SINGAPORE BANGSAWAN FESTIVAL

The Festival Bangsawan Singapura (FBS)  is organised with the following objectives:

1. To increase the awareness of the Bangsawan (Malay Opera) theatrical art form as an intricate, classical and treasured art form still relevant and appreciated by Singaporeans today. 

2. To bring together practitioners of the unique Bangsawan theatrical art form in Singapore, to celebrate its 150 years of existence in Singapore since its arrival to the Malay Archipelago in the 1870s. 

3. To highlight the benefits of the Bangsawan theatrical art form - in terms of its rich linguistic content, holistic cultural themes, deep heritage values and comprehensive artistic merits to a multitude of practitioners, especially youths. 

4. To provide a runway for future practitioners of the Bangsawan theatrical art form to the future generation and a multitude of  interested groups and individuals in Singapore, so as to grow and innovate this heritage art form into the next 150 years. 

Step back in time and witness the heroic saga of Paduka Sri Wikrama Wira, the legendary ruler of Singapura, in an enthralling Bangsawan performance at Esplanade. This spectacular production brings to life the dramatic history of Singapura through a captivating blend of music, dance, and storytelling.

Paduka Sri Wikrama Wira was the eldest son of Sang Nila Utama and Wan Seri Bini. He was called Raja Kecil Besar when he was a boy. Upon ascending the throne, he was given the title Paduka Sri Wikrama Wira and ruled the Kingdom of Singapura from 1347AD to 1362AD.

During his reign, Singapura experienced two major events. The first was repelling an invasion from the Kingdom of Siam which lasted for a number of days. The Siamese navy only retreated after seeing ships from China entering the harbour.

The second event was another invasion, this time by the Majapahit empire under the rule of Hayam Wuruk. (In the Malay Annals, he was mentioned as Raden Inu Merta Wangsa and said to be a distant cousin of Sri Wikrama Wira.) 

The raid was led by Mahapatih Gajah Mada, the prime minister and general of the Majapahitarmy. It was said that he took an oath to put every region in the archipelago under Majapahit's rule. The fighting occurred at the mouth of Kallang River where the Singapura navy emerged victorious as the Majapahitnavy were not skilled in naval warfare and retreated after 3 days and 3 nights of battle.

Be enchanted by the opulent costumes, elaborate sets, and powerful performances that capture the essence of this historical epic. Bangsawan Sri Wikrama Wira promises an unforgettable evening of cultural richness and dramatic excitement. 

Don't miss this opportunity to experience a legendary tale of valour, strategy, and triumph that will transport you to the heart of Singapura's glorious past.