The Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival (YSDAF) will be rolling out a satellite event entitled “…And the Curtain Rises.”
Twelve singer-songwriters will be paired up to write 12 new songs in 12 hours on issues affecting the society that they feel and care about. “Think speed dating, singer-songwriter style,” says co-producer of the show, Ian Chow.
“Unlike speed dating, the singer-songwriters have no choice but to make it work whether sparks fly or not because they have to premiere these new numbers to an actual audience when the 12 hours are up. And if that is not nerve-wrecking enough, it will be recorded live and made into a CD,” he adds.
The eclectic line up is as interesting as the challenge. Singer-songwriters Aina Abdul, Brendan de Cruz, Beverly Matujal, Dickson Chai, Endee Ahmad, Fuad of Kyoto Protocol, Isaac Ho, Melissa Toh, Nick Davis, Otam, Priscillia Xavier and duo Shir Ling & Jacq Teng are ready to put their game face on.
“…And the Curtain Rises” is part of a string of satellite events leading up to the 2-day festival in August. Others satellite events include an outreach drama programme, a battle of bands and an art installation.
Co-producer Coebar Abel reminds that the purpose of the singer-songwriter camp is to promote original content, encourage collaborations and showcase diverse talented local singer-songwriters. “We are also using the songs to raise awareness on issues that are around us but not necessarily part of us. We would like the audience to go home with empathy on the plight of the different communities and societal challenges faced in the country,” he says, adding that the recording will be given away to the early birds at the festival finale in August.
And the Curtain Rises: May 26, 8.30pm and May 27, 3pm
Venue: Pentas 2, klpac
Entry is FREE but FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. Latecomers are not permitted to enter once live recording has started.