Singapore: Culture I

Over the past few weeks, I've been known as the "cultural guy" - i.e. the one who does all the cultural sightseeing etc... which is partly true I guess. I decided early on this semester that I would try and see as much of the island as possible, as I don't think I'll be back here again soon.

To this end, I went to see events as part of the Singapore Fringe and Australian Film Festivals, as well as begun a course in Chinese Calligraphy (dubbed "girly writing" by Johanne! :P)

On Monday night (March 7th) I went to the Esplanade to see a presentation about Singapore's history. Entitled "War Memories", it was an interview with a veteran journalist (Han Tan Juan) who has lived in Singapore and China over the past 50 years. He discussed his memories of the CCP-GMD (Communist vs Nationalist) civil war in China (from his viewpoint as a child on Hainan Island), and then through the Japanese occupation of Singapore (during lots of anti-Chinese action, including the branding of suspected anti-Japanese citizens), the declaration of Independence, and then the race riots in the 1960s between the Malay and Chinese communities in Singapore.

It was really fascinating to listen to his views on the events that have shaped Singapore into the country it is now, with all its flaws and imperfections. Racial tensions still exist (very little inter-racial marriage takes place), as does censorship (Internal Security Act (ISA), anyone?). Whislt he wasn't one to shy away from recognising the problems, he was not willing to test the envelope by actually discussing them. In his words "The ISA is stopping me from talking about the ISA."

This is the first year the Singapore Fringe Festival has run, and I think it's a great idea. Any modern city that wants to encourage creativity needs outlets for the arts, and the more avenues there are for expression, the better. Attendance to this particular event, however, was quite low (even though it was free), and I was the only non-Singaporean there. I thought it was a fantastic use of the Esplanade though, and was the first time I've actually been inside. It's a maze!

On Thursday, I attended my first Chinese Calligraphy lesson, and it was fantastic. I went with Bianca, and we both found it really interactive. Although its hard, the class is small, and really interesting. I had expected to spend some hours learning just how to hold the brush etc..., however instead within 15 minutes we were writing! It's such a break from studying, and really relaxing. Now I just need to work on my posture! (For those who are interested, its held at the Asian Civilisations Museum, Armenian St, and runs for 10 weeks. Cost $100)

The week ended on a high note, with the Aussies congregating at the Australian Film Festival tonight to see "Love's Brother". The film was about an Italian migrant families experience in 1950s Victoria, and the relationships the two Italian-born sons have. It was an interesting experience, and made me realise the large numbers of expats here in Singapore. Of the 200 or so people there, only 15 would have been locals. Just hearing Aussie accents made Shirl and I homesick, and the film made it worse (I never knew birds singing would make me think of Sydney!). For Aruni, who lives in Melbourne (where it was set), it was worse!

The venue, Great World City, seems to be the Singaporean expat brat hangout, judging by the number of teenage Caucasian kids walking around. It's proximity to huge condo's (private apartment blocks) must help.

Ciao!