2018 marks a decade since Singapore and France embarked on formal cultural cooperation and exchange. In celebration of that, the annual Voilah! French Festival Singapore, taking place from Apr 1-May 5 this year, is showcasing the best of French-Singapore partnerships and innovation in the fields of arts, culture and science through a series of events. With so many to choose from, we’ve highlighted five you’ll not want to miss.
La Nuit in the Lion City
Expect the best of Singaporean and Parisian nightlife coming together as Sofitel Singapore City Centre brings its signature party night, La Nuit (literally meaning “the night”), to our shores for the first time. The promise? A multi-sensory experience filled with food, drink, music and design. There’ll be experimental cocktails, a virtual stage, collaborative beats between French DJ Stephane Pompougnac and Singapore’s own DJ Kaylova, and more to keep you revelling all night. May 4, 7-11pm. $50 entry admission.
Human Version
At Alliance Francaise de Singapour’s La Galerie, the space is giving way for an introspective exhibition filled with photographic and videographic works designed to explore the nascent relationship between humans and robots. Delve into research laboratories not often seen by the public and watch intimate conversations unfold between man and machine that foreshadows a future where the two coexist more closely. Apr 14-May 26. Free admission.
Games of Love and Chance
In the slums of Paris, a group of North African and Southeast Asian students are staging a class production of French playwright Marivaux’s Le Jeu de l’Amour et du Hasard (The Game of Love and Chance), exploring the theme of class distinctions. This sets the stage for this eponymous dramedy where lead actress Lydia encourages her fellow students to take the production seriously. Meanwhile, her friend Krimo, who harbours real affections for her, plays her love interest on stage. Apr 24, 8pm. Tickets available here.
Botanical Notes
When French botanist Francis Halle first visited the Singapore Botanic Gardens more than 30 years ago, he observed and documented the flora and fauna there the time-honored way—using a sketchpad. Check out these field notes for yourself at this exhibition, plus a selection of his life’s work gathered from his visits to gardens and rainforests around the world. Happening at the People’s Gallery. Through Apr 22. Free admission.
French Animation Programme
While French animation works have not garnered the global appeal the same way Japanese anime has, they’ve certainly gained a cult following with classics like Persepolis, A Cat in Paris, The Triplets Of Belleville and Fantastic Planet. They’re all showing on weekends at indie cinema The Projector this month, so grab tickets (and a craft beer at Intermission Bar) while you can. Through Apr 29. Tickets available at http://theprojector.sg/category/voilah.
Voilah! French Festival Singapore runs from Apr 1-May 5. For a full list of programs, see here.
