SINGAPORE, Oct. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Singapore River Festival 2015 kicks off this weekend, October 23 – 25, with headline act Spanish theatrical group, La Fura dels Baus, presenting a feast for the eyes with a visual-and-performing arts galore. The group, alongside 30 local volunteers, will perform its iconic 'Human Net' performance suspended from a 220-tonne crane over the Singapore River. The group aims to push the limit with its carefully orchestrated aerial choreography, to convey the history and heritage of the Singapore River, and mapping it out into a spectacular performance in the sky.
With 'Celebrating Singapore River Stories' as the central theme for Singapore River Festival 2015, many other artworks and interactive installations taking place across the Singapore River have also been specially developed to highlight Singapore River stories.
Some key activities and entertainment include Urban Artery, a 10-day public art exhibition, curated by multi-disciplinary art group Kult, along the alleyways of Circular Road, Boat Quay, featuring larger-than-life installations by over 30 local and international artists based in Singapore; integrated pop-up event Riverside Makers Market, bringing together local creatives in food and crafts as well as well-known Singaporean bands such as Havana Social Club and The Steve McQueens who will perform 'live' throughout the weekend; and free cruise rides throughout the weekend for the Pioneer Generation, from Fort Canning Jetty to Marina Bay, to immerse themselves into the transformation of the Singapore River over the years. For the full list of activities taking place during Singapore River Festival 2015, please refer to the Appendix below.
An exciting line-up of fringe activities is also available throughout the weekend, including workshops to master the techniques of Lomography; toning up with Acroyoga; sketching the river with Urban Sketchers Singapore, and adrenaline-pumping Parkour classes. For a full line-up of fringe activities taking place during Singapore River Festival 2015, please refer to the Appendix below.
Singapore River Festival 2015 is presented by Singapore River One (SRO), the organization responsible for the development of the Singapore River Precinct, and curated by official event organizer Muse Inc.
"The launch of Singapore River Festival 2015 marks a special moment for us, said Michelle Koh, Executive Director of SRO. "In Singapore's Jubilee year, we are keen to highlight and acknowledge the role the river has and continues to play in Singapore's unique story and the lives of Singaporeans over the last 50 years.
"We have a spectacular line-up of both local and international performances, with activities taking place across Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay, highlighting each quay's unique character, with something for everyone. It's our hope that this flagship event will encourage more people to come and enjoy themselves, to truly understand what the river has to offer".
For more information on Singapore River Festival, please visit http://singaporeriverfestival.sg.
For high-resolution visuals of La Fura dels Baus and other key activities, please download here: http://bit.ly/1jFlUXe
About Singapore River One (SRO)
Singapore River One is a private sector-led partnership charged with the day-to-day management, maintenance, enhancement and marketing of the Singapore River. SRO is a legally-established not-for-profit company with a singular focus on leveraging public and private investments, increasing footfall, and enhancing property values within the Singapore River precinct.
SRO is responsible for place management of the entire Singapore River precinct – including Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. It is the intent of SRO that the river be managed as one precinct – one destination – with specialized programs and service delivery methods utilized in each quay as needed, and as directed by a five-year business plan.
APPENDIX
a. FULL EVENT LINE-UP
HEADLINE ACT: LA FURA DELS BAUS
Be captivated by breath-taking and immersive performances by internationally acclaimed Spanish theatrical group, La Fura dels Baus. Known for their contemporary interpretations of theatre, opera, film and musical productions, the enigmatic group will direct and perform a series of shows which tell the 'story of Singapore' – including their iconic 'Human Net' performance with aerialists suspended in mid-air over the Singapore River using a 220-tonne crane! Witness 30 Singaporean volunteers who have signed up to be part of this show – definitely not-to-be-missed!
23 Oct – 24 Oct
8pm (first show) & 10pm (second show)
Riverside Point, Clarke Quay
URBAN ARTERY
A 10-day outdoor public exhibition staged in the alleyways of Circular Road, Urban Artery will feature temporary artworks by over 30 local and international artists based in Singapore. Celebrating the talent, vision and original works of these artists, the exhibition references the alleyways as the arteries and lifeline of the Singapore River. Expect to see artists such as Ceno2, Mightyellow, A Whispering Campaign and many more.
23 Oct – 1 Nov
Alleyways between Circular Road, North Canal Road and Lorong Telok; Boat Quay
RIVERSIDE MAKERS MARKET
An integrated pop-up event, the Makers Market puts the spotlight on local creatives including culinary talents and modern craftsmen. Riverside Makers Market will also feature a talented line-up of home-grown musicians who will take you from blues and soul, to jazz and latin beats. Artists include Havana Social Club, The Steve McQueens, Cheating Sons and more.
24 Oct – 25 Oct
5pm – 10pm
Robertson Quay
RIVER STORIES
River Stories translates the memories, feelings and forgotten tales of the Singapore River into multi-disciplinary displays and shows across the three quays. Paying homage to the olden-day street performers that used to entertain the early migrants, the event brings their stories back to life with a modern spin. Enjoy puppetry, roving street performances and storytelling, and even a bit of music.
a. Puppet Theatre
Hug the Tree, a puppet show by local children and family theatre group Paper Monkey Theatre. It tells story of a girl named Amrita who loves trees and promises to protect them. Amrita's promise is tested when the powerful King orders more wood for his fortress. The 30 minute play will be in English, be sure to bring your children for this!
23 Oct - 24 Oct
7pm and 8.30pm
River Promenade outside of UOB, Boat Quay
b. Storytelling
Story tellers will share tales about Rivers and Singapore from myths to urban legends from Singapore. With the use of props and costumes, these story-tellers become the characters of the stories as they bring the audience through a fantastical journey.
23 Oct - 24 Oct
7.30pm and 9pm
River Promenade outside of UOB, Boat Quay, and Robertson Quay
c. Chinese Opera Dance
A dance and pantomime performance inspired by Chinese Opera is performed to tell a tale of love and war. The performance is performed 'busker style' through movement and without any vocals.
23 Oct - 24 Oct
7pm and 8.30pm
Robertson Quay
d. River Cine
Historical and abstract images and words will be edited into a collage of themes that is inspired by the river. These content will be created to capture surrealistic look at the history of the River by video and sound artists, Brandon Tay and Safuan Johari.
23 Oct - 25 Oct
All day at River Promenade near Clarke Quay Central
RIVER NIGHTS
Relax and play the night away at River Nights, presented by the Asian Civilisations Museum in collaboration with the National Arts Council, National Parks Board, Singapore River One and Hermès. Be part of a colourful night-time extravaganza featuring art installations, building projection, and performances. Glean the unusual curios of objects, paintings, and ingenious mechanisms from the private collection of Hermès.
23 – 24 and 30 – 31 Oct
7pm till late
Asian Civilisations Museum and Empress Lawn
SR SIGNATURES
Enjoy a unique guide to wine and dining along the Singapore River with SR Signatures. A panel of critics, including popular food bloggers Dr Leslie Tay (ieatishootipost), Evelyn Chen (Bibik Gourmand), Elvin Chew (President of Singapore Junior Chefs Club; Operation Head Chef, SHATEC) and Mrigaa Sethi (Managing Editor, SG) have selected their favourite food and drinks from a selection of establishments. Look out for special discounts and promotions for all featured dishes and establishments involved in SR Signatures!
Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay
FRINGE ACTIVITIES*
Visitors to #SGRiverFest2015 can enjoy a host of fringe activities through the weekend - from mastering the techniques of Lomography, to toning up with Acroyoga, sketching the beautiful river with Urban Sketchers Singapore, to pushing your limits with Parkour, there's an activity for everyone in the family to enjoy! *Please refer to Appendix for more details.
23 – 25 Oct
Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay
COMPLIMENTARY RIVER BOAT RIDES
-- Pioneer Generation Cardholders --
Enjoy complimentary River Boat Rides, whilst ticket stocks last!
23 Oct – 25 Oct
9am – 6pm
-- American Express® Card Members --
To celebrate American Express' 90th birthday and the launch of the new Singapore River Walk, American Express is offering complimentary River Boat Rides to American Express Card Members*!
*Terms and Conditions apply. For more details on redemption, please refer to www.singaporeriverfestival.sg
24 Oct – 25 Oct
9am – 6pm
Fort Canning Jetty (Behind Liang Court) Clarke Quay
b. FRINGE ACTIVITIES
A SINGAPORE RIVER WALK
Specially developed for Singapore River Festival, this walk will glean into the quirky and fascinating stories behind the people, bridges and art of the river. Be surprised by the scandals and intrigues lurking behind the buildings and alleyways.
When: 23 - 25 Oct
Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Where: Front of Asian Civilisations Museum
Price: $8. Please register fun@singaporewalks.com
Introductory Parkour Workshop with Superfly Monkey Dragons
Get ready to jump, vault and climb! More than just a physical discipline about overcoming obstacles, Parkour is one of the fastest growing disciplines in the world which focuses on developing your mind, body and spirit.
In this 1 hour introductory workshop, participants will get a taste of what it means to move, get functionally fit by learning how to use your body as one unit and learn three fundamental movements in parkour. Grab this opportunity to experience and train parkour safely with Superfly Monkey Dragons' team of experienced instructors.
When: 24 - 25 October 2015
Time: 5.00pm
Where: Clarke Quay Central, Promenade Steps
Price: $20. Tickets can be purchased here.
Urban Sketchers Singapore x Singapore River Festival
Urban Sketchers Singapore is organizing a special SRF-edition Sketchwalk to be held along the Singapore River. The public will be guided through Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay and their iconic architecture and landscape of the Singapore River and translating these to paper. Participants are to bring their own drawing materials and wear comfortable clothes.
When: 24 - 25 October 2015
Time: 3.00pm
Where: Alkaff Bridge, Robertson Quay
Price: Free. RSVP here.
Pole Dancing Performances by Groove Dance School
Singapore-based Groove Dance School presents a fun and athletic performance by professional pole dancers.
When: 23 - 24 October 2015
Time: 8.45pm, 9.30pm (2 sessions)
Where: Clarke Quay Central Indoor Atrium
Price: Free. More info here.
Lomo'Instant Singapore River Photo Hunt
Join us as we walk along the iconic Singapore River for an exciting photo hunt. The Lomo'Instant is the perfectly sized Instant Camera to take wherever you go! It's the most creative way to shoot fantastic photos, which you can share anywhere and with everyone in an instant.
Workshop includes loaner camera (Lomo'Instant), one pack of Fujifilm Instax mini films. Participants will partake in a mini photo scavenger hunt using clues provided. Participants stand to win lovely Lomography goodies at the end of the workshop!
When: 24 - 25 October 2015
Time: 2.30pm, 5.00pm (2 sessions)
Where: Clarke Quay Central Indoor Atrium
Price: $25. Please purchase tickets here.
Come Fly @ The Singapore River Festival - Acroyoga Workshop
Acroyoga is an acrobatic form of Yoga which involves two or more people joining together to take their Yoga practice airborne. It is a combination of Yoga and Acrobatics, and builds strength, balance and trust between partners.
During this 90min workshop, you will learn the following:
This workshop is suitable for beginner Acroyogis, and will provide intermediate Acroyogis with a solid reinforcement of basic principles. The workshop will introduce a new and fun activity against the backdrop of the Singapore River.
When: 24 - 25 October 2015
Time: 5.30pm
Where: Clarke Quay Fountain Square
Price: $35 (Ticket price includes the class and 50% off their first Yoga or Acroyoga class at YogaHaven). RSVP here.
Salsa Workshops
JJSalsaRengue, Singapore's Salsa and Merengue Dance School, will be conducting workshops as part of Singapore River Festival. Join their free introductory dance classes and pick up moves from one of the salsa pioneers of Singapore. More information here.
What: A 45-min workshop teaching the sensual & romantic partner dance originating from the Dominican Republic.
When: 23 October 2015
Time: 8.45pm – 9.30pm
Where: Clarke Quay Fountain Square
Price: Free
What: A fun-filled salsa workshop for the absolute beginner. Learn some basic salsa steps and partnerwork and groove to upbeat salsa tunes!
When: 24 October 2015
Time: 8.45pm – 9.30pm
Where: Clarke Quay Fountain Square
Price: Free
Laughter Yoga
Using Laughter Therapy and Yoga Mediation, this workshop combines the benefits of both activities to offer participants a new level of acceptance and practical implications. The workshop focuses on Laughter and Stress Relaxation Techniques to help participants unwind from stress and other negative distractions, and to achieve a clear mind and direction to refocus on their goals and restore health.
When: 24 - 25 October 2015
Time: 7.00pm
Where: Clarke Quay Fountain Square
Price: $35. Please register here.
