The performing arts of the nusantara takes centre stage every year at Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay’s Pesta Raya— Malay Festival of Arts. The 2019 edition was held from 27–30 June 2019, featuring artists including NADI Singapura, Kamila Andini and Komunitas Bumi Bajra, Kunto Aji and many more acts from around the region.
In line with the Festival programming that showcases Malay performing arts beyond what might be considered to be traditional and familiar, the art direction for this year’s Festival brought together visual elements from two worlds: the bright, bold and playful graphics inspired the visuals and spirit of the Memphis Movement as well as the colourful and charming Batik motifs. The overall look expresses how the modern and the tradition can come together in a playful, exciting and perhaps unexpected harmony just as how Festival programming continues to push the possibilities and limits of the Malay performing arts.
