Made in Asia
From Malaysian cacao beans to a satirical comedy about Tiong Bahru, explore the best from around the region this week
The 19th edition of Kalaa Utsavam showcases a festival line-up that includes newly recorded works, archival screenings and live streamed performances. With certain live performances resuming from Nov 1, Esplanade is welcoming audiences with live shows during the Indian Festival of Arts.
“Amidst an unexpected and sweeping pandemic, we hold on to hope. Here is where I truly believe the arts have 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,” says producer Rajeswari Ramachandran.
The key visual this year is inspired by the concept of the Tree of Life, which symbolises new beginnings, positive energy, good health, wisdom and a bright future, she adds.
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 Ravindran Drama Group.
Lights Up! Nov 1 to Dec 31
Top local stars will join hands with a slew of upcoming actors to present a new spin on Singaporean musical theatre classics. Lights Up! features songs from the Non-Essential Chan-Tan Songbook, drawing from productions such as theatre company Wild Rice’s first-ever pantomime CINDEREL-LAH! to Dream Academy’s cult classic Dim Sum Dollies and SING DOLLAR!
Directed by Jo Tan with musical direction by Joel Nah, this musical revue is created against the backdrop of the biggest disruption to the Singapore arts scene to date. This take on Singapore theatre stalwarts Selena Tan and Elaine Chan’s musical theatre creations is guaranteed to leave you in stitches.
Following its online premiere on Nov 1, the production is available on Esplanade’s YouTube and Facebook pages till Dec 31. Viewers may also make a contribution to Esplanade’s ‘Arts for Change’ fundraiser at www.giving.sg/esplanade/artsforchange