Singapore's Esplanade spreads New Year celebrations beyond Chinatown

Launched six years ago by the national arts centre Esplanade as one of three cultural festivals celebrating Singapore's multi-ethnic heritage, the 2009 edition of "Huayi: Chinese Festival of Arts", which starts on Friday, promises a delicious feast of entertainment.

"Huayi has become a recognised platform to develop and showcase new works," says JP Nathan, Esplanade's director of programming. "This year, we are especially pleased to be working with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, the Finger Players and new theatre company Paper Monkey."

In "Chinese Opera Meets Animation with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra", familiar characters like "Red Cliff" strategist Zhuge Liang and Yang Guifei of the "Four Beauties" are brought to life through the soaring Beijing opera vocals of Zhao Qun and Fu Xiru and captivating animation by the China Academy of Art.

Incorporating their signature puppetry, "Whispers" by Singapore's Finger Players, tells the story of three women who run away to rediscover the long-suppressed whispers of their heart.

Theatrical feng shui

For younger audiences, Paper Monkey presents "The Journey West: White Bone Fiend", a much- loved Chinese adventure epic, through traditional hand puppets, rod puppets, shadow puppets and human actors.

Huayi's curtain raiser is "Design for Living" by the Edward Lam Dance Theatre from Hong Kong and Taiwan. The production examines the complexities of the struggle for love, wealth and power. Actress-director and Golden Horse winner Sylvia Chang co-wrote the script and also plays the leading role.

Another highlight is Zuni Kosahedron's drama "Tears of Barren Hill", which was originally created and performed in 1929 by Beijing opera artist Cheng Yanqiu. The story of a woman searching desperately for her husband, it explores issues of humanity against a backdrop of upheaval.

Music fans will not want to miss "in::music" featuring works by independent singer-songwriters from Singapore and the region.

Meanwhile, classical music enthusiasts await Fan Jingma's - one of China's leading vocalists - rendition of Chinese and Western folk songs.

Visual arts programmes include an exhibition of woodblock printmaking with a Chinese New Year theme by youths from the Singapore Boys' Home, and "Ink-finite", Chinese ink-painting by local artists Lee Yu Juan and Tan Puay Khoon Harry.

 SEE THE LIGHT

>> "Huayi: Chinese Festival of Arts" runs from Friday to February 8, at Esplanade: Theatres on the Bay in Singapore.

>> All programmes are in Chinese with English surtitles.

>> Tickets can be booked at www.Sistic.com.sg.

 >> The complete lineup is at www.HuayiFestival.com.sg.