It’s a slow start to the month, but fun and fulfilling nonetheless. Singapore Writers Festival has kicked off and there’s a whole bunch of literary events (and ones that go beyond poetry readings, panel discussions and lectures) to check out. Otherwise, there are films to be watched (yay to two film festivals), big musicals to catch (yay Sound of Music), and a boat party to be at (yay emo night and Poptart).
Monday, Nov 6
“90 Degrees North” at the German Film Festival
DRINK
This one’s for the real coffee snobs of Singapore. Head over to The Coffee Academics to have a taste of Esmerelda Geisha from Hacienda La Esmerelda, by far the most expensive coffee in the world at $85 per cup. Go early: there are only 80 cups available. Nov 6
FILM
The 21st edition of the German Film Festival, presented by Goethe-Institut Singapore, continues to focus on films that confront contemporary issues and universal messages, showcasing more than 30 creations that span across genres of art-house, comedy, documentary and even music. Through Nov 12
CONVENTION
If you’ve always wanted to try the affordably priced products on Qoo10 (but feared they were too cheap to be true), now’s your chance to cast all apprehension aside. For the first time, the e-commerce retailer is taking the great deals offline for a Digital Fair at Plaza Singapura. Over 35 digital and IT stores will be participating. Through Nov 15
EXHIBITION
The Substation asks all the tough questions with Discipline The City, a three-act exhibition exploring the politics of space, control and access in Singapore, through a series of experiential installations from local and international artists. Be prepared to leave disillusioned and wondering: who really owns the city? Read our interview with Alan Oei, artistic director of The Substation here. Nov 1-26 (Act III)
Tuesday, Nov 7
The Sound of Music
MUSICAL
Singapore’s hills will be alive once again with The Sound of Music this month, as one of the most highly-acclaimed productions out of West End returns to MasterCard Theatres. Tickets range from $65-185 via Sistic. Nov 7-Dec 3
DRINK/FOOD
Esteemed establishments like Raffles Hotel, Fairmont Singapore and So Sofitel Singapore are coming together for a nine-day AccorHotels Singapore Food & Wine Festival, a massive celebration dedicated to local cuisine across all their hotels in Singapore in a bid to satisfy our insatiable hunger. Yes, that means well-known restaurants and bars like Jaan, Anti:Dote and Hi-So will be involved. Through Nov 12
Wednesday, Nov 8
Chef’s Table by Chef Stephan, as part of Robert Parker Wine Advocate’s (RPWA) GastroMonth
WELLNESS
If high-intensity interval training (HIIT) isn’t a challenge for you anymore, try doing it on water. Over at ParkRoyal on Beach Road, these low impact classes will require you to do a fun, full body workout that include burpees, lunges, squats and aquaclimbers on a solid float in their pool. If not, you can always try doing Yoga. Nov 8
DRINK/FOOD/WORKSHOP
Robert Parker Wine Advocate (RPWA) is launching their inaugural GastroMonth, where you can skip waiting lists of revered restaurants in Singapore and enjoy a whole month of wining and dining, workshops, and more. Through Nov 26
[SPONSORED]
FILM
The Singapore Writers Festival is back for its 20th edition from Nov 3-12, with its first ever Tamil theme “Aram”—meaning “goodness” and “doing good”. Like previous years, SWF goes beyond poetry and talks. If you missed renowned director Jim Jarmusch’s drama feature Paterson, SWF will be screening it at The Arts House this week. The film follows a bus driver (played by Adam Driver) who expresses his quiet observations of the triumphs and defeats of the daily grind through poetry. Nov 8
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EXHIBITION
On the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore, the National Museum of Singapore remembers 1942, with their first large-scale, blockbuster war exhibition featuring more than 130 artefacts from 10 overseas museums and institutions. It’s the biggest collection of war stories to date. Check out the exhibition to explore events and portrayals of World War II beyond just your textbook syllabus. Through Mar 21 (2017)
Thursday, Nov 9
“Ce Qui Nous Lie” at the French Film Festival
MARKET
If you fancy yourself as having green thumbs, save your dollars for the GreenUrbanScape Asia Marketplace. The international exhibition and conference will once again spotlight landscape, greenery design, construction and technology, bringing in 50 popular vendors like Asano Mokkou-Sho Co., Green Spade and many more. Talks, demos, hands-on workshops and a balcony garden showcase await. Nov 9-11
FILM
The French make films like they make their wines—with finesse and attention to detail. Organized by the French Embassy, Institut Francais Singapour and Alliance Francaise, this edition of French Film Festival boasts 16 French comedies, dramas, thrillers and biopics that flaunt the diversity and artistry of French cinema. Nov 9-19
Friday, Nov 10
Bandwagon Riverboat. Photo credit: Bandwagon’s Facebook page
PARTY
If you thought the last Bandwagon Riverboat was off the hook, this edition takes it up a notch. They’re bringing together two well-loved parties onto Southeast Asia’s only Mississippi Riverboat that’s docked at Marina South—Poptart on one floor, where your favorite duo Adrian Wee and KiDG will be dishing out all things indie-flavored and Britpop; and Emo Night on the other, where you can relive days of screaming to the likes of The Used and and Taking Back Sunday. Talk about a throwback. Nov 10
CONCERT
Prepare for a soulful night as American multi-talented singer-songwriter JMSN takes the stage at EBX Live Space. He’s created quite a reputable following through his unique sound and solid live performances, with validation coming from R&B legends like Puff Daddy and Usher. Nov 10
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COMEDY Check out the sons and daughter of Singapore (who are also esteemed comedians who’ve made a name for themselves with their routines), Fakkah Fuzz, Jinx Yeo, Rishi Budhrani and Sharul Channa as they come together and take on issues close to the hearts of Singaporeans; as part of this year’s Singapore Writers Festival. Nov 10 |
PARTY
Anyone who’s invested in R&B and Hip Hop since the ’90s and the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, will be familiar with DJ Jazzy Jeff. The award-winning “Boom! Shake the Room” producer is taking to the skies at Ce La Vi for a one-night-only, thumping set. Nov 10
MARKET
A new month calls for a new Katong Square market, which, with its vinyl records and vintage goods, touts itself as Singapore’s only true blue vintage flea market. Resident booths include familiar names like The Retro Factory, Memory Lane and The Great Vinyl Exchange; but be sure to hit up the “casual booths” for preloved bargains. Nov 10-12
EXHIBITION
The third edition of Objectifs’ Women in Photography group exhibition spotlights eight international and local women photographers and their works exploring domesticity and family. Follow Belgian photographer Bieke Depoorter around North America where she documents the homes of strangers who let her stay a night in I Am About to Call it a Day; or peruse uncomfortable portraits of Bangladeshi housewives and housemaids in Jannatul Mawa’s Close Distance. Through Nov 19
