Through Pesta Raya Online, we hope to uplift spirits and encourage positivity during the festive season with a diverse range of programmes featuring some of the very best of the Malay arts, both traditional and contemporary, and across the different genres.
This would have been the 19th edition of the festival and is also the first time that we cannot physically be with our audiences and artists.
Nevertheless, we carry on by moving the festival online, where families can still gather to enjoy the arts together, and even those not based in Singapore can join us for the rich offerings we have in store at Pesta Raya Online. Please continue to stay safe and we look forward to connecting with all of you through the arts online!
Programmes:
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It’s still Hari Raya
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.
About Tysha Khan
Tysha Khan is a Singapore-based actor and writer. The first Malay-Muslim woman to graduate from Intercultural Theatre Institute, she hopes to create theatre that effectively captures the culture of her community. Tysha also aims to keep making and performing work that explore different facets of identity, while delving into societal issues.
Performed in English & Malay.
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Artistari Gentari
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.
About Artistari Gentari
Artistari Gentari (ATG), fuelled by highly committed youths, creates Malay dance works that combine traditional techniques and aesthetics with contemporary impulses.
Led by Artistic Director and Choreographer Badarudin Hassan, the group has performed on stage for Mediacorp Suria’s Sinar Lebaran (2018 – 2020), Sinaran Hati (2018 – 2019), Rapsodi 2018, Projek Kasih 2019, Rayakustika 2019, National Day Parade 2019, as well as overseas for the China International Youth Arts Festival (2018). ATG were also the youngest team to helm the Artistic Direction for the Chingay Parade Malay Contingent in 2020, leading a 150-participant contingent.
ATG has previously been presented by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay for Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts (2015 – 2017) and A Date with Friends (2016 – 2019).
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Screening: Alkesah
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.
Written by Zulfadli Rashid and helmed by director Aidli Mosbit, Alkesah (translated to “as the story goes”) is a reimagined whimsical world of Malay folklore. Played by the likes of Siti Khalijah Zainal, Jeff Catz, Siti Hajar Gani, Hatta Said, Siti Maznah, Norisham Osman, Shafiqhah Efandi and Muhd Haikal Mohd Jani, meet familiar characters such as Sang Kancil, Mak Andir, Pak Pandir, Pak Belalang, Pak Kaduk and more, as they find their place in this side-splitting tale of secret loves and cunning schemes. The stellar cast won Best Ensemble at The Straits Times’ Life! Theatre Awards 2018 for their boisterous performance.
Performed in Malay with English subtitles.
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Pesta Raya PLAYpack
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
Image Credit: Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
Age
3+
Price
Free
