Arts

Bhinneka Tunggal Ika — Unity in Diversity Let us be reminded that we all have a unique place in society The introduction to Indonesian folklore  ICN is an annual musical production brought to you by over 120 Indonesian students passionate about storytelling in Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Titled Nilanka: A Musical, the story takes viewers back in time for a riveting performance. “For generations, ICN Cultural Production has discussed various themes while showcasing the vibrant culture and illustrations history of our Nusantara.” This year, ICN Cultural Production tells a captivating story about growth, love, and ambition from the classic Batak…

ICN Cultural Productions returns in 2020 for the 11th edition of their show — titled Nilanka: A Musical.  This year’s production sees them taking on Batak folklore, specifically “Dayang Bandir dan Sandean Raja” from Indonesia’s cultural heritage. In a story revolving around themes of identity and conformity, Nilanka invites audiences to follow the journey of the six characters as they struggle against facing established societal norms while trying to stay true to themselves. As with previous editions, Nilanka is produced solely from the efforts of the Indonesian students of Nanyang Technological University (NTU); overseeing every aspect of the production including…

As upbeat and boisterous as it may be, Cats The Musical is a difficult musical to appreciate. One of the longest-running Broadway musicals, Cats The Musical clinched seven Tony awards including ‘Best Musical’, and has been seen by more than 81 million people worldwide. Revolving around the lives of the “Jellicle cats”, the premise of Cats is set in what seems like a junkyard as the show introduces the feline characters – the Jellicle cats – who congregate under a moonlight for an annual affair, the Jellicle Ball. Old Deuteronomy (played by Nicholas Pound), the wise leader of the pack,…

It’s a production that relates close to the heart – NUANSA’s musical, Lukisan Jati, sheds light on the struggles two Indonesian scholars face in developing their artistic pursuits abroad. Following the protagonists’ journey of self-discovery, Lukisan Jati aims to share how rewarding it would be to overcome your personal struggles to follow your dreams. We spoke to the team behind the musical to tell us more about the plot that is set in two different centuries, and how they drew inspiration from the iconic Boschbrand painting. 1. What sparked the interest to follow the story of an accomplished painter, Raden…

You may have heard of the phrase “starving artist”, but what is the reality for artists who are pursuing their dreams? NUANSA’s annual musical production, Lukisan Jati (translated as ‘Portrait of Self’), explores the coming-of-age story of two painters on their journey to self-discovery. One of the two protagonists is none other than Raden Saleh, the 19-century painter who was given a scholarship to study art abroad – just like present-day Elsa, the other protagonist who earned an art scholarship in Singapore. View this post on Instagram GET TO KNOW OUR CASTS! 😗 . RADEN SALEH (Portrayed by Hugo Herdianto)…

Pangdemonium ends its 2019 season with a splash – Urinetown: The Musical gleefully takes the piss out of politicians, populism, “people power”, capitalism, corporate corruption, and musicals themselves! 20 years on, Urinetown continues to catapult musical theatre into a new dimension with its demented – yet uncannily familiar – depiction of a dystopian world, outrageous songs and a cunning knack of making you laugh ‘til you wet your pants. Urinetown is set in a fictional “most expensive city in the world”, where a cross-border water crisis has led to a government ban on private lavatories. The woeful water shortage sees the…

In collaboration with world-famous couturière Guo Pei, Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) presents ‘Guo Pei: Chinese Art and Couture’. Held till 15 September 2019, the exhibition spans across two galleries and feature 29 of Guo Pei’s dresses, as well as 20 Chinese art pieces from the museum.  Guo Pei’s creations were erratic yet full of grandeur, it felt like I was walking through Lady Gaga’s wardrobe – had she been a fan of Chinese-inspired fashion. I personally like how each of her gowns come complete with accompanying accessories, headgear, and shoes. Yellow Queen Even before entering the galleries, visitors are met…

“The sea of bitterness has no bounds, turn your head to see the shore.” The world is the throne of evil, and as humanity goes through the cycle of sins, it is odd to say that Haw Par Villa is a place that one can get a revelation of sin.  Built in 1937, Myanmar-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par of Tiger Balm fame erected these sculptures to educate the public on traditional Chinese folklore and mythology. It is simply unbelievable for a modern cosmopolitan like Singapore to house such a strange place like Haw Par Villa. Yet,…

Since the curtains have lifted at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands Singapore, the Broadway musical production of Aladdin was met with rave reviews. With less than 5 days left to the end of the extravagant yet mesmerizing production, Aladdin continues to transport audiences into an exotic world of daring adventure, classic comedy and a timeless romance.  Many of you Disney fanatics would have seen the spectacular show by now, but did you know how much efforts was required behind the scenes to deliver the grandeur that we see on stage?  Let us take you wonder by wonder as…