Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay typically showcases the best of Indian arts and culture during the festive period of Deepavali.
This year, its Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts will focus on the explorations of Indian culture and identity by some of India’s and Singapore’s best-known names in the performing arts, alongside exciting musicians who have emerged in the last decade.
“As we celebrate the 22nd edition, from Nov 17 to 26, we are grateful to have journeyed with our audiences over the years,” said The Esplanade’s producer V.M. Sai Akileshwar.
“We are now looking at reaching out to newer and younger audiences so that we can continue with Kalaa Utsavam in the long run.
“Through commissions and producing new works by Singapore and Asian artists, the festival also aims to establish itself as a leader on the global scene.”
The performances that will take place in the larger venues include The Great Indian Mix – Kumar Spills the Tea at the Esplanade Theatre, where Singapore’s veteran comedian Kumar will present a new work specially commissioned by The Esplanade on Indian culture.
The content, specially written by Sharul Channa and contributors Vadi PVSS and Jaya Rathakrishnan, will touch on Indian family dynamics, wedding extravaganzas, superstitions and festive frenzies. The themes centre on the age-old tussle between traditional values and modern aspirations – all served with a side of sharp social commentary and Kumar’s signature wit.
The three major music performances at the Concert Hall are Armaan Malik – Live in Concert, a Singapore debut for the popular Bollywood playback singer; Sean Roldan Live featuring the notable Tamil film music composer and singing talents Sathyaprakash and Kalyani Nair; and Taraana and Carnatic 2.0, a double bill featuring young Carnatic musicians Mahesh Raghvan and Shravan Sridhar and sisters Nandini and Ragini Shankar.
“This year, the festival features some of India’s top young artists who have carved out a niche for themselves,” said Akhileshwar.
“These artists have been doing considerable work in their respective fields, and we hope to inspire and empower Singapore artists to conceptualise and present their dream productions.”
There will be two Esplanade productions: Four Friends and the Hunter for children, and Twin Murder in the Green Mansion, a co-production with Agam Theatre Lab.
“A programme for children has always been an important part of the festival in educating and introducing Indian arts, culture and folklore,” said Akhileshwar.
“These tales are typically presented with an extra layer of Indian classical dance and music.
“Twin Murder in the Green Mansion has an engaging storyline and script, through which we hope to continue to engage our Tamil audiences as well as non-Indian theatre fans.
“Agam Theatre Lab is an enterprising and innovative Tamil theatre group that Esplanade worked with to co-produce Vilangkuppannai (Animal Farm) as part of our Raga series in 2022.”
Kalaa Utsavam 2023 will also feature acclaimed Indian dancer and choreographer Aditi Mangaldas’ new solo work Forbidden, which explores the fear and taboos associated with female sexual desire, and When Chai Met Toast, the top Indian indie band with a unique pop/folkish sound.
