The Progression through the Acts

-by Kelvin Yang

 

 

An excellently coordinated performance with a dynamic combination of colour and sound. As far as the Show segment of NDP 2008 is concerned, this description is surely appropriate. Yet amidst the order and dynamism, what exactly is the Show segment seeking to feature? We have seen the four main themes of “Search!”, “Sense!”, “Spring!” and “Shine!”; here we explore the various acts, what they feature, and the people behind them.

The Show segment (which commences directly after the Black Knights performance) begins with a Prologue, titled “Awakening the Singapore Spirit”. The skies begin to darken as the night approaches and the stage is filled with a display of lights. Water shoots out of the fountains in front of the promenade as the stage becomes empty. The audience waits in suspense for the Show performers to emerge.

And out they come. Act One, titled “Search! Pioneers Of A New Age” begins with a surging of dancers dressed in bird and explorer costumes onto the stage, while large bay birds come into view on the water. These “birds” represent our forefathers coming to Singapore in search of a better life. Navigators on large sails and Asian Drum Dancers follow with their scintillating performances, paying tribute to the resilience of our forefathers. Silat Fighters then come charging out with a bang, rounding up the act with their show of energy and speed. The choreographers of Act One are Jeffery Tan, Low Ee Chiang, Tay Poh Soon and Sheikh Harun bin Mohd Rafik.

With their lives becoming more settled, our forefathers then took stock of their surroundings and the opportunities they offered. In Act Two, titled “Sense! Artists Of A New Landscape”, Statues of Inspiration rise up on the promenade, representing the various intellectual domains Singaporeans have pursued. Dancers with Fluorescent Umbrellas, Skyrunners and Hip-Hop Dancers add to the depiction of creativity and dynamism in Singaporeans. The choreographers of Act Two are Aidil bin Amin, Lim Chin Huat and Jalyn Han.

Naturally, taking stock was aimed at waiting for the right chance. Act 3, “Spring! Creators Of A New World” features Merlion Performers dancing around a Pearl Lady. Singapore is a crossroads of world culture, and we spring at this opportunity by daring to be different. Energy though, is the order of the day (or the order of the act, for that matter) as Flaggers perform with remarkable dexterity on the stage, honouring the commitment of Singaporeans through the ages to a shared future. The choreographers of Act 3 are Gordon Choy and Mike Lee.

Singapore and all Singaporeans have come a long way in securing our future, and we shine in the promise of this shared future together. The finale, titled “Shine! Singapore Spirit” sees all the Show performers gathering on the stage once again. A medley of National Day songs will be played, as everyone soaks in the atmosphere. The finale culminates in the recital of the Pledge and the singing of the National Anthem. The choreographer of the Finale is Wong Seow Fong.

As the fireworks burst into the night sky, amidst the backdrop of the city lights, the Singapore Spirit truly comes alive.