CEBU, PHILIPPINES INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

The 1st Cebu International Theatre Festival 2024 was a remarkable celebration of cultural exchange and theatrical excellence, showcasing performances from Korea, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. Among the standout acts was Opera Academy SG, representing Singapore with their production of ‘Bangsawan Burung Bulbul’.

This was the second international audience for ‘Bangsawan Burung Bulbul’, following its successful debut at the Pohang International Theatre Festival in South Korea in 2023. The Opera Academy SG troupe comprised 8 young performers, 4 seasoned actors, 1 music director, and 5 production crew members. With a largely new cast, the Academy provided a valuable opportunity for its students to gain international exposure and experience performing for a large audience overseas. This initiative is part of their holistic Bangsawan programme aimed at nurturing young talents.

Among the young performers was 10-year-old Zikry Ilhan Bin Ahmed Irwin, who won the ‘Best Actor’ award in the primary school category at the 2023 edition of Bangsawan Cup organized by Opera Academy. Reflecting on his experience, Zikry shared, “I have never imagined that from participating in the Bangsawan competition with my school friends, I would get this opportunity to perform overseas. It’s really exciting. Thank you to my trainers who worked very hard to get us ready for the festival.”

Ms. Syahidah, who accompanied her 8-year-old son Matin Daniyal Mohammad Salman, expressed her pride and joy, “I’ve seen great improvements since he joined the programme at Opera Academy. To see him on stage performing at such a young age makes me very proud as a mother.”

The performance in Cebu was truly breathtaking, with young performers sharing the stage with seasoned Bangsawan actors from Singapore. Mdm Nurijah Sahat, one of the seasoned actresses in the production, praised the young talents, saying, “It is really great that we have a group of people from the younger generation who are willing to take up the mantle of Bangsawan. This helps to ensure the art form does not go extinct and continues to reach out to the younger generation.”

The audience at the Cebu International Theatre Festival was captivated by ‘Bangsawan Burung Bulbul’. The group’s performance was met with enthusiastic applause and admiration, culminating in a long line of audience members eager to take pictures with the cast. Opera Academy SG's participation in the festival was not only a testament to their talent but also a celebration of cultural preservation and exchange.