Download Esplanade`s Pesta Raya celebrates the rich culture and

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Esplanade’s Pesta Raya celebrates the rich culture and grace of
Malay arts in Asia
SINGAPORE, 27 August 2012 – Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay celebrates the Malay
heritage and festivities of Hari Raya with the 11th edition of Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of
Arts. Running from 7 to 16 September 2012, the centre will be filled with the best of traditional
and contemporary Malay music, theatre and dance from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore,
with free and ticketed performances, for a wide range of audiences regardless of ethnicity or
age.
Esplanade is commemorating our 10th Anniversary this year with the theme Celebrating Life –
The best of the Human Spirit through the Arts. Through the year, we celebrate and pay tribute
to key values through 17 Esplanade Presents festivals and series. We celebrate grace at Pesta
Raya – where the Malay arts are a harmonious blend of narratives, sounds, movements and
motifs. The physical and spiritual characteristics of the personalities and stories from the Malay
Archipelago that embody grace have been woven together for this festival.
Commented Norhayati Yusoff, Associate Producer, The Esplanade Co Ltd: “This year’s Pesta
Raya highlights inspiring women known for their grace, beauty and strength. These include a
performance inspired by Tun Fatimah, the beautiful queen of the last Malaccan Sultanate who
was responsible for winning back Malacca from the Portuguese; intimate sessions with 50s
screen siren Maria Menado and today’s top Malay director/producer Erma Fatima, both of
whom rose up the ranks from budding actresses to respected producers and directors; and in
Tarian Malam by Nan Jombang Dance Group, we see the strength of women who keep the
order of the Padang society through disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. We hope Pesta
Raya continues to deepen our audiences’ understanding of the region’s rich culture and
heritage through the different genres of music, dance, theatre and even cooking!”
This year, Pesta Raya opens with Bahasa Terindah – where audiences can immerse
themselves in soulful contemporary tunes performed by local and regional artists featuring
Opick (Indonesia), Mawi, Muadz, Habibah Othman and nasyid (chanting) vocal group Hijjaz
(Malaysia). Inspired by Ramli Sarip’s evergreen classic of the same name, Bahasa Terindah is
a concert that celebrates the grace and beauty of the human spirit through music.
In addition, we will be presenting two other one-night only concerts - Konsert Salam Mesra and
Ana Raffali. Konsert Salam Mesra brings together Singapore’s Malay artists such as Norazia
Ali, Hetty Sarlene, Aaron Aziz and Adi Putra who have carved a name for themselves overseas
and will now return home to share their personal journeys with the audiences. Known for her
trademark baju kurungs on stage, acoustic pop sensation Ana Raffali’s claim to fame was
winning the coveted Anugerah Juara Lagu Song of the Year award in 2011 for her tearjerker,
Tolong Ingatkan Aku. Together with her band – The Mahaens – the self-taught guitar-playing
singer will be making her first appearance at Esplanade.
In a lyrical mix of poetry with traditional Malay music, some of the most respected and
accomplished Malay ghazal musicians, performers Yayasan Warisan Johor Ghazal Troupe
and guest singer Zaleha Hamid come together in Irama Ghazal or Rhythms of Ghazal to lift
spirits with poetic expressions of love for women and beauty.
A key festival highlight is Tarian Malam (Night Dances), Nan Jombang Dance Company’s new
full length work on the experience of the Padang earthquake in September 2009.
Choreographed by Ery Mefri, Tarian Malam is a powerful work that showcases Nan Jombang's
compelling fusion of traditional Minangkabau arts (including drumming, dance, martial arts),
spirituality and contemporary movement. With vitality and grace the performers portray the
forces of nature aligning with the fortunes of humanity, particularly women, whose role is
central to the matrilineal Minangkabau culture.
And in a nod to the festive season, for the first time, we have Chef Bob – one of local TV’s
popular celebrity chefs, who will share anecdotes, recipes, and talk about the customs and
histories behind some of the most popular foods such as rendang served during Hari Raya. He
will be joined by his mother – Cikgu Zaharah Salleh – who has been the source of his strength
and inspiration to become a chef. After the show, the audience will get to enjoy these festive
treats made by Chef Bob himself!
Free Programmes
Besides the ticketed shows, free programmes will also be presented at Pesta Raya. For ten
days, the public can enjoy graceful moves by various Malay dancers accompanied by joyful
musicians at our Outdoor Theatre and Upper Concourse.
This year, we will be conducting three talks at the libraries to deepen understanding of various
art forms and traditions. The talks will touch on the origins, symbolism and significance of
songket (hand-woven fabric) and beauty rituals and regimes practiced by Malays. Cultural
Medallion recipient Som Said will also be giving a demonstration and talk on the customs of
Malay weddings and childbirth.
And in a blast from the past, there will be a special screening of the horror comedy Pusaka
Pontianak (Vampire’s Treasure).
Members of the public can also join in the activities with free craftmaking workshops over two
weekends at the concourse where they can try their hands at songket weaving. Facilitated by
artist Miss Normaya Binte Nurdin, participants will get to keep their artwork after the session.
Engaging the Community and Visual Arts
Esplanade’s community engagement programme, which leverages on the centre’s accessible
and wide-ranging annual calendar of 14 festivals and 19 programme series, aims to bring the
joy of the arts to community groups and beneficiaries of Voluntary Welfare Organisations. From
children to seniors, youths-at-risk to the disabled, Esplanade hopes to offer meaningful arts
experiences that can help to improve their emotional and psychological well-being.
For Pesta Raya, the centre organised a series of pre-festival workshops to create
contemporary pieces of art work inspired by the songket fabric. Both young and old
beneficiaries from 10 VWOs such as Moral Seniors Activity Centre (Telok Blangah), THK
Home for Disabled @ Eunos and Moral Students Care Centre (Bedok North) learned more
about the history of songket and created their own art work, by weaving colourful ribbons onto
pieces of aluminium grid. These creations will be displayed on Esplanade’s Community Wall
from 7 to 16 September 2012.
The detailed list of programmes can be found in the Annex. For more information on Pesta
Raya, please visit www.pestaraya.com or www.esplanade.com
Tickets for shows are on sale now at Esplanade’s Box Office at Mezzanine level (Tel: +656828-8377) and all SISTIC’s Authorised Agents (Tel: +65-6348-5555, www.sistic.com.sg).
About Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is one of the world’s busiest arts centres, officially opened on
12 October 2002. This architectural icon with its distinctive twin shells is sited within
Singapore’s civic district, just by Marina Bay at the mouth of the Singapore River.
Esplanade aims to be a performing arts centre for everyone, and its programmes cater to its
diverse audiences. Its programme line-up spans all genres to encompass music, dance,
theatre and visual arts, with a special focus on Asian culture.
Esplanade houses world-class performance spaces, supported by a comprehensive range of
professional support facilities and services. Its two main venues are the 1,600-seat Concert
Hall, with acoustics by the late Russell Johnson of ARTEC Consultants, and a theatre with a
capacity of 2,000 adapted from the traditional European opera houses in horseshoe form. In
the past year, Esplanade welcomed over seven million visitors and hosted about 3,000
performances.
In 2012, Esplanade commemorates its 10th Anniversary in service to the community with the
theme Celebrating Life – The best of the Human Spirit through the Arts. Through the year, the
centre will be celebrating and paying tribute to key values through 17 arts festivals and series
presented by Esplanade. For more information, please visit www.celebratinglife.com.sg
~ End ~
___________________________________________________________________
Issued by The Esplanade Co Ltd.
For more information, please contact:
Winnie Chan
Manager
Programme Marketing
The Esplanade Co Ltd
Tel: 6828 8276/ 96536800
Email: [email protected]
Corinne Kang
Assistant Director
Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
The Esplanade Co Ltd
Tel: 6828 8331/ 98301164
Email: [email protected]
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ANNEX
Esplanade Presents
Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts
7 – 16 Sep 2012
In 2012, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay commemorates its 10th Anniversary in service to
our community with the theme Celebrating Life – The best of the Human Spirit through the Arts.
We invite everyone to join us in marking the year in a meaningful way as we celebrate and pay
tribute to key human values through 17 festivals and series presented by Esplanade.
Grace: refinement and elegance of manner; courteous goodwill; propriety
We celebrate grace at Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts this year. A lithe suppleness, a
thoughtful courtesy, a refined dignity, grace is the pleasing result of harmony between heart
and action, mind and body, the human and the divine. And art makes possible the expression
of it. The Malay arts are a fluid blend of narratives, sounds, movements and motifs, each full of
grace and grounded in the sights, sounds and cyclical rhythms of the earth.
In celebration of Hari Raya Puasa, Pesta Raya presents the best of both traditional and
contemporary Malay music, dance and theatre from the Malay Archipelago. Come and discover
the grace and beauty of the human spirit through the vibrant selection of programmes lined-up
this Pesta Raya.
For more information, visit www.pestaraya.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pestarayafestival
Twitter: #pestaraya
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Ticketed Programmes
Bahasa Terindah (Songs of the Soul)
by Various Artists
Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia
Esplanade Concert Hall
7 Sep 2012, Fri, 8pm
Music has the ability to soothe our souls and make us feel alive. Spiritual music is especially powerful in
uplifting our souls, as evidenced by its use in places of worship. In many community gatherings, we also
uphold shared values and beliefs through music.
In this concert, we celebrate the value of grace—of being gracious and grateful to the joy that we have
today. Featuring performances by local and regional artistes Opick, Mawi, Habibah Othman (Al
Jawaher), Hijjaz and Mu’adz, expect to be emotionally touched by a selection of soulful contemporary
songs such as Ufuk Nurani, Seroja, Kembara Di Tanah Gersang, Dealova, and many more.
Come and celebrate the grace and beauty of the human spirit in Bahasa Terindah.
(1hr 30 mins, no intermission. Performed in Malay)
Tarian Malam (Night Dances)
by Nan Jombang Dance Company
Indonesia
Esplanade Theatre Studio
7 & 8 Sep 2012, Fri & Sat, 8pm
“RThe synchronisation was remarkable and the combination of the haunting vocals with the
choreographed drumming produced a powerful audio-visual delight. The strength and energy of the
performers resonated strongly throughout the performance and the innovative use of body, costume and
traditional drum percussion ensured a vibrant routine as the audience were intimately taken into the
realm of the 2009 disasterR”
Miriam Carter, Critical Mass, Queensland
In September 2009, the dancers of Nan Jombang were rehearsing in the city of Padang when an
earthquake struck. Barely escaping injury when the building collapsed around them, the ordeal not only
inspired them to accelerate plans for their own choreographic centre, but also inspired them to create
this new full-length work, Tarian Malam (Night Dances).
This piece is premised on the notion that one of the original sins of the world is receiving Eve after her
eviction from the Garden of Eden. The guilt continues when Woman/Mother carries on being a sacrifice
for the greed of the world. The quake is to right the wrong. Choreographer Ery Mefri explores the role of
women in the matrilineal Minangkabau culture. He continues to extend the conversation between
traditional form and modernity while reflecting on the passionate belief in the importance of maintaining
this intrinsic tradition in Minangkabau society.
Nan Jombang Dance Company is today, one of Indonesia’s most sought after contemporary dance
companies. This new piece, Tarian Malam, is jointly commissioned by Brisbane Powerhouse, Darwin
Festival and Esplanade – Theatres on The Bay. The performance premiered at Brisbane Powerhouse
as part of the company’s Asia- Pacific tour. The project is also supported by the Commonwealth through
the Australia-Indonesia Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
(1hr 15 mins, no intermission)
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Ratu Layar Perak – Maria Menado
(Maria Menado – Queen of the Silver Screen)
Indonesia
Esplanade Recital Studio
8 Sep 2012, Sat, 3pm
Born Liesbet Dotulong in 1932, Menado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, 60’s film star Dato’ Maria Menado
was once dubbed “the most beautiful woman of Malaya” by Times Magazine and Best Dressed Lady in
Southeast Asia by United Press International. An icon of grace, her journey from beauty queen to
fashion model, screen siren and film producer has been an inspiration to women all over Asia.
Although she made her film debut in 1951’s Mata Hari, Maria Menado is best known for playing the first
Pontianak in cinematic history. She has also appeared in almost 20 films, portraying a slew of strong
female roles such as Siti Zubaidah and Tun Fatima (both of whom are heroines in Malay literature). A
pioneer of her time, she also went on to set up Maria Menado Productions, becoming the first female
flim producer in Malay history. Her filmography includes Raja Bersiong (1961), Korban Fitnah (1962)
and Sultan Mahmud Mangkat Dijulang (1959).
Join Maria Menado as she takes you on a personal and intimate journey through her cinematic career
and bares her life as a modern Malay woman of the 50s and 60’s. Sharing the stage with her is close
friend and peer, former heart-throb Dato’ Mustapha Ma’arof. The actor/filmmaker, who has appeared in
several movies with her such as Sumpah Pontianak (1958) and Sultan Mahmud Mangkat Dijulang
(1959), will reveal some stories about Dato’ Maria that will further make us revere her as an infallible
icon.
(1hr, no intermission. Performed in Malay)
Bual, Bikin, Tayang bersama Erma Fatima
(In Conversation with Erma Fatima)
Malaysia
Esplanade Recital Studio
8 Sep 2012, Sat, 8pm
Don’t miss the chance to catch one of the most celebrated and inspiring female artists in the Malaysian
film and theatre industry today, multiple award-winning actress and director Erma Fatima. Join her in an
intimate conversation as she delves into her journey to becoming one of the most prominent filmmakers
in Malaysia, and shares the challenges and experiences that have enriched her career.
Erma started a career in film when she was cast in a supporting role in 1987’s Puteri, which won her
th
Best Supporting Actress at the 7 Malaysia Film Festival (MFF). Following subsequent Best Actress
awards in 1991, 1992 and 1994, she started going behind the scenes. As a producer and director, Erma
is celebrated for bringing feminine perspectives to a largely male dominated film industry; she has been
lauded as one of two female pioneers of the 1990s Malaysian New Wave cinema. Her works frequently
focus on modern Malay women who are still in touch with their adat (customary roots, family values and
community spirit), where she also explores and deconstructs female identities and women’s place in
Malay society.
Her filmography includes Jimi Asmara (1995), Perempuan Melayu Terakir (1999), Embun (2002) and
Diva Popular (2006). Besides film, Erma has also directed television dramas such as Cinta SMS and
Tahajjud Cinta, as well as big scale theatre productions like Natrah – The Story of Maria Hertogh and
the endearing Lantai T Pinkie.
In conversation with her is local actress and aspiring director Sri Wahyuni Jaes. Catch these two leading
ladies for an inspirational dialogue.
(1hr, no intermission. Performed in Malay)
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Makan Raya dengan Chef Bob
(Hari Raya Delights with Chef Bob)
Singapore
Esplanade Theatre Studio
9 Sep 2012, Sun, 3pm
The chef is in the house with free smells and colourful Hari Raya treats to make you salivate! Join one of
TV’s most well-liked celebrity chefs, as he takes a short break from the kitchen to talk about the customs
and histories behind some of the most popular foods served on Hari Raya while serving up delightful
snacks to tantalise your taste buds.
Chef Bob and his special guest, his mother Cikgu Zaharah Salleh, will be sharing their favourite recipe –
rendang. Discover this much-loved dish as well as gain secret tips in making it special for your family
and friends. At the end of the demonstration, you also get to sample the dish prepared by Chef Bob
himself.
(1hr, no intermission. Performed in Malay and English)
Irama Ghazal
(Rhythms of Ghazal)
Singapore, Malaysia
Esplanade Recital Studio
9 Sep 2012, Sun, 5pm
Ghazal is a genre of traditional Malay music in Malaysia that is steeped in poetry and uplifting melodies.
Loosely translated as “love poems” in Arabic, it was originally a medium of expressing unrequited love,
and was slow-paced and melancholic. Since being introduced by Persian traders in the 19th century—
and later performed for royals—Malaysian ghazal evolved into an upbeat, almost celebratory form of
music that is commonly performed at weddings, birthdays and other festivities. Such performances are
also sometimes known as ghazal parties.
Modern Malaysian ghazal groups sing to traditional pantun verses (Malay four line poems) while playing
chiefly on the gambus (the Malay version of the oud, an Indian lute) and other instruments such as the
accordion, mandolin and violin. Its similarity to the ghazal of India reflect heavy Hindustani and Arabic
influences, while also borrowing from other Malay and Western styles, Songs such as Seri Mersing,
Gunung Banang, and Pak Ngah Balik are often in their repertoire.
Join one of the most respected and accomplished Malay ghazal musicians and performers Yayasan
Warisan Johor Ghazal Troupe as they lift your spirits with poetic expressions of love with special guest,
local ghazal singer Zaleha Hamid. Don’t miss your chance to catch them perform together!
(1hr 30 mins, no intermission. Performed in Malay)
Balada Tun Fatimah
(The Ballad of Tun Fatimah)
by Teater Kami
Singapore
Esplanade Recital Studio
14 & 15 Sep 2012, Fri & Sat, 8pm
The Ballad of Tun Fatimah is a play that retells the epic tale of the legendary 16th century Malay heroine
of unsurpassed beauty. Struck by a series of misfortunes that resulted in the death of her entire family—
and eventually, the fall of the Malaccan Empire—the play recounts her ordeals, suffering and strength
as she becomes the last Sultanah of Malacca. Despite her tragic story and various alternative readings
of her history, Tun Fatimah remains one of the most inspiring icons of the Malay world and a symbol of
beauty and grace.
A re-staging (with many new elements) by Teater Kami, The Ballad of Tun Fatimah marks the theatre
company’s 100th production since their founding in 1989. The play is written and directed by Atin Amat,
Cultural Medallion recipient of 2011 and the company’s co-founder and Artistic Director.
(1hr 30 mins, no intermission. Performed in Malay with English surtitles)
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Konsert Salam Mesra
(Salam Mesra - The Homecoming Concert)
by Various Artists
France, Malaysia, Singapore
Esplanade Concert Hall
15 Sep 2012, Sat, 8pm
The Malay variety concert of the year has arrived! Join celebrity hosts Khairudin Samsudin and Suhaimi
Yusof in this stellar homecoming party that welcomes back and celebrates our local Malay artists who
have found success beyond our shores.
In keeping with the “balik kampong” (homecoming) tradition of Hari Raya, these artists are returning to
Singapore, if only for one night, to celebrate the festive season with their family and fans. Enjoy long
awaited performances, and listen to narratives of their journeys from early struggles for survival, to
eventual hard-earned success and stardom achieved on our shores.
This is one occasion where you will get to hear Adi Putra perform whilst appearing alongside Aaron
Aziz.
(1hr 30mins, no intermission. Performed in Malay)
Ana Raffali
Malaysia
Esplanade Recital Studio
16 Sep 2012, Sun, 5pm
Also known as “the girl in the baju kurung”, singer-songwriter Ana Raffali is recognised for her sweet
personality and the traditional Malay costumes she dons on stage. The singer rose from obscurity to
overnight sensation after her surprise win of 2010’s coveted Anugerah Juara Lagu Song of the Year
award for her tearjerker Tolong Ingatkan Aku.
Her big break came when her sister uploaded a self-penned Hujan Di Kuala Lumpur on YouTube in
2007. It caught the attention of producer Aidit Alfian, who then groomed her into what she is today.
Following the release of her debut album Ketika Aku Kecil, which featured duets with Sohaimi Mior
Hassan and Altimet, the self-taught guitar-playing singer has not stopped climbing music charts across
Malaysia.
Making her first appearance at Esplanade, Ana Raffali and her band The Mahaens will showcase songs
from her debut album as well as upcoming hits. Expect to be showered with aural sensations as you get
up-close to Ana.
Free Programmes
Outdoor Theatre
Pesta Raya Opening and Traditions Alive!
Wayang Kulit dan Bangsawan
7 Sep 2012, Fri
7.30pm – 8.30pm
9.00pm – 10.00pm
Traditions Alive!
Wayang Kulit dan Bangsawan
8 Sep 2012, Sat
6.00pm – 6.45pm
7.30pm – 8.30pm
9.00pm – 9.30pm
10.00pm-11.00pm
Traditions Alive!
Wayang Kulit dan Bangsawan
9 Sep 2012, Sun
6.00pm – 6.45pm
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7.30pm – 8.30pm
9.00pm – 10.00pm
Tradition Rocks! 3 – the Ramayana
Annoman Duta – Cinta Sejati
Produced by Era Dance Theatre Limited
The third instalment of Tradition Rocks! by Era Dance Theatre combines the visually stunning wayang
kulit (shadow puppetry) with bangsawan (Malay opera) in a special presentation of the Ramayana.
Immerse yourself in a sensory experience of two Malay art forms, accompanied by a hypnotic ensemble
of traditional instruments as well as colourful regalia of costumes.
Tradition Rocks! is part of Era Dance Theatre’s efforts to revitalise traditional arts in Singapore.
Supported by National Arts Council.
Traditions Alive!
Silat Percussion
14 Sep 2012, Fri
7.30pm – 8.15pm
8.45pm – 9.30pm
10.00pm – 10.45pm
A special performance to highlight the beauty of a choreographed silat performance accompanied by
percussive sounds of hand drums and more.
Traditions Alive!
Music from the Movies
15 Sep 2012, Sat
6.00pm – 6.45pm
7.30pm – 8.15pm
8.45pm – 9.30pm
10.00pm-10.45pm
Local band Seyra and Orkestra Melayu Singapura will lead you on a nostalgic musical journey of
popular songs from Malay movies of the 50s till today.
Traditions Alive!
Movie Screening: Pusaka Pontianak
15 Sep 2012, Sat
11.15pm – late
Traditions Alive!
Perkumpulan Seni & Gendang Akustika
16 Sep 2012, Sun
5.00pm – 5.45pm
6.00pm – 6.45pm
7.30pm – 8.15pm
8.45pm – 9.30pm
The group will take you through the basic traditional Malay dance and then show you the nifty dance
moves. Accompanied by live music, audience will get to learn these basic steps and then perform at the
end of the set!
Concourse
Warna Pesta
Sriwana (Tarian)
7 Sep 2012, Fri
7.00pm – 7.30pm
7.45pm – 8.15pm
8.30pm – 9.00pm
We open the festival with the embodiment of grace as the dancers from Sriwana (perform period, courtly
dances that display the elegance and gentleness of the Malay culture.
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Warna Pesta
Warna Raya Lagu-lau by Mini Monsters (Musical Theatre)
8, 9 &15 & 16 Sep 2012, Sat & Sun
4.00pm - 5.00pm
A musical theatre and family-fun treat for the young and the young at heart by children from Mini
Monsters who will be singing, dancing (and acting) to popular Hari Raya tunes. Catch young talents
singing and dancing to children’s songs written by veteran writers and composers such as Dr Bahari
Rajib, Puan Nona Asia and Cikgu Yusnor Ef.
Warna Pesta
Indra Nila Kirana by Nanyang Polytechnic (Tarian)
8 & 9 Sep 2012, Sat & Sun
7.15pm – 7.45pm
8.15pm – 8.45pm
A traditional Malay dance performance that covers songs and routines from popular P Ramlee movies
where the music and choreography are given a fresh re-arrangement.
Warna Pesta
Dance presentations
10 – 12 Sep 2012, Mon - Wed
7.15pm – 7.45pm
8.15pm – 8.45pm
Warna Pesta
Andari by Admiralty Primary School (Tarian)
13 Sep 2012, Thur
7.15pm – 7.45pm
8.15pm – 8.45pm
Dance item by current students from Admiralty Primary and their Alumni which will feature an array of
traditional dance styles. Andari received Gold with Honours award for the SYF 2012 Central Judging in
Malay Dance category.
Warna Pesta
Wahana Dek Su (Dikir Barat)
14 & 15 Sep 2012, Fri & Sat
7.15pm – 7.45pm
8.15pm – 8.45pm
A lively Dikir Barat performance by one of the most established female Dikir Barat groups in Singapore
since the late 1990s. This performance will feature songs from popular Hari Raya tunes and have comic
relief moments where the audience can join in.
Warna Pesta
Aku Ada Cerita
16 Sep 2012, Sun
11am
Watch children express themselves through telling stories. This is the final round of storytelling
performance/ session by young talents who had auditioned earlier.
Warna Pesta
Sriwana (Tarian)
16 Sep 2012, Sun
7.15pm – 7.45pm
8.15pm – 8.45pm
We close the festival with a dance item to showcase further the many different facets of the art form in
Malay culture and how they embody grace. This item by the Sriwana dancers will feature routines that
are more of-the-day and styles that are more commonly seen and practiced today.
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Free Workshops
Craftmaking – Contemporary Songket Workshop
Upper Concourse
7 & 14 Sep, Fri, 7 - 9pm
8 & 9 Sep, Sat & Sun, 4 - 9pm
15 &16 Sep, Sat & Sun, 4 – 9pm
Discover the art of songket and try your hand at making a contemporary piece of woven art inspired by
this age-old traditional Malay textile. Let artist Normaya Nurdin guide you through simple steps to create
beautiful art pieces using the vibrant colors, and elegant motifs derived from the rich heritage of Malay
songket.
Free Talks
Talk on Malay Adat
by Mdm Som Said
Library @ Esplanade
8 Sep, Sat, 3 – 4pm
Adat, or Malay customs, is so highly regarded within the community that it is often considered better to
lose one’s child than their adat. Join Cultural Medallion recipient Mdm Som Said as she shares some
traditional customs in weddings, childbirth and death—such as the potong andam (shaving of fine hair
around the face of the bride) and lenggang perut (predicting the sex of a foetus)—and find out how and
why they still practiced by Malays today.
Talk on Songket
by Suhaimi Nasrain
Library @ Esplanade
8 Sep, Sat, 5 – 6pm
Come join cultural activist Suhaimi Nasrain as he shares about the origins of the songket, the symbolism
behind the designs and motifs, and the cultural significance of this traditional textile of the Malays.
This talk will be in English.
Talk on Traditional Malay Health and Beauty Secrets
Library @ Esplanade
15 Sep, Sat, 5 - 6pm
Learn about natural health and beauty practices from all around the Malay archipelago! Join Nazli
Anwari, also known as the Medicine Woman, as she demonstrates how to make health tonics, face
masks and skin exfoliants from natural, everyday ingredients you can find in your own kitchen.
This talk will be in English.
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