The annual Voilah! France Singapore Festival will be returning from Apr 25 to May 26, highlighting all things Francophile in the lead-up to the country’s third go-around hosting the Summer Olympics.
Sports, of course, will be spotlighted at this year’s edition of the festival – aptly themed “Celebrating Passions” – alongside a host of other programmes ranging from the performing and visual arts to gastronomy, music and more, thanks in part to the support of more than 50 local and international partners.
Theatre buffs can look forward to a reimagining of Tartuffe: The Imposter by homegrown theatre company Wild Rice, who’ve taken a 360-year-old play by French playwright Moliere and injected it with elements of modern hilarity; as well as Piaf! The Show, a musical tribute to French musical icon Edith Piaf, most famous for her song La Vie En Rose.
Those with an ear for the performing arts, on the other hand, can expect recitals by leading French harpist Xavier de Maistre, plus classical and jazz performances at the Botanic Gardens – including a French-focused Mother’s Day Concert by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, led by music director Hans Graf as conductor.
The festivities continue with Francophile exhibitions around the island, whether that be an exhibition in honour of Antoine de Saint-Exupery, the pilot-author who famously authored The Little Prince; an artistic self-exploration of French artist Prune Nourry’s body and her battle with breast cancer; or a conversation about the untapped potential of Generative AI, hosted by the Embassy of France.
Closing off Voilah! France Singapore Festival 2024 is Artletics, where Somerset Skate Park will be taken over by French and Singaporean urban street artists Zero, Spaz, Simpleproblembeings, Kekli and Elsa Martino, who will host a free-and-easy public art jam.
Skateboarders like renowned French athlete Edouard Damestoy will make an appearance to show off their skills as well, adding to the vibrant festive atmosphere and celebrating the passions of French sportsmen in light of the upcoming Olympic Games.
For the full programme, visit www.voilah.sg.
