A new heritage institution, which has historic and cultural significance for Singaporeans of Indian origin, opened in Singapore on May 7.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong inaugurated the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) that documents the history and contribution of the Indian community over several hundred years.
Instead of the usual ribbon cutting, the IHC team, headed by curator Gauri Krishnan, held a novel ceremony. “The façade of the IHC, inspired by the Baoli (step-wells that represent the ancient North Indian architecture), became the stage for 70 dancers from several dance institutions of Singapore,” says Aravinth Kumaraswamy, choreographer and artistic director, who coordinated the music and dance events of the inaugural ‘Culturefest.’
The innovative choreography highlighted the unique movements of four dance forms, which are Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Mohiniyattom and Odissi. Since the dancers were on the Baoli steps, the choreography was challenging.
However, the costumes, carefully coordinated to contrast with the IHC’s mural paintings and the synchronised moving light installations inside the glass façade made for a dramatic and visual treat.
The curtain-raiser to the three-week festival was a musical show by Shankar Mahadevan. The sold-out show at Singapore’s magnificent Esplanade Concert Hall, included a blend of musical genres, from Carnatic and Hindustani to folk, jazz and rock.
After this extravaganza, the focus shifted back to local talent at the next event, ‘Natya Darpana,’ which was a Bharatanatyam showcase that brought all the leading soloists and dance companies of Singapore on one platform. The theme of the evening cleverly incorporated the Indian Cosmic Calendar, highlighting the myriad Indian festivals celebrated in Singapore. From Thai Pongal and Thai Poosam to Ram Navami and Navarathri, all the festivals were covered by veterans and up-and-coming dancers. It concluded with a dance depicting Panguni Uttaram.
Veteran dancer Neila Sathyalingam was full of hope for the IHC. “Our institution, Apsaras Arts, was set up by immigrants whose contributions to nation building has serendipitously been acknowledged in the setting up of the astoundingly beautiful IHC.”
After 25 years, all the top dancers of the country came together on one stage. The restored, historic Victoria Concert Hall provided a suitable venue for this visual and aural delight.
“The IHC offers an opportunity to celebrate our culture,” points out Shantha Bhaskar, another pioneering dance practitioner of Singapore.
The scene for the rest of the ‘Culturefest’ then shifted to the bustling Little India precinct, which is home to the IHC.
A street carnival style celebration displayed traditional arts and trades, as well as culinary delights. Large crowds thronged the IHC for the workshops, theatrical acts and film screenings that were free for the public.
An interesting musical confluence, ‘Dina Raga Malika,’ of the various gurus and students of the premier teaching institutes was the next major event. Specially chosen ragas and compositions representing the melodic journey through the cycle of time provided many hours of musical Nirvana. An intimate indoor setting created a mehfil -like ambience, suitable for Hindustani and Carnatic recitals.
“This inaugural ‘Culturefest’ of the IHC will provide a platform for nurturing talent as well as an audience, who will appreciate Indian cultural and artistic heritage,” says Gauri Krishnan. It is a laudable effort that will further cement community rootedness and a sense of identity for the Indian Diaspora in Singapore.
( A freelance writer and playwright, Gauri is anarts aficionado )
