Five New Works by Singapore Artists at...

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Five New Works by Singapore Artists at Esplanade’s Kalaa Utsavam 2015 to mark the Nation’s 50th Birthday

The festival also introduces exciting next generation artists from the Indian diaspora

making a mark in the Indian arts scene

SINGAPORE, 15 September 2015 – Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay invites everyone to

embrace the diversity of Indian arts and culture in its 14th edition of Kalaa Utsavam – Indian

Festival of Arts. Running from 20 – 29 November 2015, Kalaa Utsavam is the only festival in

the region with a line-up that presents different Indian art forms including dance, music and

theatre, featuring both classical interpretations and contemporary expressions.

This year, in celebration of Singapore’s 50th birthday, Kalaa Utsavam presents six locally produced works featuring Singapore artists and arts groups, of which five are new

works and three are festival commissions. The festival also continues to showcase the next generation of artists from Singapore and the Indian diaspora who represent the

dynamic and evolving Indian arts scene.

Said Rajeswari Ramachandran, Producer, The Esplanade Co Ltd, “The Indian community is

diverse in its languages, festivals, performing arts, cuisine, crafts, apparel and more! We

invite everyone to embrace and experience this exciting diversity at Kalaa Utsavam. And on

the occasion of Singapore’s 50th birthday, we have put together a special selection of locally

produced works that puts the spotlight on the talent in our Indian music and classical dance

community, as well as explore, through theatre, the stories of how Singapore society has

evolved since the 1960s.”

A Platform that Propels Singapore Artists in Creating New Work By producing, commissioning and presenting works, Kalaa Utsavam partners Singapore’s

Indian arts community to realise “dream” projects that push our artists onwards in their

artistic journey and to inspire audiences. This year’s expanded line-up of Singapore works

includes large-scale dance and music productions that bring the community of artists

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together or cut across disciplines, as well as smaller scale works in the Theatre Studio that

aim to entertain and touch audiences by unearthing memories, stories and characters we

have grown up with.

Three of the six locally-produced works are festival commissions. In Viswa Prana: The Cosmic Breath, 20 dancers from different institutions come together for a unique work in

the Esplanade Theatre that commemorates Singapore’s vibrant Indian classical dance

scene. This bharatanatyam dance work commissioned by Esplanade features concept and

choreography by Rama Vaidyanathan and explores Man’s relationship with nature.

Audiences are invited to relive the nostalgia of radio plays from the 1960s in Adukku Veetu Annasamy. Ravindran Drama Group has been commissioned to give a theatrical makeover

of the popular 1960s radio play by Cultural Medallion recipient P Krishnan. First broadcast

over Singapore radio in 1969, the comedy examines social issues such as civic-mindedness

and neighbourly relationships, as kampongs give way to HDB estates. This is the first in a

trilogy which will be presented by Esplanade over three years.

And to introduce young audiences to Indian stories, Esplanade has commissioned and

produced a new children’s work for Kalaa Utsavam for the fourth year. Hanuman: The tale behind the name introduces children to the Ramayana epic through its most beloved

character, the monkey god Hanuman. The stories will be brought to life through narration,

sketches, dance and music.

In addition to the festival commissions, Kalaa Utsavam 2015 features three other locally-

produced works which showcase the diversity of the scene. Anthar-Agni A musical passage unveiling the fire within by Temple of Fine Arts in the Esplanade Concert Hall is

the group’s second large-scale production after Taal Express, which was presented as part

of Kalaa Utsavam 2013. The music and dance production pays tribute to the sacred fire

(agni) and celebrates its deep spiritual significance and influence on Asian and Spanish

cultures. It will blend percussive instrumentation and vocals, as well as feature Chinese

musicians, Spanish dancers, guest musicians from India and a Sufi singer. In the Recital

Studio, Eka Aneka, another new dance work featuring dancers from Singapore and India,

uses Indian classical dance (bharatanatyam, kuchipudi and odissi) to explore the philosophy

of Oneness. Finally, Checkpoint Theatre will restage The Good, the Bad and the Sholay, a

humorous coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the 1975 Bollywood classic

Sholay. The production chronicles its protagonist’s journey from boyhood in a small Indian

city to the metropolis of Singapore and was first staged in 2011.

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Featuring the Next Generation of Indian Artists The festival continues to present some of the best next generation Indian artists who are

making a mark in their respective fields in India and around the world.

Fans of classical Indian music can catch the next generation of artists perform in two

productions. In Prayaana: Journey with Music, carnatic vocalist Sikkil Gurucharan

performs with Umayalpuram Sivaraman, one of the most celebrated names in South Indian

classical music. The Colour of Rain features the highly-acclaimed musical trio comprising

Anil Srinivasan, Rakesh Chaurasia and U Rajesh and takes listeners through the four Indian

seasons in a series of solo, duet and all-group compositions.

Multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and singer Papon will perform with his band The East India Company, bringing a slice of the Indian indie music scene here. In Dekha Apne Aap Ko – I Saw Myself, Sufi vocalist Mukhtiyar Ali teams up with vocalist Shabnam Virmani

and singer-writer Vipul Rikhi to pay tribute to 15th century mystic poet Kabir through song

and narrative.

Free Programmes for all to Enjoy Free programmes throughout the festival will give everyone an opportunity to enjoy an array

of Indian arts and culture. More information about these will be available at a later date.

Engaging the Community Bringing the joy of the arts to the community, Esplanade will organise a series of pre-festival

workshops aimed to provide an introductory and immersive experience of playing Indian

drums and percussions as part of Kalaa Utsavam. Held at the Esplanade Rehearsal Studio,

these workshops will be conducted for approximately 160 children and youth beneficiaries

from eight Voluntary Welfare Organisations and self-help groups. Participants will learn and

perform a tune as an ensemble during the workshops.

Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts 2015 is made possible with the generous support of

Sponsor – Singapore Press Holdings as part of the Gift of Music series, and Free

Programme Supporter – Bowen Enterprises Pte Ltd.

Tickets for Kalaa Utsavam 2015 are available from Esplanade’s Box Office at Mezzanine

level (Tel: +65 6828 8389), the SISTIC Hotline (Tel: +65 6348 5555) and all SISTIC outlets.

Please also refer to the Annex for the full line-up. Programmes details are available on

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www.esplanade.com/kalaautsavam. Collect limited edition SG50 magnets during the festival!

Promoting active ageing through the arts under SG50 Seniors package, seniors can enjoy

up to 50% savings for four Esplanade Presents festivals—Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of

Arts, Moonfest – A Mid-Autumn Celebration, A Date with Friends, and Kalaa Utsavam –

Indian Festival of Arts.

Esplanade&Me Special Ticket Prices for Kalaa Utsavam 2015

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s Esplanade&Me cardholders will get to enjoy special

ticket prices for various performances at Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts. Launched

on 1 July 2015, Esplanade&Me is a platform for Esplanade to build stronger community ties

with its fans and supporters. Beyond the savings that cardholders can enjoy across

Esplanade’s festivals and programmes all year round, Esplanade&Me is also an opportunity

for arts lovers to get closer to the arts and be more involved through various behind-the-

scenes activities. Sign up for Esplanade&Me now! For more information, please log on to

Esplanade’s brand new website at www.esplanade.com.

Last updated: 12 October 2015

http://www.esplanade.com/kalaautsavam�

http://www.esplanade.com/�

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About Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Esplanade is Singapore’s national performing arts centre. Its year-round line-up of about

3,000 performances presented by Esplanade, its collaboration partners and hirers include a

diverse calendar of ticketed and non-ticketed programmes featuring dance, music, theatre,

visual arts and more, making the arts accessible for everyone. The centre works in close

partnership with local, regional and international artists to develop artistic capabilities and

content, push artistic boundaries and engage audiences. It also develops technical

capabilities for the industry nationally.

This architectural icon, with its distinctive twin shells, houses world-class performance

spaces complemented by a comprehensive range of professional support services. Its two

main venues are the 1,600-seat Concert Hall and a Theatre with a capacity of 2,000. In May

2015, Esplanade was chosen as one of SG Heart Map’s 50 special places.

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is operated by The Esplanade Co Ltd, which is a not-for-

profit organisation, a registered Charity and an Institution of a Public Character.

Visit www.esplanade.com for more information.

~ End ~

Issued by The Esplanade Co Ltd. For more information, please contact: Koh Sian Eng Communications Specialist The Esplanade Co Ltd Tel: 6828 8330 Email: [email protected] Cynthia Tan Arts Marketing Strategist The Esplanade Co Ltd Tel: 6828 8316 Email: [email protected]

https://www.heartmap.sg/�

http://www.esplanade.com/�

mailto:[email protected]�

mailto:[email protected]�

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Annex Esplanade Celebrates SG50 Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay celebrates Singapore’s 50th year of nation building (SG50) with a meaningful line-up of special commissions and collaborations, involving a wide range of Singapore artists across art forms and generations. Underlying the special commissions and collaborations with Singapore artists is Esplanade’s year-long arts calendar of about 3,000 performances, providing different communities ways to participate and connect as one people through the arts. Throughout 2015, Esplanade invites everyone to Reflect (Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2015); Live (Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts); Understand (The Studios); Seek (A Tapestry of Sacred Music); Play (Flipside); Dare (Yfest and Baybeats); Be One (National Day Celebrations); Treasure (Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts); Cherish (Moonfest – A Mid-Autumn Celebration); Imagine (Octoburst! A Children’s Festival); Move (da:ns festival); Remember (A Date With Friends); Embrace (Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts); Connect (Voices – A Festival of Song); Share (Celebrate December); Be Here (Visual Arts); and Believe (Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2016). Esplanade Presents KALAA UTSAVAM – INDIAN FESTIVAL OF ARTS 20 – 29 November 2015 As part of Esplanade’s year-long celebration of Singapore’s golden jubilee, Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts invites you to embrace the diversity of cultures that make up the spectrum of the arts. For more information, visit www.esplanade.com/kalaautsavam


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TICKETED PROGRAMMES Viswa Prana: The Cosmic Breath Featuring Rama Vaidyanathan and Ajith Bhaskaran Dass SINGAPORE / INDIA Festival Commission Esplanade Theatre 28 Nov Sat 8pm

In the yogic tradition of Pranayama, it is believed that our breath contains prana, the life force which energises our mind, body and soul. It is the principle of life and consciousness, a cosmic energy that permeates all beings. Viswa Prana is an exercise in harnessing the prana within each and every one of us. Featuring more than 20 dancers from various institutes, this performance explores Man’s relationship with nature and the life force that flows through us in our interactions with the world. Conceptualised by Rama Vaidyanathan Choreographed by Rama Vaidyanathan and Ajith Bhaskaran Dass Original music scored by Sudha Raghuraman Artistic direction by Gowri Ramnarayan (1hr 30mins no intermission) $28*, $40^ Limited concessions for students, NSFs and senior citizens: $20*, SG50 Senior Concessions (Singaporeans & PRs): $14*

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Anthar-Agni A musical passage unveiling the fire within by Temple of Fine Arts SINGAPORE / iNDIA 20 Nov, Fri Esplanade Concert Hall 7.30pm Fire is the positive energy of the cosmos long embraced by cultures around the world since time immemorial. Worshipped as a sun god (Surya) by Hindu farming nomads in ancient times, it is also known as God of the Flames to the wandering gypsies and the illuminating flame of love in Sufi philosophy. Following the success of productions such as Water, Damaru and Taal Express, the Temple of Fine Arts’ latest presentation, Anthar Agni, is a music and dance tribute to the sacred fire (agni), celebrating its deep spiritual significance as well as influence on Asian and Spanish cultures. Led by 2011 Young Artist Award recipient Nawaz Mirajkar, the concert blends percussive instrumentation, vocals and a mesmerising backdrop of silhouettes against a glowing sun. Also featured this evening are Chinese musicians, Spanish dancers, guest musicians from India and a Sufi singer, whose collaborative sparks add a new dimension to a classical Indian music performance. (2hrs 20mins, including a 20min intermission) $32^ Limited concessions for students, NSFs and senior citizens: $22 SG50 Senior Concessions (Singaporeans & PRs): $16 Prayaana: Journey with Music by Sikkil Gurucharan, Umayalpuram Sivaraman, Ghatam S Karthik and Nagai Sriram INDIA 21 Nov, Sat Esplanade Concert Hall 7.30pm

Carnatic vocalist Sikkil Gurucharan returns to Esplanade in a concert featuring some of the most celebrated names in South Indian classical music. Follow him and, Padma Vibushan, Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr Umayalpuram Sivaraman as they take you across the Indian subcontinent, through the stunning backdrops of Gujarat, Varanasi, Mathura, Kashmir, West Bengal and more. This concert also features a special percussion solo by Umayalpuram Sivaraman. (2hrs 30mins, no intermission) $32^ Limited concessions for students, NSFs and senior citizens: $22 SG50 Senior Concessions (Singaporeans & PRs): $16

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Papon & The East India Company INDIA

27 Nov, Fri Esplanade Concert Hall 7.30pm

For multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and singer Papon (Angaraag Mahanta), music has always been in his blood. Papon’s songs, while rooted in folk, bears influences from genres as diverse as traditional folk songs of Eastern India, ghazals, even new-age electronica. Blessed with a voice both smooth and soulful, Papon has managed to carve a niche for himself as a versatile singer and composer — he can easily switch from one genre to another. Considered to be one of the most recognisable and sought-after artists in India, it’s no surprise that he’s a force to be reckoned with in India. Papon has worked on all editions of Coke Studio India, produced an MTV Unplugged episode last year and is a playback singer for many Bollywood films. He also performs in Europe and US. In association with Teamwork Productions (1hr 30mins, no intermission)

$30*, $45^ Limited concessions for students, NSFs and senior citizens: $20* SG50 Senior Concessions (Singaporeans & PRs): $15* The Colour of Rain INDIA 29 Nov, Sun Esplanade Concert Hall 7.30pm Anil Srinivasan, Rakesh Chaurasia and U Rajesh

A coming together of diverse music styles, The Colour of Rain is a stream-of-consciousness collaboration that paints a rich tapestry of sounds from the Indian subcontinent. This trio of highly-acclaimed musicians at the forefront of Indian music takes listeners through the four Indian seasons, in a series of solo, duet and all-group compositions by combining poetry, music and narratives from different parts of India. (1hr 30mins, no intermission)

$32^ Limited concessions for students, NSFs and senior citizens: $22 SG50 Senior Concessions (Singaporeans & PRs): $16

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P Krishnan’s Adukku Veetu Annasamy Ravindran Drama Group SINGAPORE ப� கி�ஷ்ணன�

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சதஙககப் 20 – 22 Nov, Fri – Sun Esplanade Theatre Studio 8pm, Fri & Sat 3pm, Sun

Popular 1960s radio play Adukku Veettu Annasamy gets a theatrical makeover! Ravindran Drama Group presents the first of a trilogy of plays that capture the lives of Singaporeans following their relocation from kampongs to HDB estates as part of the government’s efforts in providing public housing for its populace. Created by Cultural Medallion recipient P Krishnan, Adukku Veettu Annasamy was first broadcast over Singapore radio in 1969 to overwhelming response. The comedy broadly examines social issues including civic-mindedness, relationships with neighbours, road-crossing etiquette and National Service. Performed in Tamil with English Surtitles (2hr 30 mins, including 15min intermission) $28^ Limited concessions for students, NSFs and senior citizens: $18 SG50 Senior Concessions (Singaporeans & PRs): $14

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Eka Aneka SINGAPORE / INDIA 21 & 22 Nov, Sat & Sun Esplanade Recital Studio 5pm

The Hindus believe that the Universe and the human soul are extensions of Eka Brahman, the Supreme Spirit. From eka (one) comes aneka (many), like the creation of these extensions which take on life of their own but are still part of the divine. Their beginnings and ends, when seen as a whole, are therefore a representation of the infinite. Through bharatanatyam, kuchipudi and odissi, Eka Aneka delves into the concept of the infinite, using classical Indian dance as a starting point to explore multiple manifestations of the Supreme One.

Concept - Gayatri Sriram Artistic Direction and Bharatanatyam choreography – Minal Prabhu Kuchipudi choreography – Amrita Lahiri Odissi choreography – Rahul Acharya Artists: Bharatanatyam: Gayatri Sriram Ananth Nagaraj Parshwanath Upadhyaye Kuchipudi: Amrita Lahiri Odissi: Rahul Acharya Rajashri Praharaj Music composed by: Vidwan Shri GGurumurthy. (1hr 30mins, no intermission) $28 ^ Limited concessions for students, NSFs and senior citizens: $18 SG50 Senior Concessions (Singaporeans & PRs): $14

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The Good, the Bad and the Sholay Checkpoint Theatre Singapore

26 – 29 Nov, Thu - Sun Esplanade Theatre Studio 8pm, Thu – Sat 3pm, Sun Written by Shiv Tandan Directed by Shiv Tandan and Huzir Sulaiman

In this fast and ever-changing world, what is constant? The 1975 Bollywood classic Sholay, with its thrilling exploits of outlaw heroes and high-stakes emotion, provides the backdrop for this profoundly humorous coming-of-age story that chronicles Raghav’s journey from boyhood in the small Indian city of Ambala to the metropolis of Singapore. What do we lose in the name of progress? And what happens when we finally let go? The Good, the Bad and the Sholay deftly captures the joys and sorrows of growing up and the changes that come with each stage of life. First staged in 2011 by Checkpoint Theatre, The Good, the Bad and the Sholay received three nominations at The Straits Times Life! Theatre Awards for Best Original Script, Best Director and Production of the Year. Playwright Shiv Tandan joins Huzir Sulaiman in directing this new staging. The Good, the Bad and the Sholay originally premiered at the NUS Arts Festival 2011, as a Checkpoint Theatre and NUS Stage production, and was presented by NUS Centre for the Arts. (1hr 30mins, no intermission) $30^ Limited concessions for students, NSFs and senior citizens: $18 SG50 Senior Concessions (Singaporeans & PRs): $15

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Hanuman: The tale behind the name SINGAPORE

Festival Commission

28 Nov, Sat Esplanade Recital Studio 11am, 2pm & 5pm

What’s bright, big, round, and orange, and all alone up in the sky? Everyone knows it is Surya the Sun, but not little Hanuman. Believing the sun to be a sweet, juicy, giant mango, the cheeky monkey child flew high up into the heavens just to get his little hands on his favourite fruit. Through tales filled with courage and a dose of mischief, find out how little Hanuman was stopped from devouring the sun and became the fearless monkey god with ‘the broken chin’. Step into a world of adventure as the stories of Hanuman come alive through narration, sketches, dance and music. Performed in English Perfect for children aged 4–8 Script by Kamini Ramachandran Music composed and performed by Anil Srinivasan Percussions: Ganesh Jayabal Dancers: Ponnamma Devaiah, Minal Merai, Ramassamy Visual sketches by Regina Maria Tuazon

(45mins, no intermission) $18 Family special: $15 each With minimum purchase of 4 or more tickets. Limited tickets available.

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Dekha Apne Aap Ko: I Saw Myself SINGAPORE / INDIA 29 Nov, Sun Esplanade Recital Studio 5pm by Shabnam Virmani & Vipul Rikhi (Kabir Project ) featuring Mir Mukthiyar Ali (India)

Mukhtiyar Ali is a Sufi and devotional music vocalist from the village of Pugal, in the desert state of Rajasthan, India. As a member of the Mirasi, a community of people widely known for their singing profession particularly in the arts of Sufi, devotional and wedding music, he inherited his vocal tradition from his father and elders. Today, Mukhtiyar is a highly versatile artist who has collaborated with many contemporary musicians such as Vasundhara Das and Mathias Duplessy. Sufi vocalist Mukhtiyar Ali teams up with vocalist Shabnam Virmani and singer-writer Vipul Rikhi to pay tribute to the literature of 15th century mystic poet, Kabir. In Dekha Apne Aap Ko, Mukhtiyar teams up with vocalist Shabnam Virmani and singer-writer Vipul Rikhi to showcase the literature of 15th century mystic poet, Kabir. Through song and narrative, this performance also features their own works,

some of which are the result of their years of travel and immersion in Indian oral traditions. (2hrs, no intermission) $28 Limited concessions for students, NSFs and senior citizens: $18 SG50 Senior Concessions (Singaporeans & PRs): $14 BOOK NOW! www.esplanade.com/kalaautsavam Tickets are available at Esplanade Box Office and all SISTIC’s authorised agents. SISTIC Hotline: 6348 5555. Group booking of 20 or more: 6828 8389. A SISTIC booking fee is applicable to each ticket. Latecomers will be admitted during suitable breaks. No admission of children below six years old (unless otherwise indicated). Tickets are required for all patrons. ^Esplanade &Me Specials available. Sign up now at www.esplanade.com to enjoy savings.


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FREE PROGRAMMES Programmes at Esplanade Outdoor Theatre Krishnattam by Krishnattam Kalanilayam of Guruvayoor Devaswom 20–22 Nov 7.30–8.30pm & 9–10pm, Fri & Sat 7pm–8.00pm & 8.30–9.30pm, Sun

With roots dating back to 17th century northern Kerala, Krishnattam is an all-male temple dance drama that tells the story of Lord Krishna over a series of eight plays. Created by Manaveda, the Zamorin raja (king) of Calicut, in 1653, the play is performed today only at the temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in the town of Guruvayoor. With its intricate costumes, makeup, as well as highly stylised combination of dance and theatre, it is believed that a Krishnattam performance bestows blessings upon its audience. Fusion Beats: Raghajazz 26 Nov, Thu 7.30–8.15pm & 8.45–9.30pm

In this special programme, local jazz fusion band Raghajazz teams up with contemporary string quartet Viva Strings to present an evening that brings together a heady mix of Indian ragas and jazz improvisation. Having made their debut in 2009, Raghajazz features some of Southeast Asia’s young musical cats—Ragha (bansuri/Singapore), Rachma (piano/Indonesia), Jase (bass/Singapore), Jit (drum

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kit/Malaysia), Kumaran (tabla/Malaysia)—as they band together to create a jazz fusion group unique to Singapore. They have been featured at various music festivals held in Singapore, such as Esplanade’s Mosaic Music Festival and Jazz in July. The quintet is currently working on their first album, Idioms of Freedom, due to be released in March 2016. Fusion Beats: Harpreet Singh 27 Nov, Fri 7.30–8.15pm, 8.45–9.30pm & 10–10.45pm

Kurukshetra-born artist Harpreet grew up fascinated by the languages of India; this love of his has informed and influenced his music. His debut album, Ajab Ishq Maati Da, is a passionate celebration of a vast array of Sufi and other writings that draw on contemporary sounds to elaborate on the poetic content of classical texts. Harpreet is backed up by Nikhil Vasudevan on drums and percussion, a versatile musician who has been active in the Indian music scene for 15 years, and Anirban Ghosh on bass, who has played with Rabbi Shergill, Susmit Sen Chronicles, Grey Area, Samarpan, and Flashback.

Fusion Beats: Barefaced Liar 28 Nov, Sat 7.30–8.15pm, 8.45–9.30pm & 10–10.45pm With a unique sound that seamlessly traverses genres such as the blues, classic rock and heavy metal, and influenced by The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix and Stone Temple Pilots, Barefaced Liar seek to create music that adheres to yet defies convention. Formed in Delhi, 2002 by Akshay Chowdhry and Sumant Balakrishnan, their self-titled debut album—with its blues-based modern rock riffs and sing along choruses—was voted one of the Top 10 albums of the year by Rolling Stone Magazine. Since 2008, the band's main focus has been on taking their live show to all parts of India while continuing to compose and record their own music. They opened for the legendary Metallica in 2011.

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Fusion Beats: Soul’d Out 29 Nov, Sun 6.30–7.15pm, 7.45–8.30pm & 9–9.45pm With influences ranging from blues to jazz and funk, Delhi-based Soul’d Out are more concerned with having fun playing for their audience than how their sound can be defined or categorised. Formed in 2011, the group is made up of Abhay Sharma (saxophone), Bhanu Mendiratta (guitars, backing vocals), Chetan Awasthi (vocals, guitars), Sajal Sharma (bass), Abhijit Sood (drums) and Ashish Zachariah (keyboards).

Programmes at Esplanade Concourse Indian Folk Dances Srabonti Dutta and Students of Global Indian International School East Coast Campus 20 Nov, Fri 6.15–6.45pm, 7.15–7.45pm, 8.15–8.45pm Navin 21 Nov, Sat 4.15–4.45pm, 5.15–5.45pm, 6.15–6.45pm, 7.15–7.45pm Silverscreen Ragas Md Bashir, Md Noor and Euntaek 22 Nov, Sun 4.15–4.45pm, 5.15–5.45pm, 6.15–6.45pm, 7.15–7.45pm Pianists Mohamed Bashir and Euntaek Kim will entertain you with melodies of Tamil and Hindi movie songs from the 70s to present in their unique style. They will be joined by drummer/percussionist Mohamed Noor. Gunje Gujarat Folk tunes of Gujarat by Amit Dhamelia and Band 23 Nov 2015, Mon 7.15–7.45pm, 8.15–8.45pm Amit Dhameila and his ensemble draw on the rich folk music traditions of Gujarat. Ghanasangamam Rhythm Aesthetics Society 24 Nov 2015, Tue 7.15–7.45pm, 8.15–8.45pm Spend an evening with the students and teachers of Rhythms Aesthetics Society as they bring you a selection of classical compositions.

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Bridging Cultures By Atma 25 Nov 2015, Wed 7.15–7.45pm, 8.15–8.45pm Join Kamal Bensra, Corey Manders, Enrique Castillo and Amarjit Sonik as they take you through an exhilarating exploration of music, drawing parallels between contrasting musical styles of Latin jazz and Indian classical music. A Soulful Evening By Ravin Raj Gunasekar 26 Nov 2015, Thu 7.15–7.45pm, 8.15–8.45pm An evening of soulful music and heart penetrating songs, covering early years and latest bollywood songs by Ravin Raj and Vidya and accompanied by Abdul Aleem on keyboard and Navin on percussions.

Bollywood Masti by Bollybeatz 27 Nov 2015, Fri 6.15–6.45pm, 7.15–7.45pm Join the dancers of local Indian dance group Bollybeatz as they bring their infectious grooves to the hottest Bollywood songs. Audiences can also join in the fun by learning some of the basic moves of Bollywood dance.

Bollywood Night 27 Nov 2015, Fri 9.00–11.30pm Put on your dancing shoes and be prepared to groove the night away to the hottest tracks at our annual Bollywood Night dance party.

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Natya Manjari Singapore Malayalee Community Groups 28 Nov 2015, Sat 12.15–12.45pm and 1.15–1.45pm

Enjoy an afternoon of folk and contemporary dance by young talents from the Singapore Malayalee Community Groups. Ragha and the Maestro Raghavendran and Kailin Yong 28 Nov 2015, Sat 4.15–4.45pm, 5.15–5.45pm, 6.15–6.45pm, 7.15–7.45pm Flautist Raghavendran and violinist Kailin Yong blend electronic sounds and Asian melodies in their music. An emerging musician and composer, Ragha has initiated projects that explore Indian classical music in contemporary contexts, such as the Tamarind Sound Project, RaghaJazz and TisraRoopaSangeeth. Multi-instrumentalist, teacher, composer and producer Kailin Yong has dedicated his life to music with the intention of building cultural bridges and promoting peace. Stylemart Fashion Show 28 Nov 2015, Sat 7.15–7.45pm Models from one of the most recognised names in local Indian fashion, Stylemart, bring runway glamour to the Esplanade Concourse with a sartorial collection that showcases a contemporary take on traditional styles. The evening also features a live set by Raghavendran and Kailin Yong. Swarasampad 29 Nov 2015, Sun 4.15–4.45pm, 5.15–5.45pm, 6.15–6.45pm, 7.15–7.45pm Swarasampad features the winners of the 2014 National Indian Music Competition (NIMC), performing a selection of Carnatic and Hindustani classical compositions on the veena, sitar, flute, violin, mridangam and vocals.

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Upper Concourse Kalaa Bazaar 21–22 Nov, & 28–29 Nov, Sat - Sun 4–8pm Indulge in your favourite Indian snacks, check out contemporary Indian clothing and accessories, or get an intricate henna tattoo at the bazaar! Festival Corner Indian Board Games Did you know that the board game Ludo was invented in India and was originally called Pachisi? Did you know that Snakes and Ladders was originally a game of morality where the player's progression up the board represented a life journey complicated by virtues (ladders) and vices (snakes)? Find out more and try your hand at these Indian board games. library@esplanade Tamil Radio in Singapore Arun Mahizhnan 21 Nov, Sat 6–7pm Join noted scholar and professor Arun Mahizhnan as he discusses the history of Tamil radio and broadcasting in Singapore and its resonance and influence in shaping the development of the language. Arun will draw on anecdotal accounts and his own experience in broadcasting over the last 20 years. He will also be joined by Cultural Medallion recipient, author P. Krishnan, and broadcasting pioneer E. S. J. Chandran. Vintage and Antique Textiles Jaina Mishra 22 Nov, Sun 4–5pm The arts and heritage of the tribal communities in India are often defined by everyday activities. These elements are represented in the textiles of these tribes. In this talk, photographer and collector Jaina Mishra walks you through the ethnographic qualities of some of these Indian tribes that give rise to their unique textile designs. Talk on Singapore Indian Heritage Viswa Sadasivan 22 Nov, Sun 5.15–6.15pm Had Anhad: Boundless Journeys with Ram and Kabir (Film Screening) 28 Nov, Sat 3–4pm Kabir was a 15th century mystic poet of north India who defied the boundaries between Hindu and Muslim. He had a Muslim name and upbringing, but his poetry repeatedly invokes the widely revered Hindu name for God, Ram. Who is Kabir’s Ram? This film journeys through song and poem into the politics of religion, and finds a myriad answers on both sides of the hostile border between India and Pakistan.

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Lost and Found in a Wondrous City: Wanderings in Ajab Shahar Smriti Chanchani and the Kabir Project Team 28 Nov, Sat 5–6pm This talk by Smriti Chanchani takes audiences into Ajab Shahar, a newly launched digital archive created by the Kabir Project team dedicated to mystic poetry and songs of the Bhakti, Sufi and Baul oral traditions of India and Pakistan, collected from their travels over the last 13 years. Designer and artistic director Shahar Smriti leads listeners into startling, uplifting and reflective encounters in the Ajab city through conversation and digital media. Living in Balance with Nature: The AYURVEDIC Way! Shailaja Suresh 29 Nov, Sun 5.15–6.15pm Have you ever looked into what you eat & your lifestyle? Join us at this talk on AYURVEDA, to understand our relationship with nature, the good practices in our day-to-day life and how to stay in balance and be healthy at all times. This will be a completely interactive workshop with great tips that can be implemented immediately. Esplanade Mall Kalaa Utsavam Pub Quiz @ Mischief American Street Food (Esplanade Mall, #01-10/12) 27 Nov, Fri 7.30–9.00pm Which classical Sanskrit poet was Rabindranath Tagore’s great inspiration? What was AR Rahman’s birth name? From which dance form is this step popularly referred to as “change the lightbulb”? Test your general knowledge of the Indian arts at the first-ever Kalaa Utsavam pub quiz hosted by Sushma Somesekharan and Vasudha Srinivasan, and stand to win exclusive Esplanade gift vouchers. All you need to do is form a group of 4-6 to take part in this trivia quiz. ------ For more information, please visit www.esplanade.com/kalaautsavam


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