Singapore International Festival Of Arts 2018
The Singapore International Festival of Arts 2018 is back in town, with activities that’ll be letting you explore obscure locations that are not normally accessible to public, as well as low-key areas in SG you might have never thought of visiting.
Whether you simply love exploring or have a great interest in all things artsy – or both -, here are 6 events to check out that anyone can enjoy.
P.S: Some of these events are free!
1. Watch The Greatest Showman come to life for free
Image adapted from: Naja 21
For those of you who still can’t get over Zac Efron and Zendaya’s romance in The Greatest Showman, feed your movie withdrawal symptoms with …Sodade…, an aerial circus all the way from the wonderful land of crêpes and baguettes:
Watch as the protagonists attempt to rewrite the stars and tell the tale of impossible longing – all while teetering precariously on a tightrope, showing just how much life’s one big balancing act.
Date/Time:
27 – 29 Apr 2018
Friday
7.30PM & 9.30PM
Sat & Sun
7PM & 9.30PM
Venue: Empress Lawn
Price: Free
2. Enter the unseen passageways of the former Supreme Court
Image credit: Visit Singapore
We might be familiar with National Gallery Singapore as the home of gorgeous installations and IG-worthy exhibitions, but not many know that what used to be the Old Supreme Court that witnessed hearings of offences – some punishable by death.
The trapdoor that led suspects from their holding cells to the courtroom.
Image credit: Wikimedia
0600 takes you on an interactive mixed-media tour, imagining the voices of those that would have been involved in death penalty cases. Inspired by interviews and coverage on some of the most high-profile cases in Singapore, participants will get to visit the former Supreme Court’s holding cells, to a hidden trap-door that led those on trial to the courtrooms.
Date/Time: Performances take place on selected dates from 27th Apr 2018 – 12th May 2018. For the full schedule, click here.
Venue: National Gallery Singapore, Supreme Court Wing, Level 1
Price: $20*
Get your tickets here.
*Limited concessions available for students, NSFs and seniors
3. Get transported to another dimension in Singapore’s oldest church
Image credit: Visit Singapore
There’s a reason why people love stories. They transport you to another world full of endless possibilities beyond your imagination. In The Hidden, Kamini Ramachandran, a pioneer in storytelling in Asia will whisk you away to new lands with her rich stories of ancient travellers and their voyages at different parts of the Armenian Church – the first church built in Singapore.
Image credit: Roots
The numerous skyscrapers surrounding the church is evidence of how it has withstood the test of time, and the pews in the sanctuary remain as they originally were when the church was built back in 1835!
Live music will accompany you throughout your journey too, bringing the stories to life as you make your way through the church.
Note: Remember to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking!
Date/Time: 3 – 6 May 2018
Thu & Sun | 7.30PM
Fri & Sat | 7.30PM & 9.30PM
Venue: 60 Hill St Singapore 179366. Main gate of Armenian Church.
Price: $15*
Get your tickets here.
*Limited concessions available for students, NSFs and seniors
4. Go on a free date with an award-winning jazz big band
Spend a romantic evening with bae -with a picnic at the Botanic Gardens, and enjoy the legendary Duke Ellington Jazz Orchestra at the same time. Duke Ellington is one of the most influential figures in jazz, and perhaps some would say, the Beyonce of the Jazz world.
Known for hit tunes such as It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing, this might even be the perfect treat for Mum to bring her back to the good ol’ days, just before Mother’s Day.
Many of his musicians are considered some of the best players in jazz, so watching his orchestra at no cost at all is as rare as the Ditto Pokemon. You definitely won’t want to miss this.
Date/Time: 12 May 2018 (Saturday) | 6PM
Venue: Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Price: Free
Note: Those getting here via public transport can enter via Nassim Gate, which is closest to the stage.
5. Immerse in a groovy audio-visual concert at the Old Parliament Chamber
Image credit: Intriguant
No need for a club to get some dum zi action. With electronic music and light projections all around, Temporal is the brainchild of Singapore-based DJ Intriguant, and visual artist Flex.
Hip hop, Soul and Electronic beats in a parliament house? That’s some juxtaposition right there.
Date/Time: 4 May 2018 (Friday) | 8PM & 10PM
Venue: Chamber, Festival House, The Old Parliament
Price: $15*
Get your tickets here.
*Limited concessions available for students, NSFs and seniors
6. Enjoy a chill night in town with these International Jazz Day shows
Watch The Play Den at The Arts House transform into a cosy jazz club, featuring acts like the acclaimed Christy’s Communication Artists and local powerhouse Alemay Fernandez. Jazz aficionados wouldn’t wanna miss the international acts that’ll be there too, including Malaysia’s WVC Jazz Ensemble and Australia’s Deixa.
Plus, this spot is located near the CBD, so sit back and relax with your pals with a glass of wine, and let the music take over.
Date/Time:
Jazz at play I
28 Apr 2018 (Saturday) | 9PM
Jazz at play II
29 Apr 2018, (Sunday) | 8PM
Jazz at play III
30 Apr 2018, (Monday) | 8PM
Venue: Play Den, Festival House
Price: $25*
Get your tickets here.
*Limited concessions available for students, NSFs and seniors
Note: Alcohol will only be served to those aged 18 and above, so remember to bring your identity cards.
Discover hidden spaces at SIFA 2018
The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions “hidden places in Singapore” is probably an ulu cafe or an unexplored abandoned building. But sometimes, the best things are right under our noses!
You don’t need to be all artsy fartsy to appreciate SIFA’s seemingly endless line-up. Good news for students, NSFs and seniors – you get to enjoy ticketed events at a 20% discount! SIFA will run from 26 April – 12 May 2018, so you’ll definitely be able to fit in a visit despite your busy schedule.
Find out more about SIFA 2018 here!
For the full calendar of events, click here.
This post was brought to you by Singapore International Festival of Arts.