Prøve GULL - Gratis

Old Telok Ayer comes alive through dance

The Straits Times

|

August 04, 2025

As Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre moves into its 11th year, the company's performance on Aug 1 is a nostalgic reflection on the history of Telok Ayer.

- Jocelyn Chng

DANCE IMPRESSIONS OF TELOK AYER Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre Sota Drama Theatre Aug 1

A neighbourhood synonymous with the immigrant Chinese community during colonial times, the cultures of the various dialect groups who lived there have left their imprint on the surrounding area. Such a theme certainly aligns with the current zeitgeist of SG60 celebrations.

Impressions Of Telok Ayer is presented in four distinct segments, each giving a treatment of a different aspect of life in old Telok Ayer.

After a short prologue, the first segment, Strokes Upon A Faded Page, conjures up the challenging circumstances of Chinese immigrants in post-war Singapore, for whom home and family would have been distant yearnings.

The scene is presented against the backdrop of letter-writing. Calligrapher Koh Eng Tat performs the role of a letter-writer who helps illiterate clients write letters to their families back in China.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA The Straits Times

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Students lead effort to save birds from crashing into iconic NTU building

Birds would fly straight into the glass facade thinking the windows are part of landscape

time to read

4 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

'What we promise, we deliver': Sunway founder on building a legacy of trust

Tycoon seeks to make conglomerate a major gateway from S'pore to Malaysia

time to read

4 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Why renewables are difficult to talk about at UN climate summits

When the 2035 climate targets of countries are scrutinised at the upcoming United Nations climate change conference COP30 in Brazil, the spotlight will be on whether the nations have done enough to meet a collective goal to ramp up clean energy adoption.

time to read

4 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Benz Hui's family to donate all condolence money to charity

All the condolence money for veteran Hong Kong actor Benz Hui will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Foundation, his family said in an obituary released on Oct 31.

time to read

1 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Dear Evan Hansen still moves with its message of feeling included

The title's second outing in Singapore features a larger cast and set, and has maintained the relatability and heart of the story

time to read

2 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

From Vanuatu to Yishun: The plant giving S’pore fall colours all year

As the weather cools in the Northern Hemisphere, fall foliage is sure to draw the eye. But even in tropical Singapore, the colours of autumn can be enjoyed year round - in Gardens by the Bay and along the country’s streetscapes, from Yishun to Bukit Panjang.

time to read

5 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

Nearly half of Cat A COEs go to EVs in first 9 months of 2025

EVs make up 43% of new car registrations, up from 33.8% in 2024 and 18.2% in 2023

time to read

2 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Youth who faced family tragedy among 12 inaugural President's Challenge fellows

Growing up in a troubled family, Ms Shirlene Ng was 13 when she witnessed her mother take her own life. Her mental health took a hit.

time to read

3 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

An uneven muddle of themes and genres

A deeper dive into the intergenerational female trauma of Congratulations, Get Rich! would make for a — pun intended — richer story

time to read

2 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Backyard cafes in JB village give owners hope of lease extension

Locals bank on increased economic activity boosting their case, preserving area’s heritage

time to read

5 mins

November 03, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size