This November, audiences at the Goodman Arts Centre will be invited into a world where music breathes, light whispers, and soundscapes awaken forgotten spirits.
The Last Blue Forest, a new multidisciplinary production by Brahmastra Arts House in collaboration with the Singhanagara Contemporary Orchestra (SCO), promises an evocative, multisensory journey into a mythical realm where art and nature converge.
Staged on Nov 7 and 8 at the Goodman Arts Centre Black Box, the performance is supported by the National Arts Council and the stART Fund, and is CP-eligible under the Culture Pass Campaign, making it accessible to a broad audience of art lovers, students, and cultural explorers.
At its heart, The Last Blue Forest is a musical and visual meditation on humanity’s lost connection with nature. Conceptualised by composer and Indian bamboo flautist Niranjan Pandian and directed by Jeremiah Choy, the production transforms the stage into a living forest, blending live music, cinematic visuals, and lighting to create a space of renewal and healing.
“The performance invites audiences into the mythical last blue forest,” said Niranjan. “Through the dialogue between instruments and imagery, the forest comes alive – breathing, listening, and ultimately healing.”
The show’s core ensemble features five acclaimed soloists from across Asia’s musical traditions – Azrin Abdullah (Oud), Charmaine Teo (Harp), Indra Chen (Guzheng), Riduan Zalani (Rebana), and Pandian himself on bamboo flute. Together, they craft an intricate soundscape that bridges classical Indian, Middle Eastern, and contemporary idioms.
Each note unfolds as part of a larger sonic narrative – a story of rediscovery and harmony. “It’s a journey that reminds us of the interconnectedness of all existence,” Niranjan explained.
Enhancing this atmosphere of transcendence is a stellar creative team: video director Darshan Kunasagaran, sound designer Mugi Krish, lighting engineer Alberta Wileo, and multimedia designer Vasanthakumar Anbalagan.
Their combined artistry turns The Last Blue Forest into what Jeremiah describes as “an intimate, multisensory experience that stirs emotion through sight and sound”.
“The work unfolds like a moving meditation,” he added. “It invites audiences to slow down and reimagine their relationship with the natural world.”
The concert, including a short panel discussion, runs for about one hour – but its textures linger much longer.
Over six months of preparation went into its creation, from story development and recording sessions with the SCO to on-site rehearsals that synchronise light, sound, and movement into a unified whole.
Integral to this experience is the Singhanagara Contemporary Orchestra, Singapore’s first Indian contemporary orchestra and a youth-led initiative under Brahmastra Arts House. Known for its adventurous orchestration and cross-cultural sensibilities, Singhanagara blends traditional Indian instruments with modern electronic and cinematic elements.
“Singhanagara is run by youths, for youths,” Niranjan noted. “Our aim is to pioneer a sound that is proudly Indian yet globally resonant – one that speaks to today’s generation.”
In The Last Blue Forest, the orchestra’s sonic journey traverses cinematic scores, electronic dance textures, and ancient ragas, shifting seamlessly between the mystical and the modern.
Founded by Niranjan, Brahmastra Arts House has become one of Singapore’s most forward-thinking cultural collectives, known for reimagining traditional arts through innovative storytelling.
Its mission is guided by five creative pillars – Mentorship and Empowerment, Unity through Diversity, Storytelling through Sound and Text, Innovation in Tradition, and Cultural Legacy and Craftsmanship.
Through ensembles such as the Brahmastra Multi-Ethnic Ensemble, The Vamshika Quintet, and Singhanagara, the collective has built an ecosystem where tradition evolves through experimentation. “Our work bridges communities,” Niranjan said. “We see art as a language of empathy and imagination.”
Performances will be held on Friday, Nov 7 (7.30pm) and Saturday, Nov 8 (3.30pm) at the Goodman Arts Centre Black Box.
For tickets and details: https://sg.bookmyshow.com/en/events/the-last-blue-forest/TLBF2025
