A Tapestry Of Sacred Music
Get all fired up by sacred music at the Esplanade this weekend. Literally so, in the case of theNamaskaraya and Magul Bera performances by Sri Lanka’s Buddhika Ranaweera & Company, which will open the festival with conch shells, drums and fire at the courtyard on April 4.
There are some intriguing programmes on offer. South Korea’s National Gugak Center will present Jongmyo Jeryeak: Rituals For Royal Ancestors, a rare opportunity to see a music and dance ancestor worship ritual dating back to the 15th century.
On a more intimate scale is Father Serafim Bit-Kharibi’s performance on April 6, Chanting In The Language Of Christ. The Georgian priest is one of two in the world who celebrate the liturgy in Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus Christ.
Expect the public spaces of the arts venue to resonate with other forms of sacred vocals.
Look out especially for an unusual presentation by members of the Chua Chu Kang Tao Bu Keng Temple, Charn Mao Hern Kew Huang Keng Temple, Zhengyi Taoist Priests and Xin Xin Rong He Teochew Opera, who will bring the festivities of the Nine Emperor Gods to various spots around the arts centre on April 5.
The best thing about the festival – all performances are free, but concert performances need registration for admission.
Where: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive
MRT: City Hall/Esplanade
When: April 4 to 6, various timings
Admission: Free with registration
Info: str.sg/9XWg
7th Objectifs Documentary Award
Objectifs is opening three showcases on April 4 which highlight the works of recipients of the arts centre’s Documentary Award.
The shows feature a South-east Asian focus, centred on stories of indigenous communities struggling with environmental challenges and cultural upheavals.
The Forest Listens, Their Spirits Cry shows the work of Filipino photographer Gab Mejia, the Open Category winner. His works tell the stories of Filipino indigenous queer and women shamans, known as the Baylan, who are dedicatedto defending the last sacred forests of Mount Kalatungan and Mindanao.
Tubig Alat (Salt Water), by Emerging Category award recipient Geela Garcia, focuses on traditional saltmaking practices in the Philippines. Another Emerging Category award recipient, Aziziah Diah Aprilya, tells the stories of the coastal women of Makassar, Indonesia, in her show, Mattude (Collecting Clams).
Where: Objectifs – Centre for Photography and Film, 155 Middle Road
MRT: Bras Basah/Bencoolen
When: April 4 to May 18, Tuesdays to Saturdays, noon to 7pm, Sundays, noon to 4pm, closed on Mondays and public holidays
Admission: Free
Info: objectifs.com.sg
SingPoWriMo
April is the cruellest month as it is also Singapore Poetry Writing Month, also known as SingPoWriMo, which marks 12 years in 2025. The mastermind of this ritual of writing a poem a day for 30 days is Sing Lit Station, which cooks up daily prompts and oversees the deluge of posts on Facebook and Instagram.
Besides digital housekeeping, Sing Lit Station is also organising weekend gatherings, so the writing community can meet in person to connect and/or commiserate. Things kick off with an opening party at Proud Spaces on April 5, which includes an open-mic session hosted by moderator Don Shiau. Partygoers will get an early prompt drop.
There will be two more in-person meets on April 12 and 19, as well as more virtual sessions.
Where: SingPoWriMo 2025’s Opening Party, Proud Spaces, 05-03, 243 Alexandra Road; Writers’ Meet, Sing Lit Station, 22 Dickson Road
MRT: Redhill/Jalan Besar
When: April 5, 7 to 10pm; April 12 and 19, 10am to 3pm
Admission: Opening Party, $10
Info:singlitstation.com/singpowrimo
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