5 Things to Do in Singapore This Week: 17th August to 23rd August 2020

While the excitement of National Day festivities might have worn down a touch, this week is by no means lacking in things to do. Watch a groundbreaking film, catch an art exhibition, enjoy a dance performance inspired by isolation, or seek solidarity in laughter at a stand-up comedy show. Need a break from your screen? Enjoy an outdoor activity that’s sure to break up the monotony.

Art from Your Computer: Becoming and Being

The art world has slowly but surely been migrating online following the circuit breaker, with some art exhibitions now just a click away. Enjoy Singaporean artist Hong Zhu An’s first virtual solo exhibition, Becoming and Being [蓄], with Ode To Art gallery. This exhibition features over 40 new works in mediums like acrylic and ink on Chinese rice paper, all centred around seeking meditative peace and calmness – sound like something we could all use right now.

Becoming and Being [蓄] will be happening online at Ode To Art from 17 August — 17 September 2020.

Get A Breath of Fresh Air and Explore Singapore

Thomas Timlen on Flickr

Cabin fever has been real these past few months, and we have the perfect solution. ExplorerSG introduces the latest hike in their Abandoned Railway Line Series, an exploration of the first half of the 24km Green Corridor. Spend your Sunday morning breathing in some fresh air and experiencing a piece of Singapore’s unique history, and after the hike ends in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, treat yourself to an great brunch. You would have earned it.

The Abandoned Railway Line Series — Green Corridor (Part 1) by ExplorerSG will be happening on 23 August 2020, starting at Kranji MRT Station at 8.30am. RSVP here.

Experience A Moment In Film History

Part of the postcolonial film programme Third Way / After BandungNTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore screens Borom Sarret (1963) by Senegalese director Ousmane Sembène, widely considered to be the first African film by a black African. The film is a snapshot of poverty and inequality in postcolonial Africa, expressed through the eyes of a Dakar “borom sarret,” or cart driver. A must watch for any film or history buffs.

Borom Sarret will be screened from 18 — 23 August 2020 on loop in The Single Screen at NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore, 43 Malan Road, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 109443. Open 12pm — 7pm.

Local Comedy in Laugh With Discover

If you feel like you need a good laugh to shake the Phase 2 blues away, you’re not alone. Lucky for us, Discover Originals is back with another online comedy show, featuring homegrown talents and familiar faces on the standup circuit pre-Covid – Jinx Yeo, Rishi Budhrani, Sam See, and Jacky Ng. Grab some food, drinks, and company to enjoy this stellar show from the comfort of your couch.

Laugh With Discover ft. Jinx Yeo and Rishi Budhrani will be happening at 8pm on 23 August 2020. Tickets available here for S$10.90.

ArtScience Late at Home with Adele Goh

The ArtScience Museum’s series Late at Home invites artists to respond to the current moment, and the collective experience of isolation and loss serves as inspiration for its latest featured work, choreographed and performed by dance artist Adele Goh. Catch the livestream this Thursday, which also includes a Q&A session. If you miss it, fear not: the show (along with the rest of the series) is uploaded on YouTube for your enjoyment anytime.

ArtScience Late at Home with Adele Goh will be happening on 20 August 2020 at 9pm. Catch the livestream (and previous episodes) here.


Shiva is highly skilled in the art of binge-watching TV shows and taking naps. On occasion, she also enjoys baking cookies or building a Monopoly empire.