Embark on a cultural journey this May as Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) presents the first SCCC Cultural Extravaganza (华彩 2017). From 20 to 27 May in conjunction with the centre’s opening, visitors can immerse themselves in the varied line-up of programmes and activities that shows off and exemplifies the rich Singapore Chinese culture we have.
Speaking on the cultural showcase, Chairman of SCCC, Mr Chua Thian Poh said, “SCCC is looking to present our unique Singapore Chinese culture in relatable and accessible ways to the community. The SCCC Cultural Extravaganza is a start and it is exciting to have so many of our local talents on board as torchbearers, looking at traditional Chinese art forms in fresh and innovative ways for audience both young and old.”
Kicking off the eight-day Cultural Extravaganza, award-winning filmmaker Royston Tan will present Voyage (起航), a first-in-Singapore multimedia musical and visual journey which will take one down memory lane with familiar rhymes and folk songs re-arranged by the critically acclaimed TENG Ensemble. Through the use of 3D projection mapping with holographic imagery, each act promises to take audiences to a different dreamscape. This one-of-a-kind performance will see a cast featuring MediaCorp actor Desmond Tan, veteran actress Li Yinzhu, as well “getai princess”, Lee Pei Fen.
Artistic Director of the SCCC Cultural Extravaganza, Royston Tan shared, “The diverse and vibrant Chinese culture in Singapore is something I have always held close to my heart. Through Voyage (起航), this has allowed me to work with other like-minded artistes and individuals in this mixed-media showcase to preserve and pass on traditional aspects of our Singapore Chinese culture, while at the same time present these art forms and values in more innovative ways.”
Tan will also be producing a specially commissioned omnibus film for the inaugural SCCC Cultural Extravaganza. 667 (回程 667) is an anthology of short films by the next-generation local film directors – Eva Tang (The Songs We Sang), He Shuming (And The Wind Falls), Kirsten Tan (Pop Aye), Liao Jiekai (Red Dragonflies), and Jun Chong. Trace the journey of these filmmakers as they go in search of their cultural roots and how they make Singapore home, as told through their stories.
For one night only, Artistic Director of the Chingay Parade, Fan Dong Kai who is also the Artistic Director of SCCC Cultural Extravaganza, will present Sing•浪 Concert, the first such event organised and presented by the SCCC. The concert will witness Xinyao icons and current pop artistes sharing the same stage performing Xinyao favourites and popular locally composed songs from the 1980s to present day, re-arranged by renowned Music Director, Goh Kheng Long. Artiste line-up includes Liang Wern Fook, Pan Ying, Jiu Jian, Gentle Bones, MICappella, Tay Kewei, Alfred Sim, Ling Kai, Jacky Chew and THELIONCITYBOY.
Fan shared, “By bringing these talents and their varied experiences together in collaborative works through Sing•浪, the concert aims to inspire a fresh perspective to the development of Chinese music in Singapore. This is a challenge that I am excited to take on – to both preserve the popular favourites of our Chinese music scene, and present them in new ways to appeal to a greater audience.”
Promising an enriching and fun time for the family, other highlights visitors can look forward to include a series of cultural workshops on puppetry, crosstalk, Chinese opera, and performances by local arts and culture groups.
The SCCC Cultural Extravaganza will be held from 20 to 27 May.
Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
1 Straits Boulevard, Singapore 018906