A spark, a buzz, a murmur: there’s always excitement in the air with new creations, and Pesta Raya 2024 buzzed with the premiere of two commissioned works and a new production. Singapore’s own teaterekamatra staged Bawang Putih Bawang Merah, a reimagining of a familiar folktale with bold costumes and set design. Acclaimed Indonesian film director garin_film presented yet another stunning cinematic experience following 2017’s Setan Jawa, marrying a black and white silent film with live gamelan music by gamelan_yuganada and electronic sounds from gabbermodusoperandi. At the Esplanade Annexe Studio, girlsandghostsintrees invited us to explore memory, history and culture in Jalan Raya, a collection of workshops, talks and performances anchored by an exhibition. Together, these works showed the creative energies that run through the Malay Archipelago, and the endless possibilities that it promises. Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts was held from 9 – 12 May 2024. #esplanadesg #pestar...