ARISI: Rice - From grain to stage

A single grain of rice – seemingly simple, yet laden with stories. Stories of farmers, of traditions, of entire cultures intertwined. Renowned Singapore-based Indian dance company Apsaras Dance Company delves deep into these narratives with their production ‘ARISI:Rice’.

Dancers in mid-motion, showcasing their elegant lines for 'ARISI:Rice', Image Credit: Apsaras Dance Company

This cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary dance performance transcends the stage to become a powerful platform for arts advocacy, raising awareness about sustainability, migrant worker contributions and the shared heritage of Asian communities. 

Dancers mid-fight and mid-air for 'ARISI:Rice' , Image Credit: Apsaras Dance Company

Traditional Indian dance, with its rich history and expressive storytelling, holds a significant place in Singapore's diverse cultural landscape. Since its establishment in 1977, Apsaras Dance Company has been instrumental in promoting this classical art form, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with their innovative productions.  

Rice: A Grain of Life and a Catalyst for Change

Aravinth Kumarasamy has been the Artistic Director of Apsaras Dance Company since 2005.

With ARISI:Rice, Artistic Director Aravinth Kumarasamy sought to bring “an awareness of the hardship of farmers.” He was inspired by the plight of migrant workers, many of whom were farmers who had “abandoned agricultural occupation” to build Singapore’s infrastructure. Aravinth poignantly asks, “If farmers abandon their work, who will grow crops? How will we sustain agriculture?” These questions underscore the production's urgent message about the importance of sustainable rice farming. 

"Rice unites Asians as a key source of food," says Aravinth, emphasising its integral role in Asian cultures. This is reflected in the production's diverse artistic palette, which features Indian classical dance, Balinese dance, performed to music by musicians from both India, Bali and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, culminating in a harmonious symphony of cultural expression. This fusion, according to Aravinth, "emphasised the concept of rice uniting Asians." 

Dancers lined up in a row for 'ARISI:Rice'. Image credit: Apsaras Dance Company

Cultivating Artistic Growth and International Recognition

'ARISI: Rice' is a powerful example of how the arts can catalyse social change. By sparking conversations about sustainability, migrant worker contributions and cultural interconnectedness, the production empowered audiences to engage with these issues deeper.  

The experience was also transformative for Aravinth himself. "Meeting many artists from different cultures gave me a sense of reaffirmation that we may look and speak differently, but we are all the same within our hearts. The arts enable our hearts to unite!"  

This realisation, born from the collaborative spirit of 'ARISI:Rice', deepened Aravinth’s conviction in the power of arts to transcend boundaries and foster genuine human connection. 

Support from the National Arts Council played a crucial role in enabling Asparas Dance Company to bring Aravinth’s vision to life. "NAC plays a key role in promoting the arts in Singapore," he explains, expressing gratitude for the funding support and industry know-how that allowed them to showcase 'ARISI:Rice' in Singapore, co-produced with Esplanade ↗ (opens in new tab) at the Indian performing arts festival Kalaa Utsavam, and overseas.

The work and its message attracted a diverse audience, including arts makers and lovers, international festival directors and producers. "We were proud to present our work and showcase our Singaporean talents" he shares, highlighting the impact of NAC's support in expanding the reach of Singaporean arts. 

Ultimately, 'ARISI: Rice' exemplifies how the arts transcends borders, draws communities closer together and leaves an indelible mark on both artists and audiences.