Exploring Singapore’s Hidden Stories, One Game at a Time

Hi Huneybees,

Installation view of Akira Takayama/Port B’s ‘Theatre-Let Project: Board Game Centre Edition’ at Woodlands Regional Library.
Image courtesy of Singapore Art Museum(4)

What if I told you that you could explore Singapore’s most fascinating places is not by walking the streets, but by rolling dice and moving game pieces?

At Theatre-Let Project: Board Game Centre Edition, Japanese director Akira Takayama and his theatre collective Port B invite you to see our island through a whole new lens; one that turns storytelling, imagination, and play into a theatre experience like no other.

Commissioned for Singapore Biennale 2025: pure intention, this project transforms 11 board games into creative “portals” that take you deep into Singapore’s neighbourhoods. Each game draws from the histories, myths, and people that shape these spaces, turning familiar landmarks into thought-provoking adventures waiting to unfold.

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Detail view of Chai Ning’s ‘Wishing on Kusu’ (2025).
Image courtesy of Singapore Art Museum

A Playable Map of Singapore

Each board game feels like a journey into a different part of Singapore’s soul. You might start with “Ah Ubin!”, a game that channels the rustic charm of Pulau Ubin, or dive into “Tiger Run!”, a wild chase inspired by Singapore’s legendary tiger sightings of the past. There’s also “Searching for Serai”, which uncovers forgotten scents of spice and trade, and (Re)Scripting Tiong Bahru, where you can reimagine one of Singapore’s most iconic neighbourhoods through its people and architecture.

Installation view of Sim Yee Shuang’s ‘Where We Were Buried: Whispers from Bukit Brown Cemetery’ (2025).
Image courtesy of Singapore Art Museum.  

From haunted paths in Bukit Brown Cemetery to the sacred myths of Kusu Island, each game connects you to the city’s layers of memory - the unseen stories that still live quietly among us.

The beauty of this project lies in its redefinition of what “theatre” can be. Instead of sitting in a darkened hall, you’re part of the performance - moving pieces, making choices, and shaping your own narrative. It’s an invitation to play, imagine, and reconnect with the stories that make Singapore home.

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Detail view of Shervon Tan’s ‘Urban Space for the People’ (2025).
Image courtesy of Singapore Art Museum

From Stage to Tabletop

Developed through workshops with students from the National University of Singapore’s Department of Architecture, the Theatre-Let Project was inspired by Takayama’s reading of theatre legend Bertolt Brecht’s final statement:

“What will be needed from now on are various small and mobile forms — Theatre-let.”

In other words, theatre doesn’t always need a stage. It can live in everyday spaces or even in a board game box. Takayama’s Theatre-Let vision brings performance down to a human scale that's intimate, portable, and personal. Each game becomes a miniature world where imagination takes the lead, encouraging us to see familiar landscapes with fresh eyes.

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Installation view of Akira Takayama/Port B’s ‘Theatre-Let Project: Board Game Centre Edition’ at Woodlands Regional Library.
Image courtesy of Singapore Art Museum

Where to Experience It

After its debut at Woodlands Regional Library (20 August – 5 October 2025), Theatre-Let Project: Board Game Centre Edition is currently on display at Jurong Regional Library (8 October – 23 November 2025).

Next stops:

• Tampines Regional Library - 26 November 2025 to 11 January 2026

• 20 Anderson Road (Singapore Biennale venue) - 14 January to 29 March 2026

💡 Singapore Biennale 2025: pure intention is commissioned by the National Arts Council, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and organised by the Singapore Art Museum. Theatre-Let Project: Board Game Centre Edition is supported by the JCCI Foundation Singapore.

There’s something incredibly poetic about discovering Singapore through play. Every dice roll, every card drawn, feels like a small step into the stories that quietly shape our everyday surroundings.

Whether you’re an art lover, a curious explorer, or just looking for a creative date idea, Theatre-Let Project: Board Game Centre Edition invites you to slow down, reflect, and reconnect, one game at a time. So if you’re looking for a weekend activity that’s equal parts art, culture, and curiosity, this might just be the most imaginative way to explore Singapore without leaving the table.

Website: https://bit.ly/Theatre-let-project
Instagram: @singaporeartmuseum | @sgbiennale
Facebook: @singaporeartmuseum | @SingaporeBiennale
TikTok: @singaporeartmuseum
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SAMtelly

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Step Into Echoes in the Wild — A Dance Celebration of Culture, Connection & Community

Hi Huneybees,

Calling all fans of performance art and contemporary dance! Here’s one show you won’t want to miss!

This November, Maya Dance Theatre (MDT) presents "Echoes in the Wild", an original full-length dance production that brings together artists from all walks of life to celebrate Singapore’s diversity and shared humanity through movement and storytelling.

Presented in collaboration with Our Tampines Hub and supported by the National Arts Council and Arts Fund, Echoes in the Wild transforms the stage into a vibrant meeting ground of cultures, communities, and generations.

This year’s performance also marks a special milestone - SG60, Singapore’s 60th birthday! As we reflect on six decades of growth, resilience, and multicultural harmony, Echoes in the Wild honours that journey through dance. Expect an evening that celebrates where we’ve come from and envisions a future built on inclusivity, empathy, and mutual respect.

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A Performance Beyond Boundaries

More than just a performance, Echoes in the Wild is a movement - one that connects people through art and empathy.

The production features:

• Active seniors

• Persons with diverse abilities

• Local community dancers

• Newcomers and immigrants

Together, they weave stories of migration, tradition, and identity through contemporary dance infused with traditional roots.

“This production isn’t just about dance, it’s about belonging. We want to show how art can create a world where differences unite rather than divide, and there is a place for everyone.” --- Kavitha Krishnan, Artistic Director of Maya Dance Theatre. 

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A Rhythm That Unites

From months of community workshops and rehearsals emerges a show that’s both heartfelt and powerful. Through immersive storytelling and cross-cultural collaboration, Echoes in the Wild uncovers the unheard voices that echo through Singapore’s urban landscape: the rhythms of migration, shared memories, and evolving identities.

Whether you’re a dance enthusiast, art lover, or simply someone who believes in the beauty of diversity, Echoes in the Wild promises an evening of inspiration, reflection, and connection. Don’t miss this powerful celebration of community and creativity! Gather your friends, come early to grab your seats, and let Echoes in the Wild remind you how dance can bridge hearts and cultures alike.

Echoes in the Wild
🗓 Date: 22 November 2025
🕖 Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Venue: Our Tampines Hub Theatre
🎟 Free Admission – Tickets available at Level 1 Information Counter (Our Tampines Hub). First-come, first-served.

Supported by:
National Arts Council | Arts Fund | Our Tampines Hub | Apsara Asia | Under the Bridge Collective

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Dive Into Island Nights at Singapore Night Festival 2025 – A SG60 Celebration

Hi Huneybees,

Singapore Night Festival (SNF) returns from 22 August to 6 September 2025, and this year’s edition promises to be one of its most exciting yet. For the first time, the festival is helmed by HeritageSG, a subsidiary of the National Heritage Board, and it carries a special theme that could not be more fitting—Island Nights.

Timed with Singapore’s 60th year of independence, SNF 2025 is more than just dazzling lights and art—it’s a celebration of our island identity, our heritage of connections, and the vibrant communities that continue to shape our story. Over 80 immersive and innovative experiences will light up the Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) precinct, transforming the district into a playground of art, culture, and imagination.

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A Festival Rooted in Heritage

Surrounded by waters that have long connected us to trade, migration, and cultural exchange, Singapore has always been an island of stories. SNF 2025 takes these narratives and reimagines them in new and meaningful ways. Expect the familiar favourites like projection mapping across historic landmarks, Night Lights installations, and bustling festival villages, but also fresh experiences that encourage reflection on what it means to be an island city.

This year, SNF also strengthens its role as a hub for creative exchange. Alongside the festivities, you’ll find initiatives such as The Listening Biennial and the ALIGHT (A Southeast Asian Light Network) Conference, where artists, communities, and festival-goers come together to share ideas and spark collaborations.

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Highlights to Look Forward To

Among the many installations and experiences, a few standout works are already creating buzz.

At Capitol Singapore, artist duo Yok and Sheryo present Kampong Chill, a bamboo pavilion that invites festival-goers to slow down and embrace rest as a form of resistance against hectic modern life. It’s a tranquil oasis designed for reflection, accompanied by workshops inspired by island living.

For something more playful, head to Cathay Green where Sky Castle by Australian studio ENESS turns giant inflatable arches into a rainbow pathway of colour and sound. Each step you take sets off musical notes and shifting hues, creating a symphony of light and joy. Do note that entry to this installation requires a $5 ticket via Klook.

At Plaza Singapura, the legend of Singapura Dilanggar Todak is reborn in a cyberpunk twist with Cyberswordfish V2.0. Built from e-waste such as cracked screens and salvaged wires, the sculpture is both a striking art piece and a reminder of the environmental costs of modern technology.

On Armenian Street, luminous crab sculptures bring Jiwa Laut to life, inspired by Southeast Asian folklore and coastal traditions. The glowing artworks mimic the gentle rhythm of boats along a shoreline, connecting city life back to the sea.

And of course, no Singapore Night Festival is complete without its breathtaking projection mapping. This year, the National Museum of Singapore will be illuminated by MOSAIC, a work by French artist Jérémie Bellot, blending constellations, cartographies, and motifs of kebaya and batik to mark 60 years of Singapore-France relations. 

Over at CHIJMES, four local female artists—Adeline Kueh, HAFI, KangLi, and Tororo.aoi—will transform the historic façade with their own interpretations, the result of SNF’s Projection Mapping Masterclass.

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Beyond the Light Installations

The festival isn’t just about visual spectacle. Expect roving LED performances by Starlight Alchemy, puppet theatre from Ombak Potehi, a community singalong of Xinyao and folk music, and even a puppetry adaptation of a classic novel by Paper Monkey Theatre.

Festival villages will also be buzzing throughout the three weekends. Paradise Island at Armenian Street and Retro District at Bugis Street Art Lane promise food, music, and shopping in unique settings, while SMU Arts Fest: 2560 returns at Campus Green to showcase the talents of local students.

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Celebrating SG60 Under the Stars

SNF 2025 also connects with the nation’s SG60 celebrations through special National Day activations. From 1 August, monuments and hidden corners of the BBB precinct will be transformed into experiential zones under the theme Celebrating Our Island. These activations highlight Singapore’s heritage of food, flora, fauna, and culture, with a spotlight on the historic Sungei Beras Bassa, once home to nutmeg plantations.

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Festival Details

Singapore Night Festival 2025 runs from 22 August to 6 September 2025 at the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct. Admission is free, though selected programmes such as Sky Castle are ticketed. Full programme details and ticketing information can be found at heritage.sg/sgnightfest.

As Festival Director Qazim Karim puts it, this year’s edition is about delving into Singapore’s identity as an island nation - celebrating our past, embracing our present, and looking toward our future. So, whether you’re there for the art, the lights, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, Island Nights at SNF 2025 promises a magical experience under the stars.

Singapore Night Festival 2025
📍 Around Bras Brasah.Bugis Precinct
📅22 Aug - 06 Sep 2025
⏰ 7.30pm - 11.00pm
🌐https://www.heritage.sg/sgnightfest
@sgnightfest (Facebook & Instagram) | @sg.nightfest (TikTok)

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K-Vibes for a Cause: Don’t Miss the World Blood Donor Day After-Party 2025

Hi Huneybees,

Mark your calendars! Something epic is happening on 28 June 2025! In celebration of World Blood Donor Day, K-culture media giant +82 is turning up the heat with an unforgettable after-party at Marina Bay Sands, bringing in top acts straight from South Korea – and yes, entry is absolutely FREE!

Here’s what’s going down:
Date: Saturday, 28 June 2025
Time: 7 PM to 9 PM
Location: Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level B2, Hall D

Live Performances By:

• DJ YUNGIN – 3-time Grammy-winning mix engineer

• DeVita – sultry vocals from the rising Korean-American R&B singer

• DJ Terry – setting the vibe with electrifying beats

• Viral Affair – boy band sensation from Korea

• Z-Axis – Singapore’s very own K-pop dance crew

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How to Get Your Free Tickets:
📍 Head to Level B2, outside Hall D at Marina Bay Sands
🕐 Ticket collection runs from 1 PM to 4 PM on the event day
🚶‍♂️ Limited to the first 1,000 attendees only – one ticket per person
💸 No cost at all – just bring your energy and good vibes!

Whether you're a K-pop lover, a music enthusiast, or just looking for a fun (and meaningful) night out, this is one celebration you don’t want to miss. See you there!

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Celebrating SG60 in the Heartlands: Community Art You’ll Love at Singapore Art Week 2025

Hi Huneybees,

Singapore’s turning 60 next year, and the celebrations are already underway in the most heartwarming way possible -  through art in the heartlands! If you’re looking for something meaningful (and super photogenic!) to do with family or friends in January, Singapore Art Week x PAssionArts 2025 is a beautiful, community-driven experience that you won’t want to miss.

Happening from 17 to 26 January 2025, this series of art installations across various neighbourhoods brings together residents and local artists to co-create pieces that reflect our stories, dreams, and shared future — all under the theme “Building Our SG Together.”

Here’s a little peek into the installation, and trust me, these are more than just pretty displays. They’re full of heart, history, and connection.

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Image courtesy of Temporal Displacement Agency

🏟️ National Antiquities Parade at Singapore Sports Hub

If you love interactive art, this one’s a must! Over at the Singapore Sports Hub Visitor Centre, you’ll find more than 250 clay figurines (created by residents from Mountbatten) reenacting our last National Day Parade at Kallang Stadium.

Here’s the twist: you get to restore them by painting them on the spot! It felt like stepping into a living time capsule, one that invited us to add our own colours to Singapore’s story. There's also a fun little narrative twist involving a fictional time-travelling conservator (yep, really!), which makes it extra fun for families and kids.

🗓️ 17–26 Jan, 12pm–8pm
🎨 Artists: Raihan Harun, Joanne Lim, Lexis Lu & more

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Image courtesy of Aravindan B

🌬️ Wishes in the Wind at Tampines Mall (Level 4 Open Plaza)

This one gave me chills (in the best way). It’s a calming, multi-sensory installation filled with handmade wish flags fluttering in the breeze, each one crafted by Tampines residents. Add to that ambient sounds of the neighbourhood and audio recordings of residents sharing their dreams for the future, and you’ve got a moving, deeply personal experience.

You can even create your own wish flag on the spot to add to the tapestry. I did, and it felt unexpectedly emotional. ❤️

🗓️ 17–26 Jan, 11am–8pm
🎨 Artists: Elisa Liu & Cheng Jin An

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Image courtesy of Arterly Obsessed

🌿 Roots and Wings at Aliwal Arts Centre (Kampong Glam)

Over in Kampong Glam, this installation is all about biodiversity and conservation. Residents took part in guided nature walks, then translated what they saw into art. The final piece is a vibrant blend of nature observation and artistic expression that encourages us to think about how we balance urban living with the natural world around us.

It’s beautiful during the day, and even more atmospheric at night.

🗓️ 17–26 Jan, 7am–11pm
🎨 Artists: Arterly Obsessed & Untamed Paths

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🧵 Textile Paper Lab at Canberra Park

This one was such a surprise! Who knew textile waste could become something so sculptural and poetic? At this workshop-turned-installation in Canberra Park, residents worked with artists to turn fabric scraps into soft paper-like sculptures that dance with the wind and light.

It’s a quiet, reflective space that is perfect for slowing down and thinking about sustainability in our everyday lives.

🗓️ 17–26 Jan
🎨 Artists: Veronyka Lau, Agatha Lee, Christine R. Bay & more

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Image courtesy of Mr Lee Wei Hao, Intergenerational Harmony: A Shelter for Sustainability, 2025 (Artist’s Impression)

🛖 Intergenerational Harmony: A Shelter for Sustainability at Bukit Batok East

Tucked away at the Harmony Pavilion, this installation really touched me. It explores themes of resilience, unity, and sustainable living through an intergenerational lens. Built using recycled and varied materials, it’s a visual metaphor for how Singapore has evolved, and how every generation contributes to building a better, more thoughtful future.

It’s not just a shelter, it’s a space for reflection.

🗓️ 12–26 Jan
🎨 Artists & Curators: Jacqueline Tan, Cheong Foong Ming, Danson Gan & more

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Image courtesy of National Arts Council

Final Thoughts

What I love most about SAW x PAssionArts is how it brings art to the people. You don’t have to go to a museum or a gallery, you just need to step into your own neighbourhood. And what you’ll find is creativity, connection, and so many heartfelt stories waiting to be discovered.

As we head into SG60, this feels like such a meaningful way to celebrate, not with grand gestures, but with collective hands, shared voices, and beautiful community spirit. Keep an eye out and don’t forget to slow down, take it all in, and maybe even add your own mark. ✨ 

More details can be found here.

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Chinese and Japanese Gardens Reopen with New Life at Jurong Lake Gardens

Hi Huneybees,

After five years of careful renovation, Singapore’s beloved Chinese and Japanese Gardens have finally reopened to the public on 8 September, marking a milestone in the transformation of Jurong Lake Gardens into a vibrant national park in the heartlands.

The restoration has been a community-driven effort. More than 14,000 public suggestions were considered by the National Parks Board (NParks), shaping the design and features of these historic gardens that first opened in the mid-1970s. Together with the modern Lakeside Garden, completed in 2019, they form the 90-hectare Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore’s first national garden outside the city centre. Since 2019, Lakeside Garden alone has already welcomed 25 million visitors.

At the reopening ceremony, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled a commemorative plaque and planted a Syzygium aqueum tree. Reflecting on Jurong’s early days as swamp and jungle, he described the gardens as a “people’s garden - for the people, by the people,” where everyone has a stake and a welcome place.

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Restoring Icons and Creating New Experiences

Visitors entering through the White Rainbow Bridge are greeted by the familiar Grand Arch, which has been opened up to frame sweeping views of the gardens. Behind it, a new gallery shares the story of Jurong Lake Gardens’ evolution, while a restaurant offers a refreshing pit stop.

The Chinese Garden retains its heritage icons, including the towering Cloud Pagoda, the serene Twin Pagodas, and the Suzhou-style Bonsai Garden. New features such as the Pagoda Plaza, Cascading Creek, and Water Wall Court breathe new life into the space. 

At the same time, the Edible Garden demonstrates how everyday plants, such as pumpkins, luffas, and eggplants, can thrive in community plots.

Across the Moonrise Bridge, the Japanese Garden has also undergone a sensitive renewal. A teahouse and Guest Pavilion beside a tranquil pond evoke traditional Japanese parks, while the new Guesthouse - built with mass-engineered timber for natural cooling accommodates large gatherings. 

The Water Lily Garden, home to Singapore’s largest collection of water lilies, and the Sunken Garden, a green-walled valley that glows with light and mist effects at night, invite visitors into a lush, immersive landscape.

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Blending Heritage with Sustainability

The rejuvenation project balanced innovation with conservation. Lead architect Madam Wo Mei Lan of Liu & Wo Architects explained that preserving memories was essential. Instead of tearing everything down, the design integrates modern, eco-friendly practices with long-standing landmarks. NParks has also introduced greater biodiversity, supported by volunteers who helped plant flowering species and nurture horticultural practices within the gardens.

Ms Kartini Omar, group director of Jurong Lake Gardens at NParks, noted that the renewed spaces reflect a vision for the future - parks that are ecologically, socially, and climate-resilient.

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Visitor Information

The Chinese and Japanese Gardens are open daily from 6am to 10pm, with free entry. While cycling is not permitted inside the two gardens, bicycles are welcome along the surrounding park connectors. Dogs are also allowed, provided they are leashed.

Getting there is convenient. The Chinese Garden MRT station on the East-West Line brings you to the east entrance of the gardens within minutes, while buses to the Singapore Science Centre stop are closer to the Japanese Garden entrance. The nearby Lakeside MRT station is another option if you wish to start your visit at the Lakeside Garden.

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Upcoming Celebrations

To mark the reopening, Jurong Lake Gardens will host its largest-ever Lights by the Lake Festival from 8 to 22 September. Visitors can look forward to over 300 handcrafted lanterns, live music, cultural performances, film screenings, and the popular NParks Concert Series in the Park: Rockestra®. It’s a timely celebration of heritage, culture, and community spirit against the backdrop of Singapore’s newest national garden.

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Whether you’re seeking a peaceful stroll through historic pagodas, a family outing to discover edible plants, or a chance to admire Japan-inspired landscapes, the revitalised Chinese and Japanese Gardens promise a fresh yet familiar experience that honours the past while looking ahead to the future.

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