Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts showcases the best in theatre, dance, and music from the Nusantara (Malay Archipelago). Taking place from 27 – 30 Jun 2019 and coinciding with the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the 18th edition of the festival returns this year with three newly commissioned works in its line-up of ticketed and free performances.
This year’s festival features its first ever commission for the Esplanade Theatre, Fatih – The Prince & The Drum by Nadi Singapura and directed by the acclaimed Garin Nugroho, which shines the spotlight on percussion, one of the oldest art forms. In its second co-commission with Asia TOPA: Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts, the festival presents a film-to-stage production of The Seen and Unseen, a moving story about a pair of Balinese twins told through dance and movement. After the presentation at Pesta Raya, The Seen and Unseen will be presented in Australia. The 2019 edition also sees Pesta Raya’s first ever ticketed and commissioned work for children aged four to seven years old – Teroka! Kerana Nila written by Adib Kosnan and directed by Noor Effendy Ibrahim.
Many of our Singapore artists take centre stage including Syarif, Akeem Jahat, The Jazz Djogets, P7:1SMA and Perkumpulan Seni. Audiences will also be treated to the rare kuda kepang dance and Mak Yong performances, an artform encompassing elements of dance, music, acting, singing and storytelling which has been recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Don’t miss these ticketed & free programmes!
Full line-up available online: www.esplanade.com/pestaraya