VERSE celebrates Singapore's literary diversity with multisensorial experiences at The Arts House, from now to 2 February 2025, alongside Light to Night Singapore.
Venue: The Arts House at the Old Parliament, 1 Old Parliament Ln, Singapore 179429
Date: now to 2 Feb 2025
Time: 10am to 10pm
Fee: Free admission, with selected ticketed programmes
VERSE: A Multisensorial Celebration of Singapore Literature
Courtesy of Arts House Limited
VERSE celebrates Singapore's literary diversity through multisensorial experiences at The Arts House from now to 2 February 2025, held in conjunction with Light to Night Singapore. The programme lineup features a range of activities, including family-friendly activities, engaging installations, and interactive sessions that invite visitors of all ages to explore the transformative power of words and local literary works.
Here’s a closer look at what you and your family can expect at this exciting literary showcase!
Outdoor Art Installations
A Little Bead of Work by Kray Chen
Photo Credit: Kray Chen (Courtesy of Arts House Limited)
Venue: Outdoor Lawn, The Arts House at the Old Parliament
Date: now to 6 Feb 2025
Time: 10am to 10pm | Guided activation on Fri to Sun (6pm to 10pm)
Fee: Free Admission
A Little Bead of Work by Kray Chen responds to the theme ‘Do You See Me?’ by transforming The Arts House at the Old Parliament lawn into a field of glowing words. This interactive installation features thousands of glow-in-the-dark alphabet beads spread across nine shallow planter beds, inviting visitors to string together words and create bracelets—drawing inspiration from both high art and pop culture. Participants can engage in the playful act of making and exchanging bracelets, a nod to the Taylor Swift friendship bracelet trend, but the installation also invites reflection on the deeper themes of visibility, identity, and connection. Inspired by Abraham Cruzvillegas’ Empty Lots, Chen’s installation merges their sophisticated exploration of materiality and communal participation with a more accessible, hands-on approach. The planter beds visibly illuminated by lamps emitting a soft glow—‘grow’ the energy of the beads, which absorb light during the day and emit a glow at night. This visible lighting not only enhances the visual impact but also symbolises how words and connections gradually come to life, expanding in meaning and visibility over time. The planter beds, much like Cruzvillegas’ exploration of potential growth in Empty Lots, serve as containers of creative energy, where visitors cultivate words and ideas that spread beyond the space itself. The installation’s approachable, interactive nature makes it ideal for audiences of all ages, aligning with Verse’s aim of blending artistic sophistication with inclusivity.
Now You See Us? by TraseOne
Photo Credit: TraseOne (Courtesy of Arts House Limited)
Venue: Facade, The Arts House at the Old Parliament
Date: now to 6 Feb 2025
Time: 8.30pm to 8.45pm, 9.15pm to 9.30pm, 10pm to 10.15pm, 10.45pm to 11pm, 11.30pm to 12am
Fee: Free Admission
TraseOne’s creation transforms the historic façade of The Arts House at the Old Parliament into a vibrant canvas, responding to the theme of Light to Night Singapore 2025, “Do You See Me?”. Now You See Us? explores the core idea behind graffiti: visibility. It traces the evolution of Singapore’s graffiti scene, from its underground roots, to mainstream acceptance and its future potential. This dynamic multimedia projection blends intricate visuals with an accompanying soundscape, creating an immersive experience that offers a fresh perspective on Singapore’s artistic heritage.
Book Corridors, in partnership with National Library Board
Read on the Go in partnership with National Library Board
Courtesy of Arts House Limited
Venue: Print Gallery, Level 1, The Arts House at the OId Parliament
Date: now to 6 Feb 2025
Time: 10am to 10pm
Fee: Free Admission
Encounter the unspoken echoes as the walls answer, “Do You See Me?” Read on the Go, a curated e-book wall presented in collaboration with the National Library Board, offers stories that unfold across three powerful replies: "To see me... Hear the Voices from the Margins..." Tales that amplify perspectives often overlooked, offering insight into lives on the edges of society. "To see me... Discover the Spectral and Small..." Narratives that delve into the unseen and ephemeral, exploring both the supernatural and the minute. "To see me... Look in the Mirror..." Introspective works that reflect on identity, self-awareness, and the complexity of being. No sound fills the space, yet the stories resonate. These works whisper their truths, waiting to be heard in the quiet of the corridor. From poignant accounts of the marginalised to haunting explorations of love and memory, the books reveal the many ways we can "see" and be seen. With 12 titles spanning English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil, this installation invites you to connect with Singapore literature in profound and personal ways. Scan the QR codes to borrow these e-books and carry their voices into your reflections, your journeys, and the quiet moments in between. This isn’t just a wall—it’s a portal into worlds that challenge, inspire, and reflect the complexity of our shared humanity. Will you stop and listen?
See Me Again: Pre-Loved Books Corner in partnership with National Library Board
Courtesy of Arts House Limited
Venue: Print Gallery, Level 1, The Arts House at the OId Parliament
Date: now to 6 Feb 2025
Time: 10am to 10pm
Fee: Free Admission
Within the corridors of The Arts House at the Old Parliament lies a quiet invitation—the Pre-Loved Books Corner. Here, stories once cherished find new life, waiting to be rediscovered and embraced by fresh hands. From junior picture books to fiction and non-fiction titles, this corner offers a curated collection generously donated through the National Library Board. With over 200 titles spanning genres and audiences, this serene nook celebrates the enduring power of literature to connect generations of readers. Each book holds a shared history, whispering the idea that stories do not end with the last page—they continue through those who take them home. Pause, browse, and let a pre-loved story find its way to you.
Film Screenings
Singapore Short Films Screening in partnership with Ministry of Digital Development and Information (gov.sg)
Courtesy of Arts House Limited
Venue: Screening Room, Level 1, The Arts House at the Old Parliament
Date: 25 to 26 Jan 2025 | 31 Jan to 2 Feb 2025
Time: 6pm to 10pm
Fee: Free Admission
Step into the Screening Room and allow light and sound to converge as you explore themes of identity, connection, and belonging. This showcase of 13 Singapore short films, presented in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, offers a cinematic journey into the shared and personal stories that shape us.
This screening features two collections:
1) 2023 Films: Commissioned for the Forward Singapore (Forward SG) exercise, these four 13-minute films by acclaimed Singaporean filmmakers Boo Junfeng, K. Rajagopal, Siyou Tan, and Roslee Yusof explore everyday scenarios—redefining success, lifelong learning, active ageing, and the importance of community support.
2) 2024 Films: Part of the ‘Together, for Better’ anthology, these nine concise and visually striking films offer quick yet impactful reflections on aspirations, resilience, and everyday choices.
A Sensory Experience:
From 6pm to 10pm, the films play in thematic looping cycles, inviting audiences to drop in at any time. Each block weaves together longer narrative films and shorter visual snapshots, creating a dynamic experience that mirrors the multifaceted ways we see and are seen. Do check the daily schedule for specific film timings or thematic loops to plan your visit. All films are accompanied by English subtitles.
Drop-in Activities
Karaoke Poetry: A Collective Reading by Tusitala X Matter.Less
Courtesy of Arts House Limited
Venue: Print Gallery, Level 1, The Arts House at the OId Parliament
Date: 24 to 26 Jan 2025
Time: 6.30pm to 9.30pm, last entry at 9.15pm
Fee: Free Admission
Tusitala and Matter.Less present “Karaoke Poetry: A Collective Reading”, an innovative and fun experience that blends Singaporean Chinese literary works with digital interactions. It reimagines the act of reading literature as a shared, dynamic interaction –as playful and approachable as singing karaoke. Karaoke Poetry invites two participants to read the work aloud while audience members use smartphones to engage with real-time prompts, fostering a communal and reflective engagement with the text. The full experience takes 10 minutes. The work featured is White Bird by Cultural Medallion recipient Yeng Pway Ngon, a deep and fantastical exploration of identity and personal journeys. Participants will explore the themes of White Bird – emotional intimacy, communication, work and identity, and shifts in personal relationships – responding to the theme ‘Do You See Me?’.
*The activity text will be presented in Chinese characters and/or Hanyu Pinyin for participants to read aloud. English synopsis of the text will also be provided.
The Big Blackout by Sing Lit Station
Venue: Foyer, Level 1, The Arts House at the Old Parliament
Date & Time:
- Exhibition Period: now to 2 Feb 2025, 10am to 10pm
- Activation Dayside:
- 25 Jan, 26 Jan, 1 Feb & 2 Feb 2025
- 6pm to 10pm, last admission at 9.45pm
Fee: Free Admission
Step up to The Big Blackout, Singapore’s largest interactive blackout poetry installation. Majestically located within The Arts House Foyer, visitors are presented with striking word clouds featuring words and phrases in English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Co-create poetry in real time by redacting and reimagining words, transforming existing works into unique and visually captivating pieces. Whether participating with friends, family, or strangers, the installation offers endless opportunities to create, erase, and reimagine poetry. Capture your work in a photo, then try again, discovering infinite permutations of text and meaning. During activation hours, a facilitator will be on-site to provide guidance, materials, and support. Outside of these hours, the latest community-created poem will remain displayed for all to reflect on. The Big Blackout invites everyone to explore the transformative power of words in a fun, spontaneous, and collaborative way.
Blackout Poetry Jam Sessions by Sing Lit Station
Photo Credit: Sing Lit Station (Courtesy of Arts House Limited)
Venue: Foyer Nook, Level 1, The Arts House at the OId Parliament
Date & Time:
- 25 & 26 Jan 2025 (6pm to 9pm) - With Charlene Shepherdson
- 1 & 2 Feb 2025 (6pm to 9pm) - With Alexandria Philips
Fee: Free Admission
Step into the Blackout Poetry Corner and discover the power of redaction in creating new meaning. Led by writers Cheyenne Alexandria Philips and Charlene Shepherdson, this interactive jam session invites you to craft your own blackout poems by redacting words from books, newspapers, and other printed materials. Whether you're a seasoned poet or exploring this form for the first time, these sessions offer a playful, hands-on approach to reimagining text. Break the boundaries of poetic form and unleash your creativity in a welcoming and collaborative space. Drop by, get crafty, and uncover the hidden poetry in everyday words.
In Conjunction Programmes
Story Walk & Craft Activity
Courtesy of Arts House Limited
Venue: Civic District (*Meeting point and registration will be at the Esplanade Concert Hall, Level 1, Meeting Point
Date: 24 & 25 Jan 2025
Time: 5pm to 6.30pm, 7pm to 8.30pm
Story Walk takes participants on an outdoor imaginative storytelling journey inspired by some of our most iconic monuments and public spaces. Taking cues from three of the commissioned public art benches of Benchmarks, three storytellers will each share a unique tale, weaving local history with folklore. These tales highlight the interconnectedness between the bench artworks, their surroundings, and the district's rich heritage. Following their Story Walk journey through the Civic District's art benches, participants will engage in a hands-on diorama craft workshop that echoes the themes of urban-nature harmony, storytelling through space, and the art of pause and reflection embodied in the Benchmarks project. Each creation, housed in a clear display container, becomes a lasting memento to conclude the Story Walk experience and a personal connection to the Civic District's heritage and nature.
A digital programme comprising six videos will be launched in mid-February 2025, to broaden the reach of Story Walk beyond The Arts House at the Old Parliament and Benchmarks audiences. These include three videos from the first edition of Story Walk in 2023 together with 3 new videos from 2025.
Visit this link.
*Recommended for 15 years and above. Limited to 35 pax per session.
Ticketed Programme
Cherita Hantu: Kafirun presented by Arts House Limited & Hafidz Rahman
Courtesy of Arts House Limited
Venue: Play Den, Level 2, The Arts House at the Old Parliament
Date & Time:
- 24 Jan 2025: 8pm
- 25 Jan 2025: 2pm, 5pm, 8pm
- 26 Jan 2025: 5pm, 8pm
- *An additional show will be held on 23 Jan 2025, 8pm, with tickets available from 9 Jan 2025.
Fee: $30/pax
Following the sold-out successes of Cherita Hantu (2021), Cherita Hantu: Kembali (2023), and Cherita Hantu: Horror Reimagined (2024), Arts House Limited (AHL) is proud to collaborate with Hafidz Abdul Rahman once again for the fourth and scariest instalment of the series – Cherita Hantu: Kafirun. This spine-tingling production promises a haunting theatrical journey that will captivate and terrify audiences like never before.
Cherita Hantu: Kafirun takes on the theme of ‘Kafirun’ (Arabic for "Disbelievers"), centering on five original horror stories inspired by real events. This multi-sensorial theatrical experience, directed and written by Hafidz Rahman (host of Berhantu and Screamapura), promises to push the boundaries of horror with expertly curated stimuli. Audiences can expect a rollercoaster of fear, shock, and suspense as they are immersed in an environment designed to evoke visceral terror from start to finish. Cherita Hantu: Kafirun will deliver a unique blend of storytelling and sensory immersion, creating an unforgettable horror experience through the eyes of the disbeliever. So, the question beckons, do you see them?
For more information on VERSE, visit this link.
