The Hidden
Singapore International Festival of Arts 2018
Festival commission - an intimate site-specific storytelling performance.
| Date: | 3 – 6 May 2018 |
|---|---|
| Time: | Thu & Sun - 7:30pm - 8:30pm Fri & Sat - 7:30pm - 8:30pm; 9:30pm - 10:30pm |
| Location: | Armenian Church |
| Fee: | $15 |
| Details: | Website |
For Arts House Limited / Singapore International Festival of Arts
Unearth ancient stories hidden in Singapore’s oldest Christian church.
The oral tradition is no different to a monument. Unbridled by time or tide, both traverse the ages carrying with them stories from a long time ago.
For close to two centuries, the Armenian Church sat quietly in its secret garden situated in the heart of a frenetic city. Not just an architectural celebration of the divine, it is a sanctuary for the soul and a place for remembrance. The Hidden invites audiences to step into this refuge, to contemplate our relationship with these stories and the monument.
Centred on three locations within the Armenian Church, Singapore’s oldest church, The Hidden is an intimate site-specific storytelling performance that takes place against a 183-year-old setting. Reminiscent of a time when traditional storytellers and musicians travelled from place to place, connecting their listeners to their places through stories and songs, audiences roam the church’s grounds with Kamini Ramachandran, a pioneer in the field of storytelling in Asia.
With the sound of her voice as a guide and to the accompaniment of live music, be led to the chapel, through the restored parsonage and into the memorial garden as the tales unearth lives of travellers, lovers and heroes from realms both real and unreal. Hear about how they shaped their lives and worlds in a time before time, as the yarns spin into view invisible threads that connect us to the old world. Among silent tombstones, a tactile encounter with fabrics wraps you up in time and space — you too are a monument.
What are the untold tales woven within and around these silent, ancient relics? How does it feel to be at a standstill since time immemorial, unable to leave yet to hear all that surrounds you? For just a moment, suspend your disbelief and find yourself suspended in time.
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Meeting point: Main gate of Armenian Church.
Comfortable footwear is recommended for the performance. The Armenian Church is a place of devotion and as a sign of respect, it is advised to dress appropriately and modestly.
3-6 May
Thu & Sun, 7:30pm
Fri & Sat, 7:30pm
1h, no intermission
About Singapore International Festival of the Arts
As Singapore’s annual pinnacle arts festival, the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) presents captivating and diverse works across theatre, music, dance, film and visual arts. First launched as the Singapore Festival of Arts in 1977, the festival has gone through several evolutions and inspired generations of arts lovers and practitioners. Today, the highly-anticipated festival is a high-point on Singapore’s arts and cultural calendar.
Under the helm of Festival Director Gaurav Kripalani from 2018–2020, SIFA continues its festival mission to champion the creation and presentation of Singaporean and international works.