Sembang Series
The Sembang Series is a series of conversations about the arts of the Nusantara. The platform brings together personalities from the Malay arts community to share and discuss topics related to the arts of the Nusantara, with the aim to broaden perspectives, foster critical thinking and groom thought leadership amongst Malay arts practitioners in Singapore.
The premier season of Sembang traversed two art forms - the Literary Arts (Sastera) and Dance (Tarian) from August to December 2024. Five sessions were held over the course of the six months, covering topics ranging from the legends of Singapura to opportunities for emerging choreographers in Singapore.
Reading Myths, Imagining History: The Legends of Singapura
(With special focus on the Swordfish Attack)
This first session invites participants to explore the mythical encounters with swordfish and the ingenious solution proposed by Hang Nadim, delving into the depths of Singaporean history and its relevance today. The discussion will examine the historical context and tragic consequences of betrayal, while drawing parallels to contemporary challenges and solutions. Attendees will engage in a thought-provoking dialogue on leadership, wisdom, and the enduring lessons from cultural narratives. Presented by Dr. Azhar Ibrahim and moderated by Shahril Shaik Abdullah.
Date: 31 August 2024 (Saturday)
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm
Venue: Wardah Books, Level 2 Loft
Hosted by Wardah Books and Nurul Anwar Bookstore.
Full- Time Malay Dancer: Practical or Dream?
What does it mean to be a Malay dancer in Singapore? Can you be a full-time Malay dancer in Singapore? How feasible is it to turn your passion for Malay dance into a full-time reality? Are there opportunities for pursuing such a dream, what are the challenges to expect and how can the dance community make it a reality? Come join us in a casual conversation with these young Malay dancers and choreographers as they share their thoughts and experience of being a Malay dancer in Singapore.
Speakers: Elfi Ismail, Lyn Hanis Rezuan, Md Al-Hafiz Hosni, Shahrul Azhar Marekan
Moderator: Dr. Noramin Farid
Date: 7 September 2024 (Saturday)
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm
Venue: Matchbox by Mothership
Supported by Matchbox by Mothership.
Hikayat Raja Babi
Penned by the merchant Usup Abdul Kadir during his 1775 voyage from Semarang to Palembang, "Hikayat Raja Babi" narrates the journey of a hog-bodied prince who defies adversity and prejudice, exemplifying the triumph of intelligence, courage, and kindness.
Join us for this session to unravel the mystery behind the tale's long-hidden status and the true meaning of beauty as imagined by the writer. Discover the origins, background, and discourse surrounding this narrative, originally scribed in Jawi script, which remained concealed for centuries. Learn about its journey from Jawi to Rumi script and its latest adaptation into English, complete with illustrations, under the title "The Malay Tale of the Pig King".
Speaker: Rashikin Rajah
Moderator: Nur Hikmah Md Ali
Date: 14 September 2024 (Saturday)
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm
Venue: Matchbox by Mothership
Supported by Matchbox by Mothership.
Processes of Creation: Ways of Thinking and Creating
Join a dynamic conversation with Cultural Medallion recipient Osman Abdul Hamid and Young Artist Award recipient Norhaizad Adam as they share their choreographic journey from concept to performance. Discover the techniques, inspirations, and collaborative methods behind their creative work, offering insights into how both traditional and contemporary dances are crafted and brought to life. Moderated by Dr. Noramin Farid.
Date: 5 October 2024 (Saturday)
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm
Venue: Dance Nucleus Studio
Hosted by Dance Nucleus.
Intergenerations: Opportunities for Emerging Choreographers
Jom Sembang with 3 young choreographers Dinie Dasuki Osman, Syimah Sabtu and Muhammad Sa'ed as they share insights into the residencies and programs that have shaped their paths. Discover how they navigated the process of selecting the right opportunities, what they gained from these experiences, and how these programs helped them refine their creative voices. Moderated by Norisham Osman.
Date: 7 December 2024 (Saturday)
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm
Venue: Dance Nucleus Studio
Hosted by Dance Nucleus.