It’s a huge weekend for the arts in Singapore! Not only is Lady Gaga bringing her larger-than-life energy to town, but it’s also the long-awaited opening of the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2025, and we’ve got your cheat sheet to the most exciting performances and installations to catch.
As part of Singapore’s 60th birthday celebrations, this year’s festival theme "More Than Ever" puts the spotlight on homegrown talent, national reflection and bold visions for the future. Whether you’re a theater buff, dance lover, or just vibing in the Gaga-glow of creative energy, here are 5 must-see picks to kick off your SIFA experience:
SIFA Pavilion. (Image courtesy of Arts House Limited)
1. SIFA Pavilion @ Bedok Town Square
Opens: 16 May | Free EntryStart your SIFA journey at the all-new SIFA Pavilion - a pop-up art space that’s equal parts performance venue and interactive playground. Located at Bedok Town Square, the Pavilion will host a rotating slate of free installations, performances, and workshops. Think of it as the artsy cousin to your concert-going energy this weekend.Don’t Miss:
-
The Sea and the Neighbourhood (Performance)
-
Speculative F(r)ictions (Installation)
-
Hearsay (Workshop)
Animal Farm. (Image courtesy of Arts House Limited)
2. Animal Farm - Dark, Puppeted, and Uncomfortably Real
Where: Drama Centre Theatre When: 16–18 May | From $48George Orwell’s iconic tale of power and betrayal gets a twisted puppet makeover by The Finger Players, under the sharp direction of Oliver Chong. Prepare for a visceral experience for this is Animal Farm like you've never seen it before. Gaga may sing about being "Born This Way," but this farm shows how power can reshape identity altogether.
Told By My Mother. (Image courtesy of Pierre Gondard)
3. Told By My Mother - Dance, Love & Lebanon’s Echoes
Where: Victoria Theatre When: 16–17 May | From $38Need a breather from the sensory overload? Lebanese choreographer Ali Chahrour brings the quiet power of maternal love to the stage, drawing from Arabic traditions and contemporary soundscapes. It’s poetic, moving, and deeply personal that's just the kind of raw emotion that Gaga herself would champion.
Umbilical. (Image courtesy of Arts House Limited)
4. Umbilical - Memory, Identity & AI on Stage
Where: SOTA Studio Theatre When: 16–18 May | From $48Blending movement, music, projections, and artificial intelligence, Umbilical dives into Singapore’s own story of separation and rebirth. Set during the 1965 split from Malaysia, it’s a timely reflection on connection and independence, that feels just right as the country celebrates 60 years.
LATTICE. (Image courtesy of Arts Hosue Limited)
5. LATTICE - A Quiet City Symphony
Where: Funan B2 Pedestrian Link When: Now till 1 June | Thu–Sun, 10am–10pmLATTICE invites you to slow down. As you walk through this underground pedestrian space, digital art unfolds in tandem with real-life city motion, where it’s serene, surreal, and a beautiful contrast to the weekend's louder events.
Whether you're headed to the concert or cruising through the city for something soulful, SIFA 2025 promises unforgettable artistic moments that are "More Than Ever". Stay tuned for more updates!
Do follow me on my social media for more daily updates...
Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTokhttp://www.huneyzworld.com
