Pesta Raya 2024: Where tradition meets contemporary creativity

Embark on a vibrant journey into the heart of Malay arts and culture with Pesta Raya! Expect a diverse range of performances embodying the rich heritage and artistic expressions of Singapore’s Malay community at this yearly festival, where traditional elements seamlessly blend with contemporary ones. Read on as we explore the treasures of the Nusantara through theatre, dance, and music!

Tales beyond the boundaries of time 

Will the rival stepsisters come together?

Breathing new life into a Nusantara folktale, Bawang Putih Bawang Merah explores themes of courage, societal norms and fate’s twists. Delve into this darkly humorous production where these competitive stepsisters set out on a quest for self-discovery and freedom, under the guidance of magical mothers, rebellious royalty, and a fabulous fairy godmother. 

Bawang Putih Bawang Merah runs from 10 to 12 May 2024 at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade. Tickets are priced from $30, but hurry, they're running low!

Rooted in Indonesian mysticism, Samsara – A Cine-Orchestra follows the tale of how far a man is willing to go in the pursuit of wealth. The show combines electronic music with traditional Balinese performances, including gamelan orchestra, traditional dance, masks, and wayang kulit — a seamless blend of Indonesia’s past and present.

Music Reinvented

Dance and sing along to this subgenre of Dangdut Koplo with Ochi Alvira and Syahiba Saufa!

Dangdut Koplo is a fusion of rock, electronica, hip hop and pop that first gained popularity in the 2000s. Defined by its fast and intricate rhythms that compel people to dance, performers Ochi Alvira and Syahiba Saufa vow to transport their audience to the lively streets of Jakarta and the vibrant markets of Surabaya.

Catch Dangdut Koplo Extravaganza! on 12 May 2024 at the Esplanade Annexe Studio. Tickets are priced from $32.

Inspired by The Beatles and Cliff Richard, pop yeh yeh artists merged Malay and Western influences, creating a unique genre that deeply resonated across Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Uniting artists from past and present, Hidup Pop Yeh Yeh! (Long Live Pop Yeh Yeh!) is a tribute and celebration of those who shaped the genre.

Catch Hidup Pop Yeh Yeh! on 12 May 2024 at the Esplanade Concert Hall. Tickets are priced from $32. 

Journey of memory

Explore place histories, embodied memories, and collective wisdoms with each step at Jalan Raya!

Explore place histories and embodied memories while gently observing the connections between inheritance, kinship, and the healing process. Through gatherings, performances, and workshops accompanied by a mixed media installation, Jalan Raya is an immersive journey into spaces where forgiveness, grief, and love coexist, allowing forgotten knowledge to resurface. 

Jalan Raya runs from 9 to 11 May 2024 at the Esplanade Annexe Studio. Tickets are priced from $17.60. 

Running from 9 to 12 May 2024, Pesta Raya is a vibrant celebration of Malay arts and culture you won’t want to miss. 

Be sure to catch the rest of their fantastic lineup, featuring a dynamic mix of traditional and contemporary performances representing the Nusantara!

For more information on Pesta Raya, visit their official website.

Image credits: Pesta Raya, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay and Danial Halim