Singapura Lion City Musical (Asia Arts & Culture Pte Ltd) 3.13

Introduction
“Singapura Lion City” brings together music, dance, drama, colourful costumes and a dazzling LED and laser light spectacle to tell the story of Singapore - from its discovery by Prince Sang Nila Utama in the 14th century, through the colonial days after Sir Stamford Raffles’ landing, the Japanese occupation, the turbulent post-war years to the nation’s independence and emergence as a modern multi-cultural city state.

More than just a collection of song-and-dance performances, “Singapura – Lion City” is both an enlightening and a dynamic grand acrobatic musical that brings to life, key historical highlights of the Singapore journey.

Act 1
Legend- Discovery of Singapore Sang Nila Utama, a Srivijayan prince, set sail from Palembang to seek a suitable place for a new city. Midway through his voyage, a rumble was heard from the distant sea and they were caught in a fierce storm. In order to prevent the ship from sinking, everyone threw their belongings overboard with the prince throwing away his crown to finally calm the waves.

Sang Nila Utama sighted Long Ya Men, the Dragon Tooth Rock (present day Labrador Park) and ordered his men to sail towards it. They landed safely on Temasek Island. Just then, a fiery animal appears in sight. He was told by the Chief Minister that the creature was a lion or “Singa” in Sanskrit and he decided to rename the island “Singapura


Act 2
Founding of Modern Singapore -The Colonial Era To the obscure backwaters that was Singapore, came the British East India fleet led by Sir Stamford Raffles. He established a trading port and developed Singapore from a fishing village to a thriving entrepôt port, attracting merchants from all over the world.

The Pirate Dance shows the constant threats posed by vicious pirates in the early years until they were subdued by the British. Life during the colonial era is depicted through various dances like the Rickshaw Dance, the witty and humorous Police Dance, Tango Dance performed with Raffles Hotel as the backdrop and the Chinese street performance in Chinatown.

Act 3
Independence - A Nation in the Making To relive the memories of hardship and suffering of our forefathers during and after the turbulent years of Japanese Occupation, the dances in Act 3 emphasize key events such as overcoming the communist threat, the political awakening and the route to Singapore’s Independence in 1965 under the guidance of Singapore’s early leaders.

Important highlights of this Act include dances illustrating Singapore’s birth and rise as a new nation (New Moon), the importance of National Service, the opportunities for young couples to come together to build up their families (Fluttering Romance). Peace prevails in the nation as shown by falling petals in the Thousand Hands Tranquillity Dance. Singapore is fast developing into a multi-racial and multi-cultural society as shown by the various ethnic Malay, Indian and Chinese dances.

Act 4
Beautiful Singapore Singapore has developed into a modern metropolitan city. Its strategic location, excellent facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist attractions contribute to its success as a leading destination for both business and pleasure. The many natural attractions like the Butterfly Park and the famous Singapore Bird Park are depicted by the performers in the Butterfly Dance and the Bird Paradise Dance.

The happy and joyous lifestyle of the young generation is shown by the young men in the Hat Dance and the young ladies in the Youth Exuberance Dance. Today, Singapore is flying high with successes in many arenas and this is portrayed by skilful acrobats flying high across the stage.

Act 5
Glorious Singapore The show ends on a high note as everyone comes together to experience joy and happiness of Singapore’s transition from a fishing village to a vibrant, multi-cultural, cosmopolitan and sophisticated city-state. Singaporeans stand as one to forge a better, brighter future for Singapore.



About Kallang Theatre
The Kallang Theatre started out as the largest cinema in Singapore in the 1970s. In 1986, it was converted for use as a live performance theatre and as a venue for concerts, drama performances, and large congregational and ceremonial functions. Many will remember it as the theatre that staged classic shows like Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Miss Saigon, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chicago the Musical and events like the annual National Day Rally, the International Festival of Magic and so on.

Many living back in the era regarded Kallang Theatre as a milestone and an iconic venue.

This August 2011, the humble theatre will be undergoing a facelift to take on the ‘big boys’ of modern arts and culture under the wing of the Asia Arts & Culture Pte Ltd. The whole theatre will be revamped into an Asian Arts & Culture Hub.

The maiden musical show “Singapura Lion City” was launched on 8 Oct 2011

The 1700-seat auditorium and backstage are fully air-conditioned. The stage has a proscenium width of 15m and an area of 252 sq. m. It is equipped with up-to-date lighting and sound equipment and has an electronically operated orchestra pit.

Other facilities within the Kallang Theatre complex include sufficient dressing rooms for artistes, a very large foyer for art-related exhibitions, reception rooms, dance halls, F&B outlets and an internal car-park for 200 cars. It is a convenient location with the MRT station - STADIUM - right at its doorstep.

Booking slots for use of Kallang Theatre auditorium and various other facilities are available now.

Visit www.asiaartsculture.com for more details.