India is known for its rich culture and heritage, and most people spend a very long time trying to learn the various facets of the culture. Lucky for us, the 15th edition of the Kalaa Utsavam: Indian Festival of Arts (Nov 18-27) at the Esplanade will give us a glimpse into the Indian culture through a wide range of music, dance performances, film screenings, literature and theatre productions; all of which will explore the different the Indian art forms in both the classical and contemporary sense. Here are a few programs to get you started.
1. You Are Here
Pooja Nansi (You Are Here). Photo credit: Crispian Chan
The cultural difference between India and Singapore is vast, and often takes a bit of getting used to. Watch one of our favourite writers Pooja Nansi, as she uses poetry and storytelling to explore the journey of a newly wed Indian woman, who is getting used to the Singapore lifestyle and culture, in her one-woman show.
When: Nov 18, 7:30pm / Nov 19, 3pm, 7:30pm
Where: Esplanade Recital Studio
How much: $30
2. Stree Shakti
Bharathaa Arts’ Stree Shakti
This dance production tells three different stories of love, justice and virtue through the eyes of Savitri, Kannagi and Ghandari, women in Indian literature who are regarded as heroines and symbols of the sacred feminine power more often known as shakti. The three stories—a headstrong woman who goes beyond the laws of the Universe to save her husband; a justice-seeking wife who wants to avenge her husband’s death; and a mother who tries to find forgiveness in spite of the death of her 100 sons—will be performed by 15 dancers who will be performing to the live instrumentation of an original score.
When: Nov 18 and 19, 8pm
Where: Esplanade Theatre Studio
How much: $30
3. Guru Vandanam – To Sir with Love
Bombay Jayashri
If you are into Indian classical music, then the name Lalgudi is sure to ring a bell. This concert celebrates the late Lalgudi Jayaraman, who had had a major impact on Indian classical music through his tonal control, lucid lyrics and the solo usage of the violin in a musical piece. Big names in Indian music such as Bombay Jayashri, who sang the Academy award nominated song for the film Life of Pi, Abhishek Raghuram, who’s the grandson of mridangam legend Palghat Raghu and and grandnephew of Lalgudi, and other musicians will be performing his compositions.
When: Nov 25, 7:30pm
Where: Esplanade Concert Hall
How much: $35
4. King of Ghosts
King of Ghosts. Photo credit
British sarod composer Soumik Datta brings to life Academy Award winner Satyajit Ray’s award-winning 1965 film, Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, by creating a new, reimagined score that showcases the spooky sounds of the sarod, folk rhythms and strings. Go on a journey to the land of ghosts as you watch the film projected on a large screen while a string sextet made up of musicians from the Orchestra of Music Makersand one of the fellow composers of the King of Ghosts score, percussionist Cormac Byrne.
When: Nov 25, 7:30pm
Where: Esplanade Recital Studio
How much: $30
5. In Concert with Strings featuring Meesha Shafi
Strings
Famous pop rock duo and the producers of Coke Studio Pakistan Strings will be returning to Singapore, along with another Coke Studio sensation, Meesha Shafi, to perform their critically acclaimed numbers like “Sar Kiya Yeh Pahar” and “Dhaani”.
When: Nov 26, 7:30pm
Where: Esplanade Concert Hall
How much: $40 onwards
Besides the paid events, there will also be free performances at the Concourse by Filmi Flavours, A Melodic Existence and other artists, a bollywood night so that you can dance to your favourite bollywood songs, Chhau dance performances and talks at the library about Little India, health and other topics by Singaporean film director K. Rajagopal and other prominent personalities.
For the festival’s full line-up, visit their website here.
