Behind the Scenes at NDP 09: NE Show 1

This year's NDP is anchored on the National Pledge, with each of the show's 10 chapters dedicated to a line in the Pledge.

COL Desmond Tan, Chairman of Show Committee, explains, "The Pledge is something close to the hearts of Singaporeans, something we are familiar with since our primary school days, so naturally, it became the choice to anchor the Parade on."

On the "One Show" concept, he elaborates, "In contrast with previous years when the Parade and Show segments were distinctly separated, this year, we have incorporated show elements in the parade segment to deliver a seamless show. We hope therefore to engage Singaporeans also at the intellectual level by getting them to reflect on individual lines of the National Pledge at every chapter."

Driving the creative team behind the "One Show" is none other than theatre veteran Ivan Heng! Having been involved in local theatre for more than 11 years, his perceptiveness on local issues compelled him to anchor NDP on the Pledge. "It is such a simple, yet powerful, promise encapsulated in only 38 words." Conceptualizing for the Parade since May last year, he adds, "It was a lot about cutting the Pledge up and seeing what could fit. But at the same time, we also have to be sensitive and mindful of the beliefs and values of Singaporeans." With his background in theatre, he guarantees a visual spectacle that would deliver refreshing theatrics through song, dance, video and multimedia projection.

During the Combined Rehearsals, many have reflected how different they felt this year's music was in comparison with past years. The music for this year's Parade, titled "The Soundtrack of Our Lives", incorporates songs from as far back as the 60s and also speeches of iconic significance. Dr Sydney Tan, Music Director NDP 09, who was also the arranger and producer of the 1998 NDP hit "Home", shared that he aims for "a montage that flowed through the decades" to showcase our nation's progress. "Our memories are inextricably tied with the songs we listen to, so we have specially chosen iconic songs that people can relate to instantly when they hear them."

Having heard the thoughts that underpin the making of this year's Parade, we bring to you the viewpoint from the other angle – from our performers!

Commencing this year's Parade would be a performance from the motivators of TOUCH Community Services. Performing to a rearranged version of Madonna's 1983 hit, Holiday, mentor Terry Lim, 26, explains, "We chose 'Holiday' because we hope that even in the midst of these trying times, when people come for the Parade and hear the song, they can momentarily put aside their worries and Come Together to celebrate!" Wearing colourful costumes with a central heart motif, Fatin and Shalina, 17 excitedly proclaimed themselves as "Care Bears"! Wilfred, 18 said, "We think of ourselves as 'Care Bears' because in the same way, we 'beam' love through our 'hearts' to the audience!"

Another first time participants are the percussionists from Drumfest consisting two prominent groups, Bloco Singapura and Strikeforce. Drumming up infectious samba beats, Rahmat "Bud", 24 remarked, "The most difficult thing for us are the formation changes, afterall, it is a first for everyone to dance and drum at the same time!" Jason Wong, 19 and Ian Lim, 24 felt the same way too. "It took us some time to get used to the costume, and it became particularly difficult when we wanted to use the toilet!" Despite these challenges, Neophiri, 21 proudly proclaims that they have the "Best Costume in the history of NDP!"

Affectionately known amongst the NDP performers as the "sexy mamas", the SOKA Association returns to this year's stage with a visually stunning display entitled "Little Red Dot". Unlike majority of the performers, and even marching contingents who are first time participants, the women from the SOKA association are well-seasoned veterans! Connie Yong, 43 has participated in NDP so many times, she already lost count! "But it's definitely more than 10 times!" she adds with a laugh. Swaying to an acid jazz arrangement of "Singapura, Sunny Island", 8th time participant Joanne Lee, 49 tells us, "Every year is a different experience, and every year's item is always very different from what we have done before, so it never feels monotonous!"

Peranakan group, Main Wayang, has much to boast about in this year's NDP as they have not only the oldest and youngest participant but a participating family of 3 generations! Our oldest participant, Mr Francis Hogan, 74, will be singing an old favourite, Rasa Sayang, in his role as a Peranakan matriarch. While Mr Hogan has reprised this female role many times, this will be his biggest audience ever. "This is the first time I have felt nervous about performing, but I am getting used to it! The Malay participants are especially kind to me; they always call me Bibik (old woman)!"

By coincidence, he is performing together with the youngest participant, 4 year old Simone Tan, who is also known to her fellow performers as "Baby Nyonya"! The youngest of the 3 generation Peranakan family that will be making their debut, her mother, relief teacher Suzanne Tan, 37 has much to say about her daughter. "My daughter's a natural performer. Even though she's performing at the front of the stage, she doesn't get stage fright at all, but rather, she's always dancing and bouncing around!"