E7 Cluster National Education Musical Drama
‘UNIQUELY US’
at Victoria Junior College Performance Theatre on 14th August 2007
That does not mean the event just focused on the cultural aspects of our neighbours and did not appreciate our own uniqueness. The students put up a splendid performance of our very own diversity. Notable highlights include the entrancing, rhythmic tunes of the Dikir Barat and Jingkli Nona, performed by Eunos Primary and Opera Estate Primary schools respectively; the vibrant ‘Heartbeat of the Lion City’ by Victoria Junior College, performed on percussion instruments representing the different racial groups in Singapore, the melodic and crystal clear sounds of CHIJ Katong Primary Handbell Ensemble who played Mo Li Hua & Munnaeru Vaalibaa with enthusiasm and vitality.
The Angklung Ensemble of Tao Nan School gave a confident performance of ‘It’s a Small World’ and ‘Rasa Sayang’ CHIJ Katong Primary also showcased their melodious and enchanting voices in the form of a song entitled “Uniquely Us”, written and composed by their very own Vice Principal, Mrs Sylvia Liew. The spirited beat of the Bhangra, by Maha Bodhi School was another noted highlight of this performance. ‘Drought’ a poem by Goh Poh Seng addressed the effects of drastic climate changes prevalent in the world today. It was beautifully recited by two students from CHIJ Katong Convent. The students who performed all the above items made the effort to learn and train for a cultural item other than their own. This is one way of cultivating and deepening our understanding and relations with fellow Singaporeans of different races.
Cultural diversity shall always remain an essential ingredient of racial harmony and cultural appreciation, as with the secular nation of our government. This performance made me realise that, we shall, forever remain, ‘Uniquely Us.’ Submitted by Lim Mu Yao, Victoria School |
In view of the recent Racial Harmony Day festivities, the E7 Cluster organised a musical drama to celebrate the uniquely diverse cultures of our nation. The theme of this year’s celebration was “Uniquely Us” which aimed to highlight our rich cultural diversities and the strong bonds that unite us together as a Nation. The event was held on 14th August at Victoria Junior College Performance Theatre and a varied display of cultural and artistic performances were exhibited as part of the celebrations. The Guest of Honour was Mrs Tan Ching Yee, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education.
The performances exhibited a colourful diffusion of social and cultural mores, infusing an eclectic blend of what we call racial harmony. Indeed, I was able to witness an exemplary case of racial infusion in this musical drama, entitled, “Uniquely Us”. The performances were delightful to watch as it highlighted not only the racial harmony that we enjoy in our country but also made us aware of the need to appreciate and understand the cultures in the neighbouring countries. Such fabulous performances were enacted by students which reflected the cultural aspects of our ASEAN neighbours. These showpieces emphasized the tactfulness we have exercised as a nation in achieving the stable political landscape and rapid socio-economic progress we enjoy today.
In line with the appreciation of our neighbours, popular showcases of South East Asian dances from Indonesia (performed by Telok Kurau Secondary, called the Tarian Yapong), Myanmar (performed by Noelle Khin Yu Ya Min from CHIJ Katong Primary), and the Tinikling from the Philippines (another item by CHIJ Katong Primary) enriched our scopes of cultural awareness, allowing us an insightful appreciation into cultures that bind us and these South East Asian countries together. Indeed, it is such an appreciation of other Asian cultures that has made me realise that the common communicative platform is imperative for Asia’s continued political stability and racial harmony.
