Crossing Cultures at ACM: Storytelling Through Time

Programme

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This March at ACM, explore Asian storytelling through a showcase of ancient traditions and modern forms. Performances, workshops, and tours bring oral traditions, the power of the written word, and digital narratives to life.

Get free popcorn and a frozen drink on 89 Mar, 4–7pm*! Collect your redemption tickets from the Foyer, Level 2. 

*Limited to one redemption per person. While supplies last.

7–9 Mar 2025
Daily - 8–9 Mar 2025, 1–7pm
Fridays - 7 Mar 2025, 7–9pm
Asian Civilisations Museum
Free admission to most activities
7–9 Mar 2025
Daily - 8–9 Mar 2025, 1–7pm
Fridays - 7 Mar 2025, 7–9pm
Asian Civilisations Museum
Free admission to most activities

This March at ACM, explore Asian storytelling through a showcase of ancient traditions and modern forms. Performances, workshops, and tours bring oral traditions, the power of the written word, and digital narratives to life.

Get free popcorn and a frozen drink on 89 Mar, 4–7pm*! Collect your redemption tickets from the Foyer, Level 2. 

*Limited to one redemption per person. While supplies last.

PERFORMANCES

Teochew Puppetry with Sin Ee Lye Heng Puppet Troupe

Sat, 8 Mar
5.30pm

ACM Green

Free

Step into a world of wonder with a performance by Sin Ee Lye Heng, the last Teochew puppet troupe in Singapore. Skilled puppeteers bring ancient stories to life through a captivating traditional art form.

In the event of wet weather, performances will be shifted to River Room, Level 2.

Sin Ee Lye Heng

Founded in 1977 and helmed by Tina Quek and her three children, Christine Ang, Ang Wei Hao and Ang Wei Li, Sin Ee Lye Heng preserves an ancient form of puppet theatre from Chaozhou. The troupe hopes to encourage young Singaporeans to learn about this unique art form before it disappears forever.

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Teochew Puppetry with Sin Ee Lye Heng Puppet Troupe

Sat, 8 Mar
5.30pm

ACM Green

Free

Step into a world of wonder with a performance by Sin Ee Lye Heng, the last Teochew puppet troupe in Singapore. Skilled puppeteers bring ancient stories to life through a captivating traditional art form.

In the event of wet weather, performances will be shifted to River Room, Level 2.

Sin Ee Lye Heng

Founded in 1977 and helmed by Tina Quek and her three children, Christine Ang, Ang Wei Hao and Ang Wei Li, Sin Ee Lye Heng preserves an ancient form of puppet theatre from Chaozhou. The troupe hopes to encourage young Singaporeans to learn about this unique art form before it disappears forever.

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Xinyao Singalong with LimTayPeng

Sat, 8 Mar
6.30pm
ACM Green
Free

LimTayPeng presents soulful melodies of Xinyao, a form of Mandarin folk music from Singapore. This outdoor performance features a vibrant mix of timeless classics, along with original songs by LimTayPeng.

In the event of wet weather, performances will be shifted to River Room, Level 2.

LimTayPeng

LimTayPeng is a Singapore music trio formed in 2018 by singers Aaron Matthew Lim, Tay Sia Yeun, and composer/pianist Peng Chi Sheng. The group's name is a combination of their surnames, and a play on the Hokkien phrase for “drink iced milk tea”.

 

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Xinyao Singalong with LimTayPeng

Sat, 8 Mar
6.30pm
ACM Green
Free

LimTayPeng presents soulful melodies of Xinyao, a form of Mandarin folk music from Singapore. This outdoor performance features a vibrant mix of timeless classics, along with original songs by LimTayPeng.

In the event of wet weather, performances will be shifted to River Room, Level 2.

LimTayPeng

LimTayPeng is a Singapore music trio formed in 2018 by singers Aaron Matthew Lim, Tay Sia Yeun, and composer/pianist Peng Chi Sheng. The group's name is a combination of their surnames, and a play on the Hokkien phrase for “drink iced milk tea”.

 

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Timeless Tales in Dance: Kathakali and Bharatantyam Showcase with Bhaskar’s Arts Academy

Sun, 9 Mar
5.30pm
ACM Green
Free

Experience an evening of Indian classical dance with Bhaskar’s Arts Academy. The programme begins with "Amma", a transformative portrayal of motherhood, followed by "Krishna’s Promise" from the Mahabharata, a Sanskrit epic. The performance concludes with a depiction of divine love through Bharatanatyam, a form of classical dance from southern India.

In the event of wet weather, performances will be shifted to River Room, Level 2.

Bhaskar’s Arts Academy

Bhaskar’s Arts Academy is a Singapore-based Indian classical dance, music, and theatre company established in 1952. With its teaching wing Nrityalaya Aesthetics Society, the company champions Indian performing arts on stage and beyond.

 

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Timeless Tales in Dance: Kathakali and Bharatantyam Showcase with Bhaskar’s Arts Academy

Sun, 9 Mar
5.30pm
ACM Green
Free

Experience an evening of Indian classical dance with Bhaskar’s Arts Academy. The programme begins with "Amma", a transformative portrayal of motherhood, followed by "Krishna’s Promise" from the Mahabharata, a Sanskrit epic. The performance concludes with a depiction of divine love through Bharatanatyam, a form of classical dance from southern India.

In the event of wet weather, performances will be shifted to River Room, Level 2.

Bhaskar’s Arts Academy

Bhaskar’s Arts Academy is a Singapore-based Indian classical dance, music, and theatre company established in 1952. With its teaching wing Nrityalaya Aesthetics Society, the company champions Indian performing arts on stage and beyond.

 

Let ‘Em Kook! An Improvised Evening with The Improv Company

Sun, 9 Mar
6.30pm
ACM Green
Free

In this live improvisational theatre session, performers from the Improv Company take your live (or life) suggestions and turn them into short skits for your amusement.

In the event of wet weather, performances will be shifted to River Room, Level 2.

The Improv Company

Founded in October 2013, The Improv Company is an improvisational theatre and comedy company that shows Singaporeans how to have fun through scriptless storytelling. They perform in Singapore and abroad, and were the hosts for the Singapore Improv Festival in 2016 and 2018.

 

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Let ‘Em Kook! An Improvised Evening with The Improv Company

Sun, 9 Mar
6.30pm
ACM Green
Free

In this live improvisational theatre session, performers from the Improv Company take your live (or life) suggestions and turn them into short skits for your amusement.

In the event of wet weather, performances will be shifted to River Room, Level 2.

The Improv Company

Founded in October 2013, The Improv Company is an improvisational theatre and comedy company that shows Singaporeans how to have fun through scriptless storytelling. They perform in Singapore and abroad, and were the hosts for the Singapore Improv Festival in 2016 and 2018.

 

DROP-IN EXPERIENCES

Drop-in Activity: Type & Tell with Graceful Quills

Fri, 7 Mar, 7–9pm
Sat & Sun, 8–9 Mar, 1–7pm
Lobby, Level 1
Free

Join a nostalgic typewriting activity where stories come alive, one keystroke at a time. Share your personal narrative or contribute to a community story and experience the power of the written word.

Graceful Quills

Graceful Quills was founded in 2021, after Grace Wei discovered her dad's old typewriter in the corner of a room. Since then, it has expanded to provide live poetry services, customised poems and gifts, writing workshops, and more. Each poem is crafted intentionally and sensitively to honour the story of the individual.

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Drop-in Activity: Type & Tell with Graceful Quills

Fri, 7 Mar, 7–9pm
Sat & Sun, 8–9 Mar, 1–7pm
Lobby, Level 1
Free

Join a nostalgic typewriting activity where stories come alive, one keystroke at a time. Share your personal narrative or contribute to a community story and experience the power of the written word.

Graceful Quills

Graceful Quills was founded in 2021, after Grace Wei discovered her dad's old typewriter in the corner of a room. Since then, it has expanded to provide live poetry services, customised poems and gifts, writing workshops, and more. Each poem is crafted intentionally and sensitively to honour the story of the individual.

Drop-in Activity: Create Your Own Charming Tale with Poison Studio

Fri, 7 Mar, 7–9pm
Sat & Sun, 8–9 Mar, 1–7pm
Foyer, Level 2
Free

In this activity, choose charms that reflect your personality and use them to create a wearable bag charm that you can take home.

Poison Studio

Poison Studio is a brand that celebrates Y2K aesthetics, bold colours, and playful designs. They believe that accessories aren’t just accessories, but statement pieces.

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Drop-in Activity: Create Your Own Charming Tale with Poison Studio

Fri, 7 Mar, 7–9pm
Sat & Sun, 8–9 Mar, 1–7pm
Foyer, Level 2
Free

In this activity, choose charms that reflect your personality and use them to create a wearable bag charm that you can take home.

Poison Studio

Poison Studio is a brand that celebrates Y2K aesthetics, bold colours, and playful designs. They believe that accessories aren’t just accessories, but statement pieces.

Journey into the Pagoda: A VR Experience

31 May 2024 – 1 June 2025
Museum's operating hour
Foyer, Level 2
Free

Step into an architectural marvel and immerse yourself in its intricate design in this VR experience inspired by the architecture and folklore of the Pagoda of Six Harmonies in Hangzhou.

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Journey into the Pagoda: A VR Experience

31 May 2024 – 1 June 2025
Museum's operating hour
Foyer, Level 2
Free

Step into an architectural marvel and immerse yourself in its intricate design in this VR experience inspired by the architecture and folklore of the Pagoda of Six Harmonies in Hangzhou.

REGISTERED PROGRAMMES

Supernatural Confessions in the City

Fri, 7 Mar
6.30pm, 8pm
Meeting Point at Lobby
$10 refundable deposit; register on Peatix

Discover the supernatural side of Singapore through a haunted heritage trail hosted by Eugene Tay. From animistic traditions to practices brought by early migrants, delve into eerie folklore and tales that have shaped Singapore at Old Parliament House, Victoria Theatre, and other iconic locations.

Supernatural Confessions

Supernatural Confessions started with a book written by Eugene Tay about his experiences of the supernatural. It became an accidental success and led to the formation of Must be the Hantu, a private facebook group that now has over 57,000 members. Its goal is to provide a safe environment for people to broaden their perspective on things that science cannot explain. 


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Supernatural Confessions in the City

Fri, 7 Mar
6.30pm, 8pm
Meeting Point at Lobby
$10 refundable deposit; register on Peatix

Discover the supernatural side of Singapore through a haunted heritage trail hosted by Eugene Tay. From animistic traditions to practices brought by early migrants, delve into eerie folklore and tales that have shaped Singapore at Old Parliament House, Victoria Theatre, and other iconic locations.

Supernatural Confessions

Supernatural Confessions started with a book written by Eugene Tay about his experiences of the supernatural. It became an accidental success and led to the formation of Must be the Hantu, a private facebook group that now has over 57,000 members. Its goal is to provide a safe environment for people to broaden their perspective on things that science cannot explain. 


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Teochew Puppetry Workshop with Sin Ee Lye Heng Puppet Troupe

Sat, 8 Mar
4–5pm
Ngee Ann Auditorium, Basement
$10 per participant; register on Peatix

Learn about the rich heritage, unique construction, and precise techniques of iron rod puppetry with Sin Ee Lye Heng, the last Teochew puppet troupe in Singapore.

Sin Ee Lye Heng

Founded in 1977 and helmed by Tina Quek and her three children, Christine Ang, Ang Wei Hao and Ang Wei Li, Sin Ee Lye Heng preserves an ancient form of puppet theatre from Chaozhou. The troupe hopes to encourage young Singaporeans to learn about this unique art form before it disappears forever.

image highlight
Teochew Puppetry Workshop with Sin Ee Lye Heng Puppet Troupe

Sat, 8 Mar
4–5pm
Ngee Ann Auditorium, Basement
$10 per participant; register on Peatix

Learn about the rich heritage, unique construction, and precise techniques of iron rod puppetry with Sin Ee Lye Heng, the last Teochew puppet troupe in Singapore.

Sin Ee Lye Heng

Founded in 1977 and helmed by Tina Quek and her three children, Christine Ang, Ang Wei Hao and Ang Wei Li, Sin Ee Lye Heng preserves an ancient form of puppet theatre from Chaozhou. The troupe hopes to encourage young Singaporeans to learn about this unique art form before it disappears forever.

Human Library Experience: Culture & Identity with IAMinVISIBLE

Sun, 9 Mar
2–4pm
River Room, Level 2
$10 refundable deposit; register on Peatix

Designed as a Human Library experience, join us and engage in intimate conversations with people of diverse backgrounds, each sharing personal stories from different lived experiences to foster meaningful conversations.

Personal stories from:
Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib, interfaith facilitator & writer
Alvin Tan, founder of The Necessary Stage & Cultural Medallion recipient
Jayasutha Samuthiran, intercultural dialogue curator & corporate professional
Warren Sheldon Humphries, consultant & disability advocate
Ashokan Ramakrishnan, social impact leader (Moderator)
Juvena Huang, The Wandering Wasp

 

IAMinVISIBLE

Inspired by the affective powers of storytelling, IAMinVISIBLE is a social impact initiative that aims to uncover, unveil, and showcase the personal stories of ordinary Singaporeans, bringing home the message that “everyone has a story, untold”.

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Human Library Experience: Culture & Identity with IAMinVISIBLE

Sun, 9 Mar
2–4pm
River Room, Level 2
$10 refundable deposit; register on Peatix

Designed as a Human Library experience, join us and engage in intimate conversations with people of diverse backgrounds, each sharing personal stories from different lived experiences to foster meaningful conversations.

Personal stories from:
Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib, interfaith facilitator & writer
Alvin Tan, founder of The Necessary Stage & Cultural Medallion recipient
Jayasutha Samuthiran, intercultural dialogue curator & corporate professional
Warren Sheldon Humphries, consultant & disability advocate
Ashokan Ramakrishnan, social impact leader (Moderator)
Juvena Huang, The Wandering Wasp

 

IAMinVISIBLE

Inspired by the affective powers of storytelling, IAMinVISIBLE is a social impact initiative that aims to uncover, unveil, and showcase the personal stories of ordinary Singaporeans, bringing home the message that “everyone has a story, untold”.

Tales from Asia Guided Tours

Sat & Sun, 8–9 Mar
3–4pm
Meeting Point at Lobby, Level 1
$10 refundable deposit; register on Peatix

Join our museum docents as they share tales from across Asia through objects from the galleries.

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Tales from Asia Guided Tours

Sat & Sun, 8–9 Mar
3–4pm
Meeting Point at Lobby, Level 1
$10 refundable deposit; register on Peatix

Join our museum docents as they share tales from across Asia through objects from the galleries.

Crossing Cultures at ACM

Taking inspiration from objects in the galleries, Crossing Cultures explores ACM's collection through performing arts, craftsmanship, food traditions, wellness practices, and other aspects of intangible cultural heritage – past and present. Dive deep into Asia’s rich heritage with these special weekend programmes. Learn, explore, and create with us at ACM.

 

Crossing Cultures at ACM takes place on the first weekend of March, June, September, and December.

 

 

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