TravelCent

Singapore Dance Graffiti

Singapore is always a surprise, with numerous opportunities to find yourself surrounded by cultural events that will really spark your appreciation for art, or fulfill an already-sparked desire to be put into a state of awe.  The virtuosity of the talents that live and work here demonstrates itself in multiple forms, and you can probably find whatever you might be looking for.  There’s so much happening here, in fact, that you can likely find most every form on any given evening.  There are many ways, then, to have a perfect night here, which just demonstrates further Singapore’s charm.  There are many paths to perfection.

One way is to spend the first part in a Japanese restaurant.  The food here is extremely fresh, and the chefs are very adept, and know so many splendid ways to prepare contemporary as well as traditional Japanese dishes.  Because of Singapore’s position as a major trading port, there are many necessary ingredients that are difficult to find anywhere else, but here, they are readily available, making your food absolutely stunning.  This can be followed with any entertainment, but if dance is on your mind, then you won’t want to miss Graffiti of The Celeste coming this March.

This is a new work by Arts Fission, and deals with the themes of the environment and the urban landscape, exploring the nature of change when nature comes into the city.  It is a very apt theme for Singapore, where the rich urban culture is in a tropical setting with forces of nature that are palpable and always present.  This is the same company where Wong Wai Yee has had a lot of splendid artistic history.  Her current work with Moving Arts, that teaches dance to children of all ages, along with the many other dance companies in town, shows that dance is alive and well in Singapore.

Singapore Memories

Singapore is a barrage of sensations, where sounds, colors, and smells are constantly coming at you, offering you new ways to turn your attention outward, and find new ways to chase your thoughts.  It’s a splendid city to get lost in, if you have the time, and one of the wonderful things about vacations is that funny thing they do to time.  You can enjoy all the sights that the guidebooks recommend, see the local shows, enjoy a Chinese restaurant, and find yourself distracted by the show of everyday life that’s going on in the streets.

There are plenty of entertainments in town, and all art forms, too.  With theatre, performance art, experimental music, installation art, and more, there are always lots of things to choose from.  There are also local filmmakers, too, and the indie scene is not necessarily at a level to compete with the big movie making cities, but with filmmakers like Eng Wee Pen, it is certainly alive.

She has two documentaries, Diminishing Memories 1 & 2, and they’ve both been earning her a lot of attention, and her reputation is growing as a young artist to watch.  Both of these films are about her family from her perspective, the first one constructed of her own memories as a nine-year old, and the second from her point of view today as a 20-something.  This is a very honest family portrait, framed in a way to make you constantly aware of the framing.  This is a rather brilliant touch, so that while we’re watching her memories, we think about how we construct our own.

Mozart on the Streets of San Francisco

When that was really invigorating and somewhat nerve wracking. I’m staring this new journal, of sorts as to collect my experiences and memories of establishing myself as a street musician in San Francisco. I have various reasons for going in this direction and one of them is to gain the most interactive and close solo performance experience that I can. I have played solo parts in my college orchestra though it is an entirely different experience being the only one out there and also being that close to your audience. I also like the idea of the freedom street audiences have. They aren’t in a concert hall where their behavior is sort of monitored by social etiquette and expectations. They can take or leave you on the street and their response to your performance is totally based on their opinion. And they aren’t shy about showing it either. It’s not like they throw rotten tomatoes at you or boo and hiss or anything, they’re enjoyment or lack thereof is just written all over their face.

Meanwhile another reason I’ve decided to do some street performance is because I’m trying out some variations on arrangements of some Mozart concertos and have also arranged some cello pieces for solo violin. I’m really pretty excited about this and figure that a random and unbiased audience is a great place to begin my feedback consideration. So, the only thing I performed today was a solo violin arrangement of part of Mozart’s Jupiter symphony. I know that might sound kind of odd at first, but I really liked my variation of the theme. I played it just off of Pier 35 down along Fisherman’s Wharf. This is where a lot of tourists straight out of their comfortable beds in one of the San Francisco hotels head out. I was relatively near where the cable car picks up and drops off people so I had a steady flow of audiences. I wanted to see how many I could attract and sustain. I also thought it would be less nerve wracking because I wasn’t the main focus of attention and when I felt my hands start to shake I just pretended like I was part of the background and that no one was paying any attention. It worked, when I looked up there was a small crowd of people surrounding me.

Rugby

Rugby, England is a market town that lies along the River Avon in Warwickshire. It is a beautiful city with many fabulous natural scenic elements, and of course is also well known for being the origins of the famous and popular sport that shares its name. Tourists staying in a top Rugby hotel will certainly be aware of the famous English sport, as well as being attracted to the numerous landmarks and cultural aspects of this town. The shopping area commonly known as the Clock Towers is just one of the many features of this town that tourists and locals alike enjoy.

The primary shops located in the Towers are clothing stores, game shops and some thrift stores that tourists especially love because they provide many unique items at a great price. There are also restaurants, pubs and cafes in the area to provide everything from a light snack, a cup of coffee, or a full meal for hungry shoppers. The shops and area used to be known as the Rugby Shopping Centre, but was renamed for the famous clock tower in its center.

The Chiming Clock located in the area is an extremely famous focal point and main point of attraction to the center. This is due to its being programmed to play a tune every fifteen minutes. It also has a re-enactment of the famous fable known as the Hare and the Tortoise. When this occurs, crowds gather and children are enthralled. It was installed in the center in 1995 and quickly gained popularity and fame. Another aspect of the area that is particularly attractive to children is the Clock Tower’s Kids’ Club. The club offers introductory packets to children that are complete with activities and information. The children friendly nature of this shopping district makes it easy for families to enjoy and accommodating to tourists with children.

Literary Dorset

Jane Austen was inspired by Dorset, England. So was Thomas Hardy and ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’, by John Fowles, was filmed her. As an English Major, I thought it would be nice to personally check out why these authors were so inspired, so I made reservations a the Dorset Hotel for a few day, during my whirlwind writers tour of England.

I found Dorset to have a varied and rich landscape. I found The Cobh’ at Lyme Regis, this is where Meryl Streep walked in that famous scene. That were I decided to start my walk. I didn’t get far when I encountered places immortalised by Hardy with his novel, ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’. I found this place to be a very appropriate description of all the villages that lie amongst the pristine hidden valleys and rolling hills of Dorset.

I followed the coast as it reached eastward to Charmouth, which really doesn’t have any novels associated with it, but the walk is exquisite, so I continued on and saw fossil-encrusted cliffs. About 190 meters more I came across orange sandstone. Later I found out it was called the Golden Gap, it’s the highest point on the south coast of England. There really wasn’t any more references to literature, but I still had some time to explore. I came across a British hill fort which the placard read: The Maiden Castle. It was sacked by Romans in 70AD. Hm… I wonder if I can turn this area into a reference point in my novel? It’s a good possibility. I mean, why not continue the Dorset literature tradition? My novel might just extend this literature walk all the way to where I am now. Or, I could reference the next place on my hike, Dorchester and the medieval tithe barn of Abbotsbury. Yes, now I see why all those authors were inspired.

John Brack, Painter of Melbourne

John Brack was a painter who was born in Melbourne, Australia and is quite famous in his home town, as well as becoming very well known throughout the world, with the collectors and the other painters on the international art scene.  The top Melbourne hotels, dining establishments and galleries have been appreciative of his style for years, and his paintings of the life in Australia have a modern edge that is intriguing and innovative.  He paints landscapes, figures and still lifes, with a sensibility that does not employ the use of myth, legends, or history.  He painted the sprawling expansion of the cities of Australia, as well as the singular man sitting with a drink in a pub.  He documents the aspects of modern life in ways that are becoming iconic, much in the way some of the pieces of works by Andy Warhol became during that time period.  His sense of irony and his keen wit made him a force to be reckoned with, layers of complex meanings detail the simple aspects of this modern world.  His retrospective work will be on temporary exhibit at the Art Gallery of South Australia beginning in October, and will hang throughout the month of January, 2010.

When questioned Brack has stated that he had comments to make about society, but that for him, he had to make those comments without the use of words and language.  He paints everyday aspects, but in a way that was very distinctive to his world view, and that sense of humor.  To him, what was of utmost importance was the human condition, and the wish to have been able to understand that condition a bit more by studying it, as well as the desire to be able to illuminate that, and illustrate that in ways that the viewer could understand.  He spent the earlier years of his career painting those that were part of his immediate surroundings, his wife, his children, his friends in the world of art, and those he passed on the streets.  His art changed a bit as time went on, and he began to paint still lives more that he had in the past.  It has been twenty years since a gallery has held a retrospective of his world, and those familiar with it, are waiting in eager anticipation.

The Artistry of the Jewelery Makers of Jaipur

Many international visitors travel to India each year to take advantage of the bargains, the selection, and the artistry of the country’s craftsmen and artists.  The open air markets are a visual treat in and of themselves, and along with various items, there is the best of the cuisine located throughout the market places, where the cultural and the culinary traditions of the country are offered up.  When one travels to a new destination, it is important to note where it is that the locals shop, or which restaurants are filled with the residents of the city, and in that way, one may gauge where they may wish to spend their time, as the locals in any given city often support those which are the best, the best deals or the best flavors.  And the locals in the country of India, go to the city of Jaipur located in the state of Rajasthan.  Well known countrywide as being the absolute best place to shop, this fact is becoming recognized world-wide, and people travel from far and wide, stay in one of the Jaipur luxury hotels, and hit the streets looking for bargains, or for that special item to bring home with them.

The Jaipur artists are known for their skills, their attention to detail and the historical traditions they adhere to when creating their works, every thing from pottery design, to carpet weaving, to wooden and marble sculpture, folks travel for days in order to purchase these works.  and one of the most incredible traditions practiced in the city is that of the working with gemstones and design of the jewelry.  The land in Rajasthan has produced precious gems in the mines for centuries, and just as the more expensive and exclusive shops are famous, so art the crafts of the those working from the bazaars and the open air markets in the streets of Jaipur.  From bead work, to diamonds and from tribal fashions to pearls, there is something for every jewelry lover to be found.  Amethyst, crystals and topaz are used not only for the creation of necklaces and earrings, but are often worked into the statues and idols of animals or the Hindu deities.  The variety is outstanding and one must really view it with their own eyes to realize the amazing treasures to be found among the small shops and studios of the jewelers of Jaipur.

The Ramayana

The Ramayana is an ancient Hindu sacred text. It is typically attributed to the sage Valmiki who composed the Sanskrit epic that was based on ancient stories and traditions. The oldest portions of the poem date back to the eleventh century CE. There are conflicting opinions about the actual authorship of some portions of the text. Regardless of the original authorship, the stories and themes it contains are fundamental aspects of Indian culture and tourists who are staying Delhi hotels will certainly recognize this in various aspects of their vacation. Also, many of the performances and other entertainment options are certain to contain some of the themes found in this epic text.

Though the main stories in the text date back to oral traditions found as early as 500 BC, the text was not actually composed until much later. Some of the main characters such as Rama, Janaka, Sita, and Vishwamitra are found in early Vedic literature. Rama is the hero of the epic and he is portrayed as the god Vishnu in his seventh incarnation. He is an extremely popular prince, the son of Dasharatha, the King of Ayodhya, and his wife Kousalya. Sita is Rama’s beloved wife, and the incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. She is the essence of purity and female virtue while Rama is the essence of male virtue.

In the story, King Dasharatha is forced into exile and Rama and Sita go with him. The poem is divided into several separate books and each one deals with various phases and circumstances in the life of Rama. Some of the main themes it deals with include heroism, ethics and righteous living. Many of these stories can be interpreted with extreme relevance to life today and continue to be a source of philosophical and spiritual consultation. The epic has had a profound effect on the culture of India, which is evident in many aspects of the city of Delhi. Many performance arts such as drama and dance depict various aspects of this work. Throughout history, the stories have been performed in temples and regal courts.

Hindu Sacred Texts

Hinduism is a major religion in India. The country has many cultural aspects that relate to common Hindu themes. Many of the entertainment fields, architecture and arts also reflect the importance of this in society. This however, does not mean that Indians are not tolerant of other religions, which the majority of the population is. Tourists staying in five star hotels in New Delhi will most likely encounter some aspect of Hinduism during their stay. A familiarity with Hinduism helps to orient Western tourists to the culture and vacation expectations. The Mahabharata and the Ramayana are two essential Hindu texts.

The Mahabharata is full of sacred stories and philosophies regarding human spiritual evolution, moral standards and ethical norms. The title of the book may be literally translated as The Great Tale of the Bharata Dynasty. The authorship of this sacred text is most commonly accredited to Vyasa. It is believed to date back to the 8th century BC, though some of its layers date as late as the 4th century CE. The text comprises one of the longest epic poems in the world with its one hundred thousand verses and extended prose passages. It is about four times as long as the Ramayana.

The Ramayana is another sacred Hindu text. This work is commonly attributed to Valmiki. It contains major teachings of the ancient sages and it describes the ideal archetypal characters, such as mother, son, brother, wife, husband and daughter. Relationship ideals are a common theme in this epic. Most of the stories relate to the concept of dharma and its relevance to the human experience. These lessons are told through the main characters of Rama, Bharata, Sita, Hanuman and the villain Ravana. Much like the relevance of the Mahabharata, these themes and stories are fundamental elements in India’s culture and social consciousness.

The Scholar Maid

Every September and October Singapore hosts its annual International Cantonese Opera Festival. The Chinese Theatre Circle, which had its start in 1981, developed and organizes this cultural event. Traditional Cantonese opera is a standard element in Singapore’s society and is also extremely attractive to tourists who are staying in one of the best Singapore hotels. In addition to hosting the annual festival, the Chinese Theatre Circle is also the busiest opera company in Singapore. It gained its non-profit status in 1995 and has been offering an abundance of excellent productions since then.

There is a spectacular display of symbolic and colorful costumes in Chinese Opera, and while a tourist may wonder at their beauty, their social significance is a central component of their design. This is true also for the many graceful and harmonious movements that are incorporated into the dance. Most often the stories and plots of these operas relate to traditional Chinese themes and are based on the ancient classics. This is manifested not only in the movements and costumes but also in the set designs. Every aspect of the opera is stylized and employs an economy of gesture. A moral lesson is often incorporated into the theme and so are elements of patriotism, loyalty and honor.

One of the more popular productions that was produced by the Chinese Theatre Circle was the 2007 performance of The Scholar Maid. Hong Kong playwright, Mr. Tang Di Sheng, wrote the original script, and CTC’s Mr. Leslie Wong condensed it into a tour hour production. The story depicts a well known academic, Tang Bo Hu of the Ming Dynasty, who falls in love with a woman he met a court, Jui Xiang. He disguises himself as a servant in the home of the Prime Minister to win her heart. The Scholar Maid is a comedy, and as such includes many obstacles and situations that get in the way of Hu’s pursuit. Ultimately though, his plans succeed and true to its genre, the opera has a happy ending. One of the songs from this opera, Meeting at the Temple, continues to be a hit with Cantonese opera lovers.