first animal featured in the Chinese zodiac calendar. As Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay ushers in the Year of Rat in 2020 with the 18th edition of Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts, we present a specially curated programme line-up that showcases the wit, imagination and curiosity of leading Chinese artists from Singapore and beyond. Held from the seventh day of the Chinese New Year on 31 Jan till 9 Feb 2020, Huayi presents some of the most dynamic forms of artistic expression that cut across a wide spectrum of works, from traditional to contemporary, and mainstream to cutting-edge. Esplanade also continues to commission and co-produce new works by Singapore arts companies and artists such as Toy Factory, newly formed theatre company GroundZ-0, Singapore Chinese Orchestra and established sanxian player Jessica Lu.
鼠年出生的朋友常被形容拥有老鼠的机智、创意与好奇心，这些特质也让老鼠在十二生肖的竞赛中拔得头筹，领跑其他动物。为迎接2020鼠年，滨海艺术中心第18届华艺节将邀请诸多来自海内外，充满机智、想象力与好奇心的卓越华人艺术家呈献一系列精彩的节目！从2020年1月31日大年初七至2月9日，华艺节所呈献的艺术表演精彩纷呈，种类从传统到当代、形式从主流到实验性。滨海艺术中心也继续携手本地艺术团体和艺术家，包括TOY肥料厂、新加坡华乐团、新成立的艺术团体“原。空间”和三弦演奏家吕杰，呈献多个委约和联合制作的作品。
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay launches Xiqu – Chinese Opera Series to provide more opportunities for audiences, young and old, to appreciate different forms of xiqu (Chinese Opera) throughout the year. Xiqu, which literally means musical theatre in Chinese, is one of the oldest art forms in the world and tells timeless stories that are deeply rooted in Chinese culture and traditions. There are over 300 different Chinese Opera forms recorded to date, and audiences in Singapore are probably familiar with about 20 of these genres which are more regularly presented here. The first programme to be presented under this new series is Four Dreams in the Camellia Hall, comprising four signature Kun Opera works performed by Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe (China) at the Esplanade Theatre from 26 – 29 Mar 2020. In Jul 2020, Jiangsu Performing Arts Group Wuxi Opera Troupe will be staging two iconic Wuxi Opera titles, The Pearl Pagoda and The Lost Prince at the Esplanade Theatre.
滨海艺术中心推出戏曲系列节目 ，为老少观众提供一年到头都可欣赏各种戏曲的机会。戏曲是世界上历史最悠久的艺术形式之一，叙述以中华文化和传统为根基的经典故事。记载至今，戏曲的种类已多达300多种，但在新加坡较常见的剧种却少于20个。新推出的戏曲系列节目将能让滨海艺术中心为观众介绍种类更繁多的传统和现代戏曲演出，并透过座谈会和工作坊等活动与新加坡以及海外戏曲表演艺术家进行交流。首先登场的是由上海昆剧团（中国）于2020年3月26日至29日在滨海艺术中心剧院上演的四部经典昆曲名作《临川四梦》。之后，在2020年7月，江苏省演艺集团锡剧团（中国）将带来两部经典锡剧——《珍珠塔》以及《草命天子》。
Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay are delighted to announce the joint presentation of the National Theatre’s acclaimed production of War Horse, from 24 April to 3 May 2020 at the Esplanade Theatre. Adapted by Nick Stafford from Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, and directed by Marianne Elliot and Tom Morris, War Horse’s Singapore premiere is part of its UK and International Tour 2019-20. War Horse is a remarkable story of courage, loyalty and friendship, about a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War. This powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness. At its heart are astonishing life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage.
The arts is a reflection of our times and gives us insight to a community’s cultural practices and beliefs. In celebration of the Deepavali season, Esplanade’s annual Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts from 15 – 24 Nov 2019. In its 18th edition, artists like carnatic rockers Agam, dance maverick Aditi Mangaldas and Bollywood composer, singer and lyricist Amit Trivedi remind us how tradition can keep us rooted and enrich us as we navigate this contemporary age. Kalaa Utsavam continues to be a platform for artistic firsts by Singapore artists. With Bhaskar’s Arts Academy, we co-produce Marabu – The First Ripple, the group’s first venture into dance-theatre. Swarhythm Ensemble, founded and led by accomplished tabla artist Nawaz Mirajkar, will launch their first album, and homegrown Hindi band The Band Walle presents their first ticketed concert.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay presents the 15th edition of Moonfest – A Mid-Autumn Celebration which showcases some of the very best traditional Chinese arts by Singapore and overseas artists and companies. This year, the festival is made even more accessible, especially for families and the younger generation to encounter the beauty of traditional Chinese arts. Held from 13 – 15 Sep 2019, Moonfest will feature more than 60 top notch free performances and activities including xiqu (Chinese opera), dance, music, shadow puppetry, crosstalk, lantern riddles, and more. There will also be a series of ticketed workshops for those who want to learn more about traditional Chinese arts.
由滨海艺术中心呈献的第15届艺满中秋将展现新加坡与海外艺术家和团体最精湛的华族传统艺术。今年，为让更多民众有机会接触与参与艺术节以及体验华族传统艺术之美，从9月13日至15日举行的艺满中秋将呈献超过60场免费表演与活动。这些节目包括戏曲、舞蹈、音乐、皮影戏、相声、猜灯谜等。大小朋友们也可购票参与一系列华族传统艺术工作坊。
Octoburst! 2019 – A Children’s Festival at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay returns from 4 – 6 Oct 2019. Designed specially for the young, the 17th edition of Octoburst! features over 140 ticketed and free performances and activities from around the world. Children of all ages are invited to participate, play and soak in the moments of joy and emotions that the arts can bring.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay's da:ns festival returns from 10 – 20 Oct 2019, presenting some of the strongest voices in dance which hold the body to the light, illuminating the personal and social spaces we lovingly or exhaustingly navigate and occupy in modern times. Highlights include the Asian premiere of Hofesh Shechter’s latest work Grand Finale, the Singapore debut of international ballet superstar Carlos Acosta’s company, Acosta Danza, and FULL OUT!, an epic showcase of mind-blowing street dance from some of the best crews from Japan, Taiwan and more.
Baybeats, Singapore’s largest free alternative music festival, returns for its 18th edition at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay from 23 – 25 Aug 2019. Over the festival’s three days, audiences can expect to experience music genres as diverse as folk, pop, metal, post-rock, emo, punk, metal, hip hop and more. This year, we also introduce the new LiveWire stage at the Esplanade Forecourt Garden. Sharing the same space but on the opposite end is Open Stage—which was last seen at Baybeats in 2016—featuring unplugged sets by new musicians. Those who mourned the loss of the Baybeats Powerhouse stage along the Esplanade Waterfront last year have nothing to fear. The stage is gone but the edgy and heavier sounds it’s known for will be heard at the Arena (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre).
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay officially broke ground for the construction of its new 550-seat theatre situated along its busy waterfront. In appreciation of Singtel’s generous donation of S$10 million, the performance venue will be named Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade. Opening in 2021, the new theatre will fill the gap between Esplanade’s large venues and smaller studio spaces, and enable the national arts centre to further support future generations of artists and arts groups to create new works that tell Singapore and Asian stories and widen its engagement with various communities. As construction begins, Esplanade is also launching a series of new fundraising initiatives, which are designed for a spectrum of supporters, from the general public, to philanthropists and foundations.
Come celebrate the richness of the art, culture, heritage and history of the nusantara (Malay Archipelago) at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s 18th edition of Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts 2019 from 27 – 30 Jun. This year’s festival features three newly commissioned works, including Fatih – The Prince & The Drum, an original story and music by Riduan Zalani and NADI Singapura, directed by the acclaimed Garin Nugroho. The work shines the spotlight on percussion, one of the oldest art forms. Our free programmes feature rare art forms including kuda kepang dance and Mak Yong, which has been recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Audiences can also experience the musical riches of the nusantara, with performances by artists as diverse as Indonesian music diva Hetty Koes Endang, indie darlings Hujan and Padi Reborn and Singapore’s very own R&B artist Syarif and hip hop artist Akeem Jahat.
Take a break from the fast-paced pragmatic life of a city at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s annual Flipside, where preconceived notions of art will be flipped. From 24 May to 2 June 2019, dive into comedy, music, visual art, puppetry, physical theatre and the circus arts, as they intersect in light-hearted and unexpected ways. New to the festival this year are Flipside Circus Weekend, where dazzling, gravity-defying art of the circus will be featured, as well as Flipside Scratch Night, where aspiring and established artists are invited to share new material or ideas with an audience, open mic style.
Sacred music connects with people at a fundamental level of human expression and the 11th edition of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s A Tapestry of Sacred Music not only showcases the artistry of various faith communities, it presents them on a common platform, reflecting the shared humanity underlying our differences. Taking place over four days from 18 – 21 Apr, this year’s festival looks at the dualities of joy and sorrow, darkness and light, good and evil—ranging from our first-ever performance literally held in darkness in the acoustically resonant Esplanade Concert Hall, to colourful ritual theatre in the outdoors with gods battling multi-headed serpents.
The weight of a stone in a pocket. This is the image behind the stories and people of The Studios 2019. From 28 Mar to 27 Apr 2019, journey through five stories told by different voices, across different times as Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay presents a season of works by both our long-time and new friends in Singapore theatre. The season comprises three new works, a revival of an older work and a work-in-progress.
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