THE TREE IS THE LEAF IS THE LAND
Visual artists Woong Soak Teng and Ernest Wu explore the beauty and relevance of nature through sculpture, moving images and photographic prints celebrating leaves.
Both received the Kwek Leng Joo Prize of Excellence in Photography in 2018. The prize initiated by late property tycoon and photography enthusiast Kwek Leng Joo is awarded every year to two graduates of Nanyang Technological University's School of Art, Design and Media. Each receives $25,000 to kickstart their artistic career.
The exhibition, supported by independent art space Deck, is the ninth edition of a yearly showcase of the award winners.
WHERE: Deck Gallery 1 & 2, 120A Prinsep Street
MRT: Rochor
WHEN: May 30 to June 1, noon to 7pm; June 2, noon to 5pm
ADMISSION: Free.
INFO: There will be a guided walk on June 1 at 3pm. For more details, go to deck.sg
SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS
It is the closing weekend of the annual arts festival known for its eclectic programme featuring popular and art-house events. Don't miss these three highlights.
1. A Dream Under The Southern Bough: Reverie
For a different experience of Chinese theatre, check out this stage play, adapted from a 400-year-old Kun opera by theatre-maker Goh Boon Teck of homegrown drama company Toy Factory Productions.
The first part debuted in last year's festival and this second part follows the continuing adventures of disgraced naval officer Chun Yu Fen (played by Tang Shao Wei) in the Ant Kingdom. Performed in Mandarin with Chinese and English surtitles.
WHERE: Drama Centre Theatre, Level 3, 100 Victoria Street
MRT: Bugis / City Hall
WHEN: May 31 and June 1, 8pm; June 2, 3pm
ADMISSION: $40 and $60from Sistic (call 6348-5555 or go to sistic.com.sg)
INFO: sifa.sg
2. Korper
Created by Berlin-based choreographer Sasha Waltz, with music by sound artist Hans Peter Kuhn, Korper was inspired by the architecture and symbolism of the Jewish Museum in Berlin.
It is a sometimes tender, sometimes horrifying exploration of the architecture of the human body, using the dancers' bodies as building blocks on stage. Rated R18 for nudity.
WHERE: Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Drive
MRT: City Hall/ Esplanade
WHEN: May 31 and June 1, 8pm
ADMISSION: $40 to $100 from Sistic
INFO: sifa.sg
3. Festival Closing Concert
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra closes the festival with a celebration of tunes from musical theatre, under the baton of conductor Joshua Tan.
Vocalists Sean Ghazi, Elena Wang and Julia Abueva perform favourites from Broadway's best such as West Side Story, as well as local productions Beauty World and Fried Rice Paradise.
WHERE: The Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, Singapore Botanic Gardens
MRT: Botanic Gardens
WHEN: June 2, 6pm
ADMISSION: Free
INFO: Rain-or-shine event; concert-goers are advised to take public transport to the venue. For more detals, go tosifa.sg
