CultuRama 2024 Programme by uwcseait

14 - 15 October

2024 CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA

E c h o e s o f H e r i t a g e

We recognise the strength and wisdom of the land on which we gather today

We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we are situated is the traditional and ancestral land of the Orang Laut Orang Laut, who also refer to themselves as Orang Pulau, are nomadic sea peoples who have inhabited these islands since at least the 16th century. These were and are the traditional lands of people who have been forcibly removed, and who face ongoing struggles for survival and identity in the face of dispossession and settler colonialism. We acknowledge the ground on which we stand so that all who come here know that we recognize our responsibilities to the peoples of that land and that we strive to address that history so that it guides our work in the present and the future

We also wish to extend our respect for the communities beyond Singapore and honour their historical and contemporary contributions There are 476 million Indigenous people around the world spread across more than 90 countries They belong to more than 5,000 different Indigenous peoples and speak more than 4,000 languages. Indigenous people represent 5% of the world’s population, the vast majority of them – 70% – live in Asia. This rich cultural heritage and enduring resilience continue to shape and inspire the global community, reminding us of the importance of preserving and honoring their legacy.

Our theme this year is Echoes of Heritage and we hope that through events like CultuRama we can enact our mission and continue to strive for acceptance, respect and equity amongst all peoples. CultuRama is a vibrant panorama of the diverse culture represented at UWCSEA East. We aim to weave together the unique threads of different cultures to create a tapestry of movement, music, and storytelling.

We acknowledge the complexities inherent in representing culture, but we aim to portray the joy found in the cultures of the countries represented here tonight Our goal is for CultuRama to unite us as a community and provide continued opportunity for reconciliation CultuRama, like the world, is evolving and we hope to build bridges for cultural learning and understanding These stories are told tonight through our performers as we facilitate learning and education as a force for peace

PERFORMANCES

W h e r e I c o m e F r o m ( S p o k e n W o r d )

J a p a n

S o u t h S u d a n a n d E a s t T i m o r

T h i r d C u l t u r e K i d ( S p o k e n W o r d )

I n d i a

U n i t e d S t a t e s o f A m e r i c a

V i e t n a m

P u z z l e ( S p o k e n W o r d )

S w e d e n

T h a i l a n d

S u n d a y C h u r c h ( S p o k e n W o r d )

C o l o m b i a & G u a t e m a l a

U g a n d a

F r i d a y F o o d ( S p o k e n W o r d )

C h i n a

F i n a l e

WHERE I COME FROM

Writers and Performers:

Annika Virmani, Elizabeth Mulvenna, Mabel Jimenez Silverio, Joy ZhuoRan Zhang and Blessing Mesanga

I Come From

I come from a mix where everyone is unique I come from 500 years of constant change I come from a place of laughter and dancers.

I come from quiet lands of farming and snow, I come from lively lands of cities that glow, I come from family and friends whom I call home

I come from lands near and far Crossing borders into new worlds

I come from a dream to be a star

I come from the bustling heart of Shanghai, I come from a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, I come from a land where East meets West in a vibrant embrace.

I come from a garden of rich cultural blooms

In a land of many wonders and diverse hearts

I come from a nation united by one language

JAPAN

Lead Creator:

Yura Kishida

Dancers:

Ameena Qamar, Annie Ren, Fenny Chen, Hana BINTI SHAHRUDIN, Hina Takahama, Jaeyun Park, Keya Das, Lulu, Enomoto, Miju Honda, MIKA KAKITSUBATA, Niranjana Sriramagopalan, Riya Shimpi, Sakura Yano, Scarlett Lay, Viven Pan, Yaya Okada, Amy Zheng.

みなさんこんばんは！本⽇はお越しいただきありがとうございます。

Welcome and join us on a journey through the rich and beautiful culture of Japan as we explore the katana This iconic sword represents not just decades of meticulous craftsmanship, but also the values of bravery, honour, and discipline that run deep in Japanese tradition In this performance, we’ll take you through each stage of katana-making, from the forging of the blade to its careful shaping and polishing

The katana is more than just a symbol in media and cinema it embodies universal qualities like harmony, respect, and moral integrity, values that shine through in our everyday interactions and foster a strong sense of community

Through this experience, we hope to convey that the katana is a true reflection of Japan’s spirit, a tribute to timeless artistry and cultural values that inspire connection and unity Come celebrate the legacy of the swordsmiths and the rich history that has helped shape both Japan and the modern world それでは最後までごゆっくりご覧ください。

SOUTH SUDAN & EAST TIMOR

Lead Creators:

DENG SAMUEL AGUER BUL and EUGENIA DOS SANTOS DA COSTA OLIVIERA

Dancers:

Ananya Anand, ARCHLYN K. TAWALAH, Benigne Irakoze, Blessing Masanga, Bremrose Lakjohn, Cecilia Feng, Chloe Deng, David GUO, David Kim, Elizabeth John, Eva Hu, Gabriella Monize, Gauri Varma, Gwendolyn Tan, Jessica Thalita, Jovenia Lopes, Justin SUNCHEN, Keziah Bayson, Mollie Gupta, Myra Mehta, Nary PHON, PIERRINOT, Pierson Kennedy, Sanchez Zhu, Sylvestre AGBEDZI, Syna Arora, Thomas Lowndes-Cox, Yvette UWINEZA.

Hau nia hakuak ba maluk sira hotu Loi di Kene wek, wecie keek mous kuwecie ke lor

Tonight, we invite you all to journey with us through the vibrant and captivating stories of South Sudan and East Timor two of the world’s youngest nations, each with a tale of remarkable courage and hope

South Sudan, born on the 9th of July 2011, emerges as a beacon of resilience. Its journey from the shadows of conflict to independence is a testament to the unbreakable spirit and boundless hope of its people Every step taken, every dance performed, is a tribute to their strength and their rich, enduring cultural heritage

On the other hand, East Timor, which embraced independence on the 20th of May 2002 after enduring decades of struggle, embodies a powerful narrative of renewal and revival This nation’s dedication to celebrating and preserving its rich traditions and as well empowering its youth reflects its commitment to a brighter tomorrow

Through our art of dance tonight, we celebrate their coming of age We honour their remarkable journeys paying tribute to their strength, their cultures, and their dreams Join us, as we honour their extraordinary stories of perseverance and pride, and share in the beauty of their collective journeys and let their triumphs inspire us all

THIRD CULTURE KID

Writers and Performers:

Annika Virmani, Elizabeth Mulvenna and Mabel Masanga

Third culture kids

We come from a world of many places

None quite home

From every city we travel through

We collect memories

And feelings too

Belonging everywhere

But nowhere at the same time

We do not know how to define

Our unique passage over time

We speak in tongues that blend and mix

In our hearts we carry places old and rich

With cultures, languages and accents that will always persist

Longing to go back to a place in the past

That made a mark on our hearts

But we left so fast

Generational roots in countries far away

With family and places which don’t have a name

Places we will never see

People we will never know

But stories, we are told

Places we travel will come and go,

But the people stay behind,

Creating memories which they bestow, Which will never leave our minds

Sailing in southern seas

To exploring northern cities

Each and every place we go

We find new paths where old roots grow

We don’t have a physical home,

We have a home in our hearts,

Friends family and loved ones, We will never part

Stories in the soil

Songs in the trees

Echoes of heritage

Carried by the breeze

Third Culture Kids

INDIA

Lead Creators:

Sakhee Verma and Koel Malhothra

Dancers:

Aahana Veeramachaneni, Ankita Srivastava, Ashwin Santosh, Deepika Shankar, Deetya Gathani, Georgia, Burke, Ira Tomar, Katie Murphy, Palchhin Mishra, Parv Jain, Prisha Sharma, Raghav Bhardwaj, Saisha, Chawla, Shivangi Sharma, Srishti Mookharjea, Sumedha Tewari, Tanvi Ashokka, Vivek Subramanian, Yash Shetty.

India’s influence on the dance world is nothing short of monumental, deeply rooted in the cultural and artistic fabric of civilisations and traditions all around the world Through our performance, we hope to portray the elegance of classical forms such as Baratnatyam and Kathak, alongside the vibrancy and energy that is Kutthu, Garba, Bhangra, and of course, Bollywood styles of dance

These forms embody the essence of India’s heritage, each telling stories of devotion, celebration and passion that have connected communities and preserved cultural identity across generations since the beginning We hope that the intricacy of our footwork, the expressive hand gestures, emotional facial expressions, and the heart we put into our dance today resonate with each and every one of you, offering you a glimpse of the rich cultural legacy that Indian Dance represents

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Lead Creators:

Jia Singh and Ezra Tisdall-McPhee

Choreographers: Sisley Hendarto and Venice Liew

Performers:

Anaika PARTHASARATHI, Amy Zheng, Ananya Dasgupta, Jack Taylor, Mahika Bihani, Maya Mathur, Sarthak KHANDELWAL, Sisley Hendarto, Venice Liew, Sophia KAHOL CARBAJO.

Tonight straight from the lights of Broadway we bring an act like no other The heavy curtains draped across the stage, and the hum of conversations around you It’s like stepping into a world of possibilities, where magic is about to unfold, and for a moment, you’ll be swept away into a story far beyond your own

The first theatre on Broadway opened in the year 1750, bringing in not just new englanders but people from all over the United States, who would soon share the feeling of excitement for a song and dance from characters that were ever so real.

So tonight we invite you to step into the rich heritage of thespians, and immerse yourself in this beautiful fictional reality.

VIETNAM

Lead Creators:

Lan Chi Nguyen and Aden Paternò Castello Di Bicocca

Dancers:

Chloe Zhou, Lakshana S Anand, Jia Banka, Magdalena Cynthia Yong, Mythili Ganesh, Rachel Yang, Ruixi Chen, Saanjali Mathur, Saanvi Kedia, Yuanling Dai.

Vietnam is known for its gorgeous beaches, bustling cities, and creative music with its strong musical background Drawing inspiration from both traditional Vietnamese folk dances and contemporary movements, this piece intertwines the past and present, creating a performance honouring Vietnam's deep-rooted heritage

The first section is inspired by Xòe, a dance form used to represent daily life for farmers who have been the backbone of Vietnamese society for so long Though both the dance and music are simple, the message of unity portrayed is clear

The second section is split into two dances: both are hip-hop, performed to modern Vietnamese hits The songs used, Ca phe and FRIENDSHIP, both spread positive messages paired with recent yet timeless instrumentals

The third section is a mixture of the previous two styles, as the song Con Gái Miên Tây is only a few years old but sounds extremely traditional. The dance represents this same duality, as it is a more modern reimagining of the first dance, with moves that are reminiscent of the first dance but with a few additions; the dance is less methodical and more rhythmic to the music.

What does it mean to be from anywhere?

Can we say that we truly belong to somewhere?

Last Saturday someone asked me “Where are you from?”

And I asked myself the same question

I am Dominican Am I? What does being Dominican mean?

Is it just to have a great smile on your face?

Or just dance merengue everywhere? Is it that simple?

What happened with our history

With the thousands of Tainos and Africans Who died in my land?

How can I say “ I am Dominican”

Does anyone understand What being Domincan truly means,

Is it being black or is it being white?

How can I define it?

How can I say that I just do not belong to a simple piece of land

That I belong to Congo

That I belong to Spain That I am Taina

PUZZLE

Writer and Performer:

Mabel Masanga

How can I forget that I carry that history

In my blood, in my skin, in my eyes, even in my smile

Nobody can say that they truly belong to somewhere

Because I came from a piece of land

Where everyone is a puzzle I am African, I am Spanish, I am Taina, I am Dominican

So when anyone asks me again Where I am from, I will proudly say

I am the echos of ancestors I am the rhythm of the sea I am the rhythm of the drums in any merengue

I carry the history of those who came before

Their dreams, their laugh, the honor of their legacy I am Dominican, but much more than that I am the whisper of my ancestors, the rhythm of their stories a proud heritage, where we all belong

SWEDEN

Lead Creator: Lauren Hickson

Dancers:

Amelia Shen, Ameyaa Seerapu, Anika Manwani, Anna Ortiz, Ava Jochmann, Camilla Merican Kamal Merican, Clara Crowe, Ella Romain, Isabella Liu, Jenny Wang, Jessie Meng, Keana Lo, Moone Nang, Nysa Khanduja, Reya Dalmia, Samara Pesch, Samaya Reina Atuk, Satsuki Yano, Scarlett Lay, Sisley Hendarto, Sophia Bithos, Summer Yuxuan Wong, Tanvi Ashokka, Uta Nakamura, Venice Liew, Yuki Nishioka.l.

In the 1970s, ABBA forever changed the face of global music, blending catchy melodies with the pulse of disco and sparking a movement that would transform dance floors across, Sweden, Europe and beyond

ABBA's unique fusion of pop and disco not only shaped Eurodisco but also brought international attention to Swedish music, helping Sweden establish itself as a powerhouse in the global music industry

ABBA's international success also uplifted Swedish cultural identity, sparking national pride and paving the way for other Swedish artists and producers to emerge on the world stage Their innovative use of sound engineering, combined with infectious energy, elevated disco to new artistic heights, leading to a vibrant scene that continues to influence music and dance today

This performance is a celebration of ABBA's influence on the dance world and Eurodisco’s lasting impact on popular culture The dance pays tribute to ABBA’s iconic hits and the disco era they helped define

THAILAND

Lead Creators:

Gephen Depoint and Kiri BANDAPRANEAT

Dancers:

Clara O'Donahue, Emma Leung, Ethan Matnew, Hanbo Lee, Hannah Kwon, Jaden Pang, Jaewoo Park, Jordan Panggabean, Kaira Sharman, Kirby Kung, Oliver Birch, Omar Zia, Reiko Hausenloy, Sari Hoet, Melody Naing, Tarm Santimanawong, Yelnur Imanzhan, Yusuke Fukuzawa.

Today’s performance takes us back in time to the Ayutthaya dynasty, a pivotal era in Thai history We’ll explore and share Thailand’s rich cultural heritage through a variety of dance styles

Our journey begins with the rise of the Ayutthaya kingdom, set to the sounds of traditional Thai instruments Ayutthaya was a global hub of diplomacy and trade, showcasing the strength and unity that built the nation We will perform traditional Thai dances like ราไทย, which foster a sense of community in Thai culture

With the demise of the kingdom of Ayutthaya in 1767 We honour the fallen kingdom through contemporary dance, reflecting the chaos of war, and the determination of ThaiThai people as they rebuild and preserve their heritage

Finally, through Thai pop, we symbolise the community’s revival, celebrating the resilience of Thai people By blending historical narrative with artistic expression, we wish to honour the past, celebrate our culture, and inspire unity and strength within our community.

Let us remember,

' – there is no greater happiness than peace.

SUNDAY CHURCH

Writer and Performer:

Blessing Masanga

This is why you should see me on a Sunday;

When I am part earthy and part celestial

Vibrant, colorful, and splendid

Adorned with bold patterns and delicate tapestry

Majestic beaded jewelry and elegant ornaments

I won’t need this mic on Sunday

Because my appearance will make the statement

You will be blessed with a graceful sight

Since my hair doesn’t need to hide

Nested in relaxers and straighteners

On Sunday I can let it breathe in its full dense self

The curly versatile style I will showcase

Someone might mistake it for a runway

Whether kinky, lustrous, curly or thick

My hair will make a statement

You should visit on Sunday

There is so much you can discover

About how this exquisite taste I acquired

The way we dress on that special day

Is part and parcel of every person in my ancestry

Is also a part of your heritage

Because Africa is our heritage

Our smiles are our greatest honor

Being kind and humble is our most treasured pleasure

Come home with me on a Sunday

For today I extend the invitation

COLOMBIA & GUATEMALA

Lead Creators:

Mariana Muñoz Restrepo, Luna Alejandra Medina Ortega, and Josue David Girón Morataya.

Dancers:

Aarshiya Agarwal, Alem Mamesh, Alexandre Bertholon, Anahi, Culazzo, Ava Jochmann, Danna Paola Martinez Sanchez, Dejah Stark, Ella Cuadra, Freddie PSILLIDES, Gabriela Anahí Vera Alfonso, Jingjin Lyu Jessica, Jonah O'Brien, Juliana Yordanova, Jun Yi Lim, Keana Lo, King Wang Lau Jeffrey, Kureha Kasahara, Maria Jose Palma Cerna, Maryn Desbarats, Melody Hsu, Nicolas Zamora, Rubdary Rojas, Samaya Reina Atuk, Sebastián Lopez, Shivya Puri, Tobias Guo, Ying Ying, Yu Ya Naing, Zac Bonehill.

From birth to strong social connections in Colombia and Guatemala, we explore the beauty around us, like children discovering a new world

The rhythms of cumbia and vallenato bring Colombia to life, with the flutter of yellow butterflies representing freedom and change These dances celebrate nature and joyful connection, reminding us that life is always evolving and should be appreciated at every stage

Reggaeton is a powerful force that brings joy and energy to young people across Latin America, making life feel like a big party Its catchy rhythms bring together different cultures, inviting everyone to dance For youth, reggaeton means fun and freedom, letting them celebrate life through music, dance, and shared moments

In Guatemala, the journey to the afterlife is illuminated by the glow of candles, symbolizing our connection to the essence of Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the earth. The giant “barriletes” or Kites of Sumpango with all their colors bridge the celebration of death, where our ancestors deliver messages of hope and resilience

Today we invite you to join this journey To come together through music and dance to celebrate that we are alive. To celebrate life as a symphony where butterflies and kites dance with the wind

UGANDA

Lead Creator:

Gift Ling Seiiy Lin

Dancers:

Athena Bertholon, Aung Zin Oo, Constantine Joyce-Elinam Akakpo, Eason Liu, Ella Romain, Grace Banda, Graziella Bashige, Jeff Munkondya, Julia Soenoto-Wright, Julianna Griggs, Karanja Njoroge, Kaz Shiokawa, Kennedy Parker, Krish Gupta, Leonore Gomez, Maina Njoroge, Olivia Perez de Albeniz Illana, Paul Vaitohi, Ryan Yan, Saachi Tole, Sanjana Saini, Sarah Gowdey, Sonia Marshall, Sophia Bithos, Taiga Sanjo, Tessa Keita, Thomas Kennaway, Zakia Salaria, Zoe Valero.

Percussionist: Yhan Brice Cleo

Experience the vibrant pulse of the pearl of Africa like never before From the vast hills of Kampala to the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria, this electrifying dance showcase brings Uganda's rich heritage to life

Feel the joy in our celebration of marriage, where each dance tells a story of love and unity, incorporating the rhythmic stomps of the Ankole, baganda and the elegance of The toro

Today, we Witness the seamless fusion of traditional and contemporary dance to music from all over the continent from the beats of West and South Africa to the melodies of East Africa, all reflecting the beauty of intercultural relations and the rich diversity that defines uganda.

Get ready to experience a journey through the heart of our nation, celebrating the stories, customs, and vibrant spirit that makes Uganda unique for her culture leaving you inspired, energised, and connected to the vibrant spirit of the Pearl!

FRIDAY FOOD

Writer and Performer:

Joy Zhuoran Zhang

In the heart of Singapore, where cultures collide,

I, a child of China, carry my heritage with pride

With ancient recipes, whispers of dynasties, I craft dumplings, a legacy

Jiaozi, a tale of folds, each crease a story told,

Beijing roast duck, with its skin, a golden glory, Mapo tofu, a spicy symphony, a Sichuan ode,

Steamed fish, a fresh delight, from rivers wide and broad

These dishes, they echo through time, a culinary thread,

A testament to China's soul, a feast for the head

Why these foods? They're the heart, the soul of our land,

In every bite, a tradition, a culture's grandstand

On Friday evening, as dusk spills gold, I gather my friends, and stories unfold

The air hums with spices, a vibrant blend, In this melting pot, where cultures transcend.

With flour and water, I knead with care, Soft, silky dough, like whispers in the air

I roll out circles, round as the moon,

Each a canvas for flavours to bloom

Pork mingles with chives, ginger’s warm kiss, Pinching each dumpling, a crafted caress

As steam rises, they glisten like pearls, A treasure of Chinese heritage, as the kitchen swirls

My friends arrive, bringing dishes so bright,

Hainanese chicken, tender and light, With fragrant rice, fluffy like clouds,

A taste of Singaporean tradition, our hearts sing aloud

Laksa bubbles, the scent a warm hug, Spicy and creamy, like a comforting rug

From Italy, lasagna, layers that gleam,

From Mexico, tacos, a fiesta of dreams.

Sushi from Japan, delicate and fine, Each bite is a journey, a cultural line

We gather, a tapestry, stories entwined,

Each dish is a bridge, flavours aligned

A mosaic of cultures, in every shared meal,

The joy of connection, our spirits revealed.

A celebration of cultures, a chorus of flavours,

An echo of heritage, something to savour

CHINA

Lead Creators: Echo Chen and

Cecilia Wu

Dancers:

Aliyah Ardi, Audrey Chang, Cheyoung Kim, Chika SHIMAZU, Hikari Asada, Jessie Meng, Siyi Lu, Midori Asada, Amelia Shen, Camilla Merican, Kamal Merican, Cici Lou, Cindy Liu, Elena Huang, Jiayin Wang, Kate Gao, Andie Zheng

In the rich and diverse tapestry of Culturama, we are proud to represent the heritage of China

This year, Culturama China offers a vision of integration and unity of the ancient and the modern within China’s vast, ever-growing heritage. Drawing from the Chinese philosophy of Yinyangism, and through the juxtaposing movements of Chinese traditional dance, we narrate a story of conflict, fusion, and harmony shaped by China’s 5,000 years of history.

At the heart of this vision lies the interplay of two opposing forces Yang, soft and graceful, embodies the traditional and delicate culture of Ancient China, while Yin, fierce and mysterious, embodies the new whirlwind of modernity that is washing over China as the nation continues its evolution

In light of this, our dance aspires to embody the notion that it is the harmonious coexistence of these contrasting forces that gives rise to the vast, beautiful tapestry of China as we know it today 今晚，我们诚挚地邀请您欣赏场古与今的凝聚，次跨越时空的对望与融合。

Tonight, we invite you to relax and immerse yourself in an extraordinary journey of fusion and equilibrium, transcending the boundaries of space and time