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The fourth day revolved around the idea of ‘Navigating the Man-made Environment’. The day opened with a curated tour around one of Singapore’s prime tourist attractions Gardens by the Bay and a visit to its Cloud Dome, spotlighting its water-sensitive urban design and innovative energy solutions. The participants then engaged in a movement workshop that heightened their awareness of their bodies and its relationship with the external environment.
LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore
LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore
Energy and Water Walk @ Gardens by the Bay
Energy and Water Walk @ Gardens by the Bay
A Walk Towards Sustainability
Exploring Singapore’s title as a ‘City in a Garden’, the participants gathered for an informative tour at the man-made Gardens by the Bay. Found along the outskirts of the city centre, the Gardens compensates for the adjacent urban developments, reminding us of the need for green spaces which encourage communal activities for sustainable living. The tour began at Dragonfly Lake, with the guides sharing about the meticulous planning undertaken by the government to ensure its sustainable design. This included the sloped terrain and use of terracing which allowed for water collection while reducing sedimentation, ultimately preventing algae bloom and promoting a thriving ecosystem.
Escaping the heat of the gardens and into the refreshing Cloud Forest, the participants further understood the urgency of the climate crisis. While the tour highlighted human’s capacity for ecological destruction, it also reminded us about our potential in reversing the effects of climate change. Although institutions can engage in large-scale conservation efforts and raise awareness, we as artists also have agency and can make eco-conscious decisions through our theatre-making process.
An interview with a student from UNATC
Participants entering the "Cloud Forest".
Participants braving the heat while walking around Gardens by the Bay.
Lost - Manicured Wilderness
Lost - Manicured Wilderness
Moving Through the Wild: A Journey of Embodied Connection
Led by Melissa Quek, participants uncovered the relationship between how their bodies cause effects on and are affected by their surroundings, including other humans. The workshop was inspired by the frequently glossed over act of grass-cutting done in Singapore every month, alluding to Singapore’s “manicured garden” status and questioning our actual engagement with our settings. Beginning with a grounding exercise, the participants became more sensitive to aspects of their environment. Subsequently exploring in pairs and groups, they started to connect and respond to each other’s bodies, cultivating trust and spontaneity. The final twenty minute improvisation saw participants lead audience members into the performance space, inviting them to become part of a living, moving ecosystem. The workshop illuminated the interchangeable relationship between humans and external stimuli.
Esplanade Night
Esplanade Night
An Evening of Inspiration at the Esplanade
As night approached, the participants gathered to embark on a trip to the Esplanade, the hub for Singapore’s arts and culture. After touring around the various theatres and performances spaces, the participants ended the night with a delicious meal, reflecting upon their experience in the conference and discussing potential ideas to devise for the presentation the next day.
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