Re:Play AT SG by National Library Board will present a series of performances, installations and curated programmes in the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct.
Venue: Various locations
Date: 23 Aug to 7 Sep 2024
Time: Various timings
Re:Play AT SG by National Library Board
From 23 August to 7 September 2024, visit the National Library Building (NL Building) and National Archives of Singapore (NAS) to relive and reimagine our vibrant heritage with Re:Play AT SG, organised in collaboration with National Heritage Board’s annual Singapore Night Festival.
Themed “Art of Play”, Re:Play AT SG celebrates Singapore’s stories and the magic of childhood, play and creativity. The National Library Board (NLB) presents a series of performances, installations and curated programmes in the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct, inviting the public to immerse themselves in Singapore’s rich history while creating unforgettable memories. This reflects NLB’s LAB25 (Libraries & Archives Blueprint 2025) vision to bring more Singapore stories to life and to inspire more Singapore Storytellers.
Here's taking a closer look at what you and your family can look forward to:
Key Highlights
Opera in Motion: A Dynamic Tribute to Chinese Opera
Venue: Courtyard, National Design Centre
Date: 23 Aug – 7 Sep 2024
This interactive installation features a tricycle stacked with tarpaulin-covered boxes, inviting visitors to interact with a zoetrope showcasing the movements of opera performers. Pedalling on the tricycle activates a mesmerising light projection of an illustrated Chinese opera scene on the centre’s walls. Ambient melodies and festive lighting complete the immersive experience. Opera in Motion blends tradition with modern innovation, offering a captivating journey through the world of Chinese opera.
Opera in Motion was conceptualised by artists Ezekiel Wong, Hoo Jian Li, Lim Jia Ren and Ron Tu. This experience is also enriched by contributions (such as props) from The Chinese Opera Institute, a resource and training centre for Chinese opera whose mission is to promote, nurture and develop traditional Chinese opera in Singapore.
For more information, please visit this link.
Dream in Peony Pavilion: Modern Opera Performance & Showcase
Venue: Plaza, NL Building
Date: 24 Aug 2024
Step into the enchanting world of Dream in Peony Pavilion, a classical Chinese opera inspired by the famous novel《牡丹亭惊梦》. Presented in English, this performance brings together traditional Chinese opera music with Western compositions such as Skaters’ Waltz and Traumerei. Stay on for a show-and-tell session that delves into the makeup, costumes, movements and gestures of Chinese opera.
For more information, please visit this link.
Re:Play AT SG – Timeless Fun Through Childhood Games
Venue: Atrium, NAS Building
Date: 23 Aug – 7 Sep 2024
Step back in time and enjoy Singapore’s traditional games! Relive your childhood memories with classic favourites such as pick-up sticks, five stones and goli (marbles). Perfect for families and friends, this interactive display promises fun, laughter and a celebration of our rich cultural heritage.
For more information, please visit this link.
Library Party After Dark
Venue: Plaza, NL Building
Date: 23 & 24 Aug 2024
Join us for the Library Party After Dark at the National Library during the Singapore Night Festival 2024! Enjoy art performances and modular displays, discover the art of henna painting, or simply hang out at the Plaza and savour local snacks.
For more information, please visit this link.
Silent Disco: Do the Local-Motion!
Venue: Plaza, NL Building
Date: 24 Aug 2024
Dance to your own beat at NLB's Silent Disco! Grab a pair of headphones and cycle through a mix of live DJ channels till you find your vibe! In line with All Things Singapore, we are adding a special mix of our very own homegrown tunes. Bring your friends along and light up the dance party with us. Walk-ins are welcomed!
For more information and registration, please visit this link.
Performances
Ramayana & Superheroes – A Wayang Kulit Interactive Performance
Venue: Exterior Stairway, NAS Building
Date: 23 & 24 Aug 2024
Encounter the epic tale of Ramayana like you’ve never experienced it before! Local legends like Sang Nila Utama and comic-inspired superheroes make an appearance in this modern adaptation by renowned performing arts company Sri Warisan. Then go behind the scenes after the performance to learn how to bring wayang kulit puppets to life from the talented puppeteers during an up-closeand-personal interactive segment. This programme is suitable for the whole family, especially children!
For more information, please visit this link.
Library Night Live! An Improvised Evening
Venue: Programme Room 1, Central Public Library
Date: 24 Aug 2024
Gather around for an open session of live improvisational theatre, with live human beings, who will take your live (or life) suggestions and turn them into short skits and stories for your amusement and bemusement. Come as you are—get ready to live, laugh, lol!
For more information and registration, please visit this link.
Talks, Workshops and Tours
One Paper Story: A Zine-Making Pop-Up
Venue: Central Public Library
Date: 23 & 24 Aug 2024
Welcome to the wonderful world of zine making! Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, creating a zine is a fantastic way to share your stories, ideas, and art. Creating a one-paper zine is an easy and fun way to express yourself. Whether you're telling a personal story or sharing your latest obsession, the possibilities are endless. So grab a piece of paper and start zine making today!
For more information, please visit this link.
Lepak Landscapes & Book Havens of Bras Basah: Curator’s Tour
Venue: Singapore Alcove Zone, Central Public Library
Date: 24 & 31 Aug 2024
Hear from the curator on insights and stories behind two showcases located at the Central Public Library:
- Lepak Landscapes: Life and Leisure in Singapore
- Book Havens of Bras Basah: Curiocity
An immersive projection with Augmented Reality that showcases the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct’s rich history.
For more information and registration, please visit this link.
Pose & Waack Only!: A Public Dance Workshop
Venue: L5 Possibility Room, NL Building
Date: 31 Aug 2024
Join Amin Alifin a.k.a Amin Sir Waackalot and Fellix Utama a.k.a Lil Prince as they impart some slick poses, dynamic arm twirls and the larger-than-life attitude of Waacking and Old Way Vogue that would have you taking centre stage on a dance floor! Delivered at a pace that is suited for everybody and all bodies, this workshop celebrates the joy and expressiveness of House and Disco music. Come dressed in an outfit that makes you feel like a diva or one that makes you feel comfortable – either way, this is a no judgement zone that embraces all – you do not need any dance background for this workshop!
For more information and registration, please visit this link.
Discover the Superhero in You – Creative Writing and Comic-Making with Melanie Lee
Venue: Archives Reading Room, NAS Building
Date: 7 Sep 2024
Discover the superhero in you! Join us for a superpowered comic-making session with Melanie Lee, author of the captivating comic series Amazing Ash & Superhero Ah Ma. Unleash your imagination as you create your very own superhero inspired by the vibrant city of Singapore, then bring them to life in your own comic strip filled with action-packed scenes and heartwarming moments.
This workshop is suitable for children aged 10 to 12 years old.
For more information and registration, please visit this link.
Installations at Central Public Library
Afterhours Art Among the Bookshelves
Photo Credits: Eventbrite
Venue: Central Public Library
Date: 23 & 24 Aug 2024
Did you know that besides books, the Central Public Library houses several art installations as well? Just for the first weekend of the Singapore Night Festival, we’ll keep the library open late for you to check out the following displays:
1. In Our Time by Lee Xin Li
2. The Library of Memory by Brian Gothong Tan
3. Lepak Landscapes: Life and Leisure in Singapore
4. Book Havens of Bras Basah: Curiocity
For more information, please visit this link.
