Midnight Revelry

The annual Singapore Night Festival, which transforms the Bras Basah precinct into an arts hotspot after dark, returns with a “Bold and Beautiful” theme this year. Lifestyle Writer Foo Rong En follows the festival’s trail of vibrant performances and kaleidoscopic lights.

By Foo Rong En

PHOTO: FOO RONG EN

Singapore Night Festival

Bras Basah and Bugis Precinct
22 to 23 Aug and 29 to 30 Aug 2014
7pm-2am
Free Admission

Organised by the National Museum of Singapore (NMS) and the National Heritage Board, the Singapore Night Festival was first introduced in 2008, and is now in its 7th year running. Highlights of the nocturnal showcase of arts, heritage and culture include the transformation of the National Museum of Singapore into the Earth Harp — the largest stringed instrument in Singapore, as well as interactive performances, hands-on workshops and stunning light installations.

PHOTO: FOO RONG EN

Night Lights

 Festival weekend (29 to 30 Aug from 7.30pm to 2am)
Visitors can also view the installations on 27 and 28 Aug, from 7.30pm to 11pm.

This year’s Night Lights segment sees installations from local and foreign artists. Museum grounds transformed into giant displays of art — ideal for whimsical Instagram shots.

At the Armenian Church, visitors are greeted with the sight of delicate dresses floating in the darkness, illuminated by an ethereal glow. Dresses of Memory by Taegon Kim tells a tale of romance linked to the church’s role as the site of matrimony. The dresses, fashioned from a whopping 40 kilometres of fibre-optic cables, alternate between colour spectrums through the night, creating a visual feast for the eyes.

ALSOS*, an installation right at the back of the church, is an interactive exhibition reminiscent of a magical secret garden by Scenocosme — an artistic duo (Gregory Lasserre and Anais met den Ancxt) who are based in France. Shine a light on any of the colourful flowers and a melodious tune will follow, with each flower emitting a different sound. With different people activating a range of flowers, a charming symphony is composed. The display encourages visitors to explore the human relationship with nature and technology.

Another breathtaking nature-themed exhibit would be Divine Trees by Clemént Briend, which is located in front of the NMS (Mainground). Transformed by the artist’s light projections, trees bear spiritual visages that gaze down upon visitors.

PHOTO: FOO RONG EN

Headlining Acts

The NMS is a hotspot for large-scale performances, avant-garde shows and interactive workshops. However, huge crowds are expected, so visitors are advised to come at least half an hour early for each performance.

The headlining performance by America’s Got Talent finalist William Close, featuring Austrian-based collective Phoenix at the NMS front lawn is worth every minute. It is not every day that the museum is transformed into the Earth Harp, a giant musical instrument. Phoenix stuns with an impressive lineup of aerial and fire performances and blinding LED lights — a gravity-defying spectacle that is spellbinding when accompanied by sonic magic from Close.

PHOTO: FOO RONG EN

Visitors are also given the opportunity to try out a smaller-scale Earth Harp at Rotunda (level one of the NMS), which produces rich, cello-like tunes that resonate throughout the intricate Rotunda Dome.

PHOTO: FOO RONG EN

Follies of é Birds by The ARTS FISSION Company (Fashion Gallery, level two of the NMS) is a poetic feature where ‘kinnaree’ performers present a contemporary dance and play with moveable art installations. It encourages visitors to reflect upon the damaging consequences of rapid urbanisation. However, due to its popularity, visitors are recommended to start queueing at least 30 minutes before each performance.

Schedule for 29 and 30 Aug
7.30pm: William Close & Phoenix (Aerial Performance)
8.45pm: William Close & Phoenix (LED Light Performance)
10pm: Phoenix (Fire Performance)
11.15pm: William Close & Phoenix (Grand Finale)

Fringe Activities

Pop by the Peranakan Museum to catch the special exhibition Auspicious Designs: Batik for Peranakan Altars, where a selection of lavishly-designed batik altar clothes is on display. Visitors can also get complimentary airbrushed tattoos inspired by the exhibition, create their own glow in the dark sand art, and get free instant photo prints here.

For freebie hunters, check out the Singapore Really Really Free Market by Post Museum on 51 Armenian Street, happening on 29 and 30 Aug from 8pm to 12am.
Really Really Free Market is a movement advocating a community that is willing to share. Anyone can set up a stall, and visitors can get anything at the market for free, ranging from secondhand books to basic yoga lessons.