THE SECRET ROOM OF URBAN BESTIARY | DANCE SHOW + MOVIE SCREENING
by ARTS FISSION
Friday 04 September 07:00 PM
Alliance Française de Singapour , Alliance Française de Singapour
We welcome you to a double-bill themed around the animal part that lies within us. It will be composed of a dance show by the longest incorporated contemporary dance company in Singapore, ARTS FISSION, choreographed by Angela Liong, followed by the award-winning movie "Animal Kingdom" by Thomas Cailley. Together, they create a powerful dialogue through which to contemplate one of the defining tensions of our time: how animals endure, adapt, and are received within the human city.
This event is presented as part of the programme accompanying "A Tale of Wondering Wilds", a narrative exhibition exploring the evolving relationship between humanity and the natural world.
By getting tickets to this event, you will have access to both the dance show, taking place in our gallery, AND the movie screening in our theater.
For Alliance Française members: since the movie is free for members, you will receive a movie voucher that will allow you to attend any of our screenings for free.
The Secret Room of Urban Bestiary
Event: Dance Show
Company: ARTS FISSION
Choreographer: Angela Liong
Duration: 30 minutes
Rating: Advised for Ages 10+
This contemporary dance work presents a parallel kinetic dimension to the exhibition A Tale of Wondering Wilds at the Alliance Francaise Gallery.
The performance contemplates a reality that is as surreal as it is increasingly likely: wildlife forced to adapt to the drastic ecological shifts of encroaching urbanisation.
In recent years, the rapid loss of natural habitats has driven wildlife into urban spaces. Clandestine ventures into densely populated residential areas have forced animals to adapt to anthropogenic environments—"shape-shifting" to seek refuge in unlikely urban structures, from drainage pipes and underground sewer systems to hidden crevices. The resulting human-wildlife conflict stands in stark contrast to ancient times, when fantastical beasts were met with reverence rather than tension.
Working with her dancers—each embodying a half-human, half-beast avatar—Angela Liong explores the primal instincts of creatures driven to pounce, run, and climb, even within confined urban spaces.
About ARTS FISSION
As the longest incorporated contemporary dance company in Singapore since 1994, ARTS FISSION has gathered a diverse and groundbreaking dance-making record. Under the artistic direction of Cultural Medallion Recipient Angela Liong, ARTS FISSION has evolved into a dynamic hybrid that creates dance works relevant to people and everyday life.
The Animal Kingdom
Director: Thomas Cailley
Cast: Romain Duris, Paul Kircher, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Tom Mercier
Rating: PG 13
LE PARISIEN
In French with English subtitles
France, 2023
6,7/10 - IMDb 76% - Rotten Tomatoes4,3/5 - AlloCiné
Rachelle Lu Yan
Rachelle Lu Yan is renowned dancer. From a young age, she received professional training within a performing arts troupe, studying under Yao Xiaoming, a nationally recognised first-class dance choreographer in China, while also receiving training in traditional Chinese musical instruments. Her strong artistic foundation led to multiple awards in dance.
In 2016, she joined the Tampines Art Troupe in Singapore. She currently serves as the Chairperson of Tampines Art Troupe, leading this non-profit arts organisation in promoting Chinese culture, engaging in community cultural initiatives, performances, and international artistic exchanges.
Melissa Quek
Melissa Quek is Head, School of Dance and Theatre at LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore. She is a choreographer, performer and educator whose interest lies in creating a visceral experience for the audience.
She also makes works for young audiences from birth to 12 years old with The Kueh Tutus (a Collective dedicated to creating dance for young audiences). Her most recent performance in August is a collaboration with an occupational Therapist presented by contemporary dance company Raw Moves.
Karst de Jong
Karst de Jong
is a Dutch pianist, improviser, and music theorist. He is internationally recognised in the field, and has published research on music theory, improvisation, and collaborative music creation.
With 35 years of teaching experience, he has held positions at top institutions in the Netherlands and Barcelona. Since 2023, he is a full-time professor at NUS YST Conservatory in Singapore.
Neill Gautier
Neill Gautier
is a performer, teacher and composer driven by a passion for spontaneous composition. The founder of Neill’s Jazz Lab, he is an award-winning drummer and instructor with over 20 years of teaching and performance experience.
Through his travels, he has explored diverse styles—from jazz and funk to Afro-Cuban and electronic music. In Belgium, he delved into contemporary jazz, while in Cameroon, he immersed in traditional African music. These experiences enriched his artistry, allowing him to blend influences and transcend genres.
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