The Singapore International Festival of Arts or SIFA began in the year 1977 as a national showcase of the vibrant art forms found within Singapore’s diverse communities. In the last four decades, SIFA has played an instrumental role in developing Singapore’s arts landscape and shaped the city into one of Asia’s leading cultural capitals.
In its 41st year, SIFA 2018 presents diverse and unique work from different parts of Singapore and around the world. The three-week festival begins on 26th April with an array of events, programs and workshops that will tantalize your artistic side.
1. Rhymes Of Love
If you’re crazy about poetry and in love with the sophistication of Urdu and English Literature, this is a treat for you. Get a chance to meet and interact with Indian Cinema’s finest writers/lyricists – Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar.
27 – 28 April
7:30 pm
Victoria Concert Hall
2. 1984
A masterpiece put together by UK theatrical innovators Headlong, Nottingham Playhouse and the Almeida Theatre, George Orwell’s 1984 is all set for its Southeast Asian premiere during SIFA 2018. This dystopian classic is an international phenomenon and a must-watch for theatre fanatics.
26 – 29 April
Thurs: 8pm
Fri: 7.45pm
Sat & Sun: 3pm & 8pm
Esplanade Theatre
3. Jacob Collier
Two times Grammy award winner Jacob Collier will be performing during his Singapore premiere at SIFA 2018. This London based music prodigy is an inspiration to millions and has a crazy fan following. Time to get grooving with your friends and family.
27 April
8pm
Victoria Theater
4. 0600
Ground Z-0, founded by Singaporean artist Zelda Tatiana Ng, is a collective that offers an out-of-the-box experience for its audience during the festival. Enjoy a mixed-media presentation that will lead you through an interactive tour – retrace the steps of the defendants in some of our most notorious criminal cases.
27 – 29 April; 1 – 3 May
National Gallery Singapore
5. A Dream Under The Southern Bough
“A Dream Under The Southern Bough” will take you to a different world and make you question all aspects of reality. A brave adaptation of the first five chapters of the Kun Opera this theatrical production, it’s a masterpiece created by award-winning director Goh Boon Teck.
This lyrical prelude to the enchanted passage of a pensive dream will be an experience to cherish later.
30 April – 1 May
SOTA Studio Theater
6. Anticipation Of One
A unique audiovisual experience created by six budding artists, this inventive ensemble explores the amalgamation of individual selves from three different bodies of art.
Go on a journey to witness the convergence of multiple selves from different times.
4 – 5 May
Play Den, Festival House
7. OCD Love
We all fell in love with Neil Hilborn’s poem “OCD” back in 2013, when his forlorn poem about how a relationship suffered due to the protagonist’s obsessive-compulsive disorder went viral. During SIFA, we get to watch a dance adaptation of this poem by the Israeli dance company L-E-V.
This one-hour recital involves relentless techno beats performed live by musician and DJ Ori Lichtik, and is set to enthral its audience.
5 – 6 May
SOTA Dance Theater
8. The Hidden
“The Hidden” gives you a peek into the Armenian Church, which happens to be Singapore’s oldest Christian church. This site-specific storytelling performance will take you to the land of untold ancient stories.
Experience this unique live presentation by Kamini Ramachandran, one of Asia’s finest storyteller.
3 – 6 May
Armenian Church
9. …Sodade…
No festival is complete without a hint of the exotic French art and culture. What can be better than an exquisite evening of aerial circus with live music in the background, performed by professional French artists?
…Sodade… – an enchanting ode to life created by Cirque Rouages, a group based in Lorraine, is set to keep you on your toes as they perform.
27 – 29 April
Empress Lawn
10. Tap Masterclass
It is not every day that you get the opportunity to indulge in conversation with Michelle Dorrance – a MacArthur “Genius Grant” winning American tap dancer, choreographer, trainer and director. In the masterclass, get a chance to learn more about Tap Dance and its techniques from the expert herself!
6 May
2 pm
Blue Room, Festival House
What’s more – flash your SIFA ticket and enjoy discounts at establishments such as House Pour @ Festival House, Aura at National gallery Singapore, Alter Ego and Chef Wan’s Kitchen.
For more details, click here.
