the esplanade

i realise i’ve yet to write about one of my favourite places in singapore– the esplanade. if you talk about getting all warm and fuzzy about being singaporean, this is it.  i like:

– how there has been a clever use of the tunnel linking citylink mall to the esplanade building.  they’ve made dead space a great place for emerging artists to display their works to a high volume of foot traffic, with minimal installation needed

– the ongoing free performances held in the concourse area, so even if you’re not watching a performance that night, you get your music or dance fix. it’s about art for the people.

– the installation art scattered throughout the building

– the library@esplanade, with all its sheet music, cds, and arts-related books. it’s a really fitting location for an arts library if you ask me.

– all the performance spaces, especially the smaller theatre and recital studios which are ideal for music gigs or experimental performances. i don’t think i’ve ever had a bad seat regardless of my ticket price bracket.

– the roof terrace space, because it is set apart from the crowds below and offers an unusual view of the esplanade’s spiky surface and the surrounding marina south/cbd area 

– the newly completed outdoor stage, because it can be a great place to sit and talk on the cheap over drinks and snacks from the convenience stores around

all in all, i think the esplanade is great because it has done its job– that of showcasing quality performances in quality venues– well, and gone beyond that with its community programming.  one of the things which can often be lacking in singapore is space for public interaction and engagement. the esplanade provides plenty of this and more :}