5 Things to Do in Singapore This Week: 28 August – 3 September 2017

As Singapore gives way to the torrential rains of September, it’s time to kick back and chill, as we revel in the array of artsy happening this coming week, from a taiko drum show to a Malaysian film festival and some ballet under the stars!

Drum Tao presents Bukyo

Since their international debut at the 2004 Edinburgh Fringe Festival – where tickets for their shows sold out for a record-breaking 25 consecutive days – Tao has brought their unique martial art of drumming to more than seven million spectators across the world. Now, the Japanese percussive group will showcase their incredible skills in Singapore, with their dynamic new production Bukyo. Bold and invigorating, the ensemble brings together an unparalleled combination of traditional Japanese Taiko drumming and influences from Korea and Maori over three nights of heart-pulsing synchronicity and stunning choreography.

Drum Tao – Bukyo is happening from 31 Aug to 2 Sep 2017, 7.30pm – 9.30pm, at MES Theatre @ Mediacorp, 1 Stars Avenue, Singapore 138507. For more details, check out the event page here.

The inaugural Malaysian Film Festival

In commemoration of Malaysia’s 60th year of independence, The Arts House has launched Singapore’s very first Malaysian Film Festival to celebrate the best of Malaysian cinema. Running over a span of four days, it will feature a line-up of eight influential, landmark films, including the highly-acclaimed Tamil drama Jagat and recent breakout hit Ola Bola. Specially curated for the occasion is a supporting art exhibition by veteran filmmaker Hassan Muthalib, as well as panel discussions and talks by directors of the featured films.

Malaysian Film Festival will be happening from 31 Aug to 3 Sep 2017 at The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429. For tickets and more details, check out the event page here.

SDT returns with Ballet Under the Stars

For its 22nd edition, Singapore’s most beloved outdoor dance event Ballet Under the Stars will return to Fort Canning Green across two weekends. The first will comprise of three spirited contemporary ballets: Sticks and Stones by Kinsun Chan, Age of Innocence by Edwaard Liang, and Organ Concerto by Nils Christe – all of which are original pieces choreographed for the company. Should you be more inclined towards dance of the more traditional sort, the second weekend promises an exuberant classical extravaganza, featuring the joyous third-acts of iconic ballets, such as Coppélia, Sleeping Beauty and Don Quixote!

Ballet Under the Stars is happening from 1 Sep to 3 Sep, and 8 Sep to 10 Sep 2017, 7.30pm – 9.30pm, at Fort Canning Green, River Valley Rd, Singapore 179037. For tickets and more details, check out the event page here.

Party away with Sunrise on the Bandwagon Riverboat

Get ready to dance till dawn, as the Bandwagon Riverboat is back by popular demand to bring you sun, sea, and the most sensational weekend on Southeast Asia’s only Mississippi Riverboat. Whilst the event’s debut brought some of the region’s best indie artists, this time see the decks taken over by our favourite hard-hitting techno and house acts. Look forward to partying to the grimy sounds of Tony Blunt and Julien Brochard in the Dark Room, and usher in the first light on the Sun Deck as Jonathan Kusama and Cats on Crack spin.

Sunrise on the Bandwagon Riverboat is happening on 1 Sep 2017, 10pm – late, at Stewords Riverboat, 31 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina South Pier, Singapore 018988. For more details, check out the event page here.

Mew Live in Singapore for the third time

Following two memorable performances in Singapore, Mew will be gracing our shores once again for yet another extraordinary gig. Having released more music since the last time they were in Singapore, the Danish alternative rock band will now be bringing us the exquisite melodies of Visuals, their seventh studio album. With its minute yet intriguing intricacies – not to mention its spellbinding harmonies – the trio’s latest undertaking proves to be inventive and almost otherworldly.

Mew – Live in Singapore is happening on 3 Sep 2017, 7.30pm to 10pm, at SOTA Concert Hall, 1 Zubir Said Dr, Singapore 227968. For tickets and more information, check out the event page here.


Over-caffeinated, bookish, and just the right amount of manic, Rachel is most often found dashing between the library and her bed. When she isn’t reading or fretting over impending deadlines, she enjoys sketching, painting, and attempting to pet every cat that she comes across. Fuelled by chocolate and cakes, but never chocolate cakes.