Inspiring Stories of Legendary Figures at Esplanade's Moonfest 2018
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Inspiring Stories of Legendary Figures
at Esplanade’s Moonfest 2018
SINGAPORE, 12 July 2018 – Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is celebrating this year’s mid-
autumn festival through an array of traditional Chinese arts performances that are inspired by
stories of legendary figures such as Ji Gong, the Living Buddha, Romance of the Three
Kingdoms, The Creation of Gods and Journey to the West. Taking place from 21 – 23
September 2018, the 14th edition of Moonfest – A Mid-Autumn Celebration will also feature
more than 60 free programmes suitable for the young and the young at heart. These include
traditional street opera performances at the Moonfest Chinese Opera Stage along the
waterfront; talks, traditional and contemporary performances at the Moonfest Tea Room;
storytelling and craft activities for children at PIP’s PLAYbox, as well as the popular Lantern
Walkabout.
The annual Moonfest is Singapore’s premier traditional Chinese arts festival that provides the
opportunity for families and friends, young and old to celebrate the mid-autumn season
through the arts. Said Desmond Chew, Programmer, The Esplanade Co Ltd, “Ask any youth
on the street to name you some of the Marvel characters they know and I’m sure they can
rattle off the list without any help. But what about the legendary icons in Chinese literature and
history? They may not be able to name as many. At Moonfest this year, we hope to create an
occasion for everyone to come celebrate the mid-autumn season with us, and be inspired by
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stories of legendary figures such as the impish Monkey King Sun Wukong and Ji Gong, the
eccentric monk who stood up to injustice. At the same time, audiences can also find out more
about the rich heritage and traditions of Chinese arts and culture through various talks,
workshops and activities presented alongside the wide range of performances at Esplanade.
“As they celebrate their 10th anniversary this year, we’re also happy to commission Paper
Monkey Theatre for Moonfest once again. This new puppetry work, The True Monkey King, is
adapted from the well-known Chinese classic folktale, Journey to the West. Paper Monkey
Theatre is one of the few theatre companies in Singapore that is dedicated to developing and
promoting the art of Chinese puppetry for young audiences and we’re proud to be part of this
journey.”
Highlights of Moonfest 2018
Opera fans must not miss this one-night only performance of Ji Gong, the Living Buddha –
The Legend of the Snow Fox by Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group, one of the most
famous and established Taiwanese opera troupes, at the Esplanade Theatre. Besides
featuring award-winning veteran artists such as Sun Cui Feng, Chen Sheng Zai and Zheng
Ya Sheng, this signature production of the troupe will also feature the next generation of young
and talented Taiwanese opera artists.
Music lovers can look forward to Pipa Virtuoso Wu Man & Huayin Shadow Puppet Band
Concert which will feature a repertoire of instrumental folk music and stories from classic
novels including Romance of the Three Kingdoms, The Creation of Gods, and more, at the
Esplanade Concert Hall. Audiences will be treated to performances by Wu Man (principal pipa
virtuoso in Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, based in USA) and The Huayin Shadow Puppet
Band from China, who will be putting together a show of lao qiang (literally, “old tune”
traditional music) together with rugged shadow puppetry that calls to life the mythical heroes
and gods of the oral folk culture of Shaanxi Province, China. Lao qiang is a rarely heard
Chinese folk music genre that originated more than 2,000 years ago in the town of Hua Yin, a
fishing and farming village in Shaanxi.
Parents who want to expose their little ones to traditional Chinese arts in a fun and interactive
way can do so at the puppetry performance The True Monkey King by Paper Monkey
Theatre, and Parent-Child Workshops where they can learn more about Wing Chun martial
arts and Chinese drums, or make their own lanterns.
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Not to be missed too are the free programmes such as orchestral music, Chinese dance,
crosstalk, lantern riddles, and street opera performances that will take place all around
Esplanade during the three-day festival. The festival’s popular Lantern Walkabout will return
on 22 September 2018, and members of the public will be given free lanterns during the walk.
Moonfest – A Mid-Autumn Celebration 2018 is made possible with the generous support from
Supporting Sponsor Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple.
Tickets for Moonfest – A Mid-Autumn Celebration 2018 will be available from 19 July 2018,
and can be purchased at Esplanade’s Box Office at the Mezzanine level (Tel: +65 6828 8389),
and all SISTIC outlets, as well as SISTIC Hotline (Tel: +65 6348 5555) and
www.esplanade.com/moonfest. Please refer to the Annex for full festival line-up and details.
More information on the festival may also be found at www.esplanade.com/moonfest.
Last updated: 23 July 2018
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About Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Esplanade is Singapore’s national performing arts centre. Its year-round line-up of about 3,000
performances presented by Esplanade, its collaboration partners and hirers include a diverse
calendar of ticketed and non-ticketed programmes featuring dance, music, theatre, visual arts
and more, making the arts accessible for everyone. The centre works in close partnership with
local, regional and international artists to develop artistic capabilities and content, push artistic
boundaries and engage audiences. It also develops technical capabilities for the industry
nationally.
This architectural icon, with its distinctive twin shells, houses world-class performance spaces
complemented by a comprehensive range of professional support services. Its two main
venues are the 1,600-seat Concert Hall and a Theatre with a capacity of 2,000.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is operated by The Esplanade Co Ltd (TECL), which is a
not-for-profit organisation, a registered Charity and an Institution of a Public Character. The
Charity Council awarded TECL the Special Commendation Award – Clarity of Strategy in
2016, and the Charity Transparency Award in 2016 and 2017.
In October 2017, Esplanade launched #mydurian—a year-long celebration for its 15th
anniversary—comprising programmes and activities that bring together people and stories
that have helped shape the iconic arts centre fondly dubbed the Durian.
Visit www.esplanade.com for more information.
~ End ~
Issued by The Esplanade Co Ltd.
For more information, please contact:
See Ling Ling
Head, Communications
The Esplanade Co Ltd
Tel: 6828 8334
Email: slingling@esplanade.com
Jackie Wong
Arts Marketing Strategist
The Esplanade Co Ltd
Tel: 6828 8343
Email: wjackie@esplanade.com
Annabel Lim
Arts Marketing Strategist
The Esplanade Co Ltd
Tel: 6828 8278
Email: lannabel@esplanade.com
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Annex
Esplanade Presents
MOONFEST – A MID-AUTUMN CELEBRATION
21 – 23 Sep 2018
www.esplanade.com/moonfest
Ji Gong, the Living Buddha: The Legend of the Snow Fox
Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group (Taiwan)
Taiwan’s most-established Hokkien Opera troupe Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group
presents their award-winning signature work Ji Gong, the Living Buddha: The Legend of the
Snow Fox.
Taking on human forms, the spirits Snow Fox and Peach Tree descend to Earth. They come
upon a martial arts contest, and Snow Fox ends up the victor, winning the hand of the beautiful
Lady Ge, whom he immediately falls for. Fearful of the harm Snow Fox might bring to
humankind, the immortal Lu Dongbin tasks his disciple Ge Lingkun, the elder brother of Lady
Ge, to demand three betrothal gifts from Snow Fox, in hope that Snow Fox would refuse or
meet his end acquiring the gifts. Snow Fox, however, is undeterred, sacrificing his immortality
and gaining the help of Ji Gong the Living Buddha along the way, resulting in a fierce battle
between immortals.
Founded in 1929, Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group has transformed Taiwanese
traditional opera with its breathtaking stage designs that feature state-of-the-art lighting and
sound effects, as well as elaborate costumes and thrilling aerial stunts. After a decade’s
absence, the troupe returns to Esplanade Theatre with one of its signature production that has
been staged over a thousand times. Starring the three main pillars of the group—the
celebrated male-lead actress Sun Cui Feng, Taiwan’s best comedic jester Chen Sheng Zai
and prominent female lead Zheng Ya Sheng—who reinterpret the emotional entanglement
among the characters in a cutting-edge opera performance that has taken Europe, Asia and
China by storm.
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Artistic Director / Producer: Chen Sheng Fu
Playwright / Director: Chen Sheng Guo
(Approximately 2hrs and 40mins, including 20min intermission)
Performed in Hokkien, with English and Chinese surtitles.
21 Sep 2018, Fri, 8pm
Esplanade Theatre
Ticket Price: $38*, $48**, $68^, $88^, $118 (VIP with Meet & Greet)
Limited concessions for students, NSFs and seniors: $27*, $34**
^Esplanade&Me and JOYears specials
Black Card: 15% savings
White Card and JOYears: 10% savings
^Liu Bang, Xiang Yu and the Terra Cotta Warriors concert Ticket Holder Special: 5%
savings (Limited tickets available)
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Pipa Virtuoso Wu Man & Huayin Shadow Puppet Band Concert
(USA/China)
“Watching the musicians let fly on lutes, fiddles and gongs, as the singers roared through lively
ballads recounting folktales and myths, you were swept up by their energy and
charisma.” – The New York Times
A musical phenomenon that has taken the US and China by storm, world-
renowned pipa virtuoso Wu Man and the Huayin Shadow Puppet Band brings their signature
tour to Singapore for the first time!
Recognised as a premier pipa virtuoso and leading ambassador of Chinese music, the
Grammy-nominated Wu Man has carved out a career as a soloist, educator and composer,
giving the pipa a new role in traditional and contemporary music. She takes the stage with the
Huayin Shadow Puppet Band, proponents of a little-known Chinese folk music genre
called lao qiang, recognised in China as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and lauded as “the
ancient rock and roll of the East”. Hailing from northwestern China, the band, previously known
as the Zhang Family Band, has seen 11 generations of Zhang clan members among its ranks
throughout the years.
Known for their boisterous and lively concerts, the band’s vocalists and musicians perform
with a variety of Chinese traditional instruments including the yueqin, banhu, erhu, lute, fiddle
and various percussion instruments, and feature shadow puppetry in parts of their
performance.
About Wu Man
Recognised as the world’s premier pipa virtuoso and leading ambassador of Chinese music,
Wu Man has carved out a career as a soloist, educator and composer giving her lute-like
instrument—which has a history of over 2,000 years in China—a new role in both traditional
and contemporary music.
Having been brought up in the Pudong School of pipa playing, one of the most prestigious
classical styles of Imperial China, Wu is now recognised as an outstanding exponent of the
traditional repertoire as well as a leading interpreter of contemporary pipa music by today’s
most prominent composers such as Tan Dun, Philip Glass, the late Lou Harrison, Terry Riley,
Bright Sheng, Chen Yi and many others. As a principal musician in Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road
Project, Wu has performed throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia with the Silk Road
Ensemble, and has also performed as soloist with many of the world’s major orchestras. Wu
was also named Musical America’s 2013 Instrumentalist of the Year, marking the first time
this prestigious award has been bestowed on a player of a non-Western instrument.
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(Approximately 1hr and 10mins, no intermission)
There will be a post-performance autograph session.
22 Sep 2018, Sat, 7.30pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
Ticket Price: $38*, $48**, $68^
Limited concessions for students, NSFs and seniors: $27*, $34**
^Esplanade&Me and JOYears specials
Black Card: 15% savings
White Card and JOYears: 10% savings
^Liu Bang, Xiang Yu and the Terra Cotta Warriors concert Ticket Holder Special: 5%
savings (Limited tickets available)
Page 8 of 12The True Monkey King
Paper Monkey Theatre (Singapore)
Just who is the true Monkey King? Paper Monkey Theatre presents this fascinating tale in a
fun and interactive puppetry experience for the young and young-at-heart, adapted from the
classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.
As Master Tang San Zang and The Monkey King Sun Wu Kong were journeying, they were
ambushed by a band of robbers! Sun Wu Kong defended his master and successfully defeated
the robbers. But Master Tang was displeased at Sun Wu Kong’s reckless actions and decided
to send Sun Wu Kong away. At Sun Wu Kong’s departure, an impostor with the same
appearance and abilities as Sun Wu Kong appeared! Sun Wu Kong returned and a fierce
battle ensued, with no clear victor in sight. Who is the one true Monkey King who will protect
Master Tang in his journey to the west?
Presented through traditional and modern hand puppetry featuring martial arts elements and
live music by SA the Collective, The True Monkey King is an entertaining experience that also
teaches young audience members the importance of learning from mistakes.
An Esplanade Commission.
(Approximately 1hr, no intermission.)
Performed in Mandarin, with English surtitles.
Advisory: Recommended for children aged 5 and up. Admission only for children aged 4 and
up.
21 – 23 Sep 2018, Fri – Sun
Fri: 10.30am & 3pm
Sat & Sun: 2pm & 5.30pm
Esplanade Theatre Studio
Ticket Price: $22
PIP’s Club Special: 10% savings
Enjoy savings for 2 tickets or more. Terms and conditions apply. Limited tickets available.
Sign up for free at www.esplanade.com/pipsclub.
Page 9 of 12Parent-Child Workshop: Get Crafty with Creative Lantern Making
Eunice Lim (Singapore)
Put your imagination to work and get crafty with your child and create your very own lantern!
Using craft materials like paper, wood, glue and colour pencils, be introduced to basic collage
methods and learn stories about Lady Chang’e and the Jade Rabbit at this engaging
workshop.
(Approximately 2hrs per session.)
Conducted in English & Mandarin.
Advisory: Recommended for children aged 6 to 10 with an accompanying parent/guardian.
Accompanying adults must be above 16. Admission only for children aged 5 and up.
22 & 23 Sep 2018, Sat & Sun, 10.30am & 2.30pm
Esplanade Bay Room
(meet at Concert Hall entrance 15mins before start time.)
Ticket Price:
1 Adult + 1 Child: $30
2 Adults + 1 Child: $45
1 Adult + 2 Children: $45
Tickets must be purchased as an adult-child package.
Page 10 of 12Parent-Child Workshop: Wing Chun 101
Daryl Yeo (Singapore)
With an emphasis on practical usage in self-defense, Wing Chun can also help to improve
one’s reflexes and balance. Get active with your child and learn the basics of this popular
martial arts form at this hands-on workshop! No prior experience is required.
(Approximately 1hr 30mins per session.)
Conducted in English & Mandarin.
Advisory: Recommended for children aged 6 to 10 with an accompanying parent/guardian.
Accompanying adults must be above 16. Admission only for children aged 5 and up. Please
dress comfortably in loose clothing for this workshop.
22 Sep 2018, Sat, 10.30am & 2.30pm
Esplanade Rehearsal Studio
(meet at Theatre Studio entrance, Level 4, 15mins before start time.)
Ticket Price:
1 Adult + 1 Child: $30
Tickets must be purchased as an adult-child package.
Page 11 of 12Parent-Child Workshop: Triumphant Beats
A Bigger Bang Percussion (Singapore)
Traditional Chinese drumming is often associated with jubilation, and is a symbol of prosperity
and unity. Legendary patriot Yue Fei’s Yue Army was famous for showing their loyalty and
courage through heart-thumping drum beats! Join us at this energetic workshop as we
recreate a triumphant atmosphere where you and your child use rhythmic beats to tell a story
of endurance and honour with a variety of traditional Chinese percussion instruments.
(Approximately 1hr 30mins per session.)
Conducted in English & Mandarin.
Advisory: Recommended for children aged 6 to 10 with an accompanying parent/guardian.
Accompanying adults must be above 16. Admission only for children aged 5 and up. Please
dress comfortably in loose clothing for this workshop.
23 Sep 2018, Sun, 10.30am & 2.30pm
Esplanade Rehearsal Studio
(meet at Theatre Studio entrance, Level 4, 15mins before start time.)
Ticket Price:
1 Adult + 1 Child: $30
Tickets must be purchased as an adult-child package.
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