Wonder Here, at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

From Apr to Jun 2025, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay presents a line-up of programmes that will take audiences in Singapore on a journey through sacred songs and music from around the world, boundary-pushing dance feats, the rich artistic heritage of the Malay archipelago, the joy of play and more!

 

Open your heart at A Tapestry of Sacred Music (4 – 6 Apr 2025)

Now in its 16th edition, A Tapestry of Sacred Music is a rare opportunity to experience the sublime sounds of faith traditions from across the world. From the ancestral ritual sounds of the Korean royal courts to the night ceremonies of a Turkish Sufi brotherhood, the festival transcends geographical and cultural boundaries to present music that is deeply rooted in devotion. The performances highlight the artistry of sounds in houses of worship—gurdwaras, mosques, temples, and cathedrals—and remind us of the universal human yearning for connection with the divine. At a time of increasing global fragmentation, A Tapestry of Sacred Music acknowledges and celebrates our common humanity.

 

da:ns is for EveryBody! (9 – 13 Apr 2025)

The third edition of da:ns focus – EveryBody continues to expand the ideas and conventions of the perfect dancing body and redefine what is possible in both dance and life. The weekend’s line-up of high-quality performances and experiences are centred on inclusivity, diversity and participation. This year, audiences can look forward to the Asian premiere of Lived Fiction, a multi-sensory work by UK’s Stopgap Dance Company that explores the human condition with compassion. Lived Fiction seamlessly integrates accessibility features with choreography, enhancing the experience for diverse audiences, including those who are Deaf or hard of hearing, blind or have low vision, Disabled, or neurodivergent. Beyond the stage, a lineup of talks, workshops, and participatory sessions invites those new to dance or inclusivity to engage deeper with the artists and performances. The festival’s ever-popular EveryBody Dance Now, returns with a weekend dance marathon featuring 14 different dance-along sessions. Bodies of all abilities are invited to move freely, learn new dance styles and have fun with friends and family.

 

Explore the richness of the Nusantara at Pesta Raya (1 – 4 May 2025)

Celebrating the rich artistic heritage of Malay culture, Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts returns for its 24th edition. Audiences are invited to embark on another journey through the captivating landscapes of the Nusantara, where tradition and folklore meet contemporary creativity. From stirring performances to evocative storytelling, Pesta Raya continues to be a platform where past and present converge in a harmonious artistic expression.

 

Let the games begin at Flipside (30 May – 8 Jun 2025)

A festival where the rules are made to be bent (or hilariously broken), Flipside is Esplanade’s annual showcase of circus, puppetry, physical theatre, and comedy. Themed The Games We Play, this edition invites audiences to celebrate the glorious chaos of competition, the joy of collaboration, the sheer absurdity of life and what it means to be human. From Gibbon, a hypnotic juggling showcase, to We Will Drum You, an electrifying drumming showdown, there will never be a dull moment at Flipside. The festival’s line-up also includes acts that transform the everyday into something surprising and new, and performances that celebrate the communal joy of spectator sport and the awe of watching artists make the impossible look easy. Hidden games lurk in unexpected spots around the centre, ensuring that play isn’t just on stage, it’s everywhere at Flipside!

Whether you’re drawn to the meditative power of sacred music, the inclusive world of dance, the playful chaos of theatrical mischief, or the rich heritage of the Malay Archipelago, each of Esplanade’s upcoming highlights offers a chance to experience something new, surprising, or deeply moving.

Visit www.esplanade.com to find out more.