Showcasing the best in theatre, dance, and music from the Nusantara (Malay Archipelago), the 19th edition of Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts (which also coincides with the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri) will take place from 19 – 28 Jun 2020.
Even though we still cannot gather physically to celebrate with our extended family and friends, or celebrate with live performances at Esplanade in Phase 1 of Safe Re-opening for COVID-19, here's one way where you can stay connected with one another.
With the aim to bring families together to enjoy the arts, heritage and culture of the Malay Archipelago (that is also a part of Singapore's culture), as well as to instill some positivity and encouragement to all during this season, Pesta Raya Online has lined up a diverse range of entertainment (comprising some of the very best of the Malay arts, both traditional and contemporary, and across the different genres) for all to enjoy.
Here's are some of the activities/programmes that you and your family can look forward to:
1. It’s still Hari Raya (Storytelling Session)
Photo Credit: Esplanade
When: 19 – 28 Jun 2020, All day (premieres 19 Jun, Fri, 8pm)
Kiki knows this Hari Raya is super ultra extra special, and she’s going to find her own way to celebrate! Celebrate with Kiki by watching her storytelling session with her Ibu (mother). You can join her by making your own sock puppet, as well as learning to sing her happy songs in the sing-along videos. We hope these videos bring you joy in these times.
Performed in English & Malay.
2. Pesta Raya PLAYpack (Activity)
Photo Credit: Esplanade
When: 19 – 28 Jun 2020, All day (premieres 19 Jun, Fri, 8pm)
Celebrate and learn about Malay history, arts and culture with a special Pesta Raya PLAYpack created especially for kids with printable activities, crafts, and more.
Recommended for children aged 4 & up.
3. Screening: Alkesah
Photo Credit: Esplanade
When: 19 – 28 Jun 2020, All day (premieres 19 Jun, Fri, 8pm)
Duration: 2 hours
Find out what happens when colourful characters from Malay folklore stay in the same kampung! Whether you're reliving its hilarity or watching Alkesah for the first time, you don’t want to miss this boisterous theatre work that saw a sold-out run at Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts 2018.
Mat Jenin is a hopeless dreamer who is the new village head of Kampung Alkesah, a position he reluctantly inherited from his late father, along with the mounting misfortunes that have been distressing his beloved village. At the advice of Pak Belalang, the village astrologer, Mat Jenin must embark on a quest to brave through Hutan Bahana to the summit of Gunung Saman and seek out the evil witch Nenek Kebayan. Only by doing the witch's bidding will the curse that she has put on the village be lifted, thus ensuring survival and happiness for his merry bunch of villagers. Mat Jenin soon discovers that this daring mission might be more than his great imagination could ever have conjured.
Performed in Malay with English subtitles.
4. Artistari Gentari (Dance)
Photo Credit: Esplanade
When: 19 – 28 Jun 2020, All day (premieres 19 Jun, Fri, 8pm)
As we are able to spend more time at home, we may find ourselves reflecting and reminiscing about the many key happenings in our lives. With this in mind, Artistari Gentari wishes to share with you two of their favourite dances with a twist!
Let’s Dance! Joget Hitam Manis ft. Pucuk Pisang (12mins)
First performed at Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts 2016 as part of Gemilang Suara Kita, Joget Hitam Manis ft. Pucuk Pisang is a merry medley of two classic joget songs. Come learn the steps to the chorus of Joget Pucuk Pisang with Ainin Sofiya as she breaks down its graceful movements. After that, joget-along with the dancers from Artistari Gentari as Suryana Nordin serenades you with her melodic vocals.
#stateofemergency (7mins)
Often, in times of uncertainty, we find hope. Witness this poignant collaboration featuring choreography by Badarudin Hassan, film direction by SortCo, original music by Aidil Akmal and dynamic movements by dancers from Artistari Gentari. Having first premiered at ITE Dance Emblazon 2017, this contemporary Malay dance work has since been adapted to reflect the current issues we are facing in 2020.
Performed in English and Malay with English subtitles.
