Revitalising Monkeys and Giants by Amrita Performing Arts / I Am a Demon by Pitchet Klunchun (double-bill)
Theatre
Fri 22 Dec 2006 & Sat 23 Dec 2006
8pm, Banyan Tree/Gallery Theatre

Two ground-breaking works that demonstrate that sometimes the thin line between traditional and contemporary dance forms can be erased through an act of courage by the artist. Choreographed by Thai dancer Pitchet Klunchun, both featuring dancers and musicians trained in the highly refined classical dance repertoire of Mainland Southeast Asia, centred round the Indic myth of the Ramayana. In their search for new meaning beyond the old forms, the dancers deconstruct the traditional modes of staging, bravely abandoning mask and costume to reveal the powerful physicality of the human body and its emotional resonance.

Revitalising Monkeys and Giants is a contemporary dance based on the Cambodian Kaol masked dance form. I am a Demon, performed by Pichut Klunchun searches for the wisdom that is hidden behind the dance structures and movements of the “Demon” character which figures in the Thai ‘Khon” dance.

Sumptuous Feasting Song by Han-Tang Yuefu
Musical theatre
Fri 29 Dec 2006 & Sat 30 Dec 2006
8.30pm, Gallery Theatre

Tradition in spirit, contemporary in form, internationally renowned Han-Tang Yuefu brings to Singapore their highly refined interpretations of Nanguan (Southern Winds), the oldest existing musical form of the Han peoples of China that was brought to Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan and Hong Kong by immigrants from Southern China. Han-Tang Yuefu’s gorgeous restaging weds the moving melodies of Nanguan to highly refined songs and subtle modern movements inspired by the ancient tradition of Liyuan xi (Musical theatre of the Pear Orchard). Composed of five, concise segments, Sumptuous Feasting Song is an easily accessible introduction to one of the most beautiful forms of Chinese music.

LOFT! by Project Bandaloop
Aerial Acrobatics
Fri 29 Dec 2006 – Sun 31 Dec 2006
Fri 29 Dec 2006 & Sat 30 Dec 2006, 8pm, Concourse
Sun 31 Dec 2006, 11am, Concourse

Within the voluminous glass extension building of the National Museum, dancers, climbers and riggers create a marriage of modern dance and rock climbing, culture and nature as well as mortality and celebration. A breath-taking feat not to be missed!