Leveraging technology to reach newer audiences with Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre
Chinese dance in Singapore intricately weaves into the country’s cultural fabric, reflecting tradition and innovation. As a vibrant art form, it preserves heritage and fosters cross-cultural understanding, enriching the diverse tapestry of Singapore's cultural landscape.
Performers from Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre in ‘The Susurration of the Tree'. Image Credit: Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre
Chinese dance in Singapore intricately weaves into the country’s cultural fabric, reflecting tradition and innovation. As a vibrant art form, it preserves heritage and fosters cross-cultural understanding, enriching the diverse tapestry of Singapore's cultural landscape.
With over three decades of dedication to preserving and promoting Chinese and cultural dance through artistic and creative excellence, the Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre (SCDT) has continuously contributed to Singapore’s rich dance culture. However, the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to pause one of their productions: The Susurration of the Tree. Through an exciting collaboration with creative start-up Avventura and support from the Major Company Scheme, SCDT was able to stage a production that explored the relationship between trees and mankind.
Through a wide range of support schemes, the National Arts Council empowers artists and organisations to innovate and experiment, vitalising their roles in the vibrant creative economy. Through the Council’s support, The Susurration of the Tree brought together passionate artists skilled in Chinese dance to hone their craft and tap into emerging technology like virtual reality to reach a myriad of people from the comforts of their homes.
We speak with Jenny Neo, Artistic Director at SCDT, about leveraging technology in the time of a pandemic and what it truly takes to stage a dance production in virtual reality.
Image Credit: TrendLit Publishing
1. Tell us more about this project.
It all started with an unexpected mail from Avventura, a creative-tech startup specialised in designing immersive experiences across events, attractions, content and solutions. It was a month after we had completed the recording and screening of our FY2021 company production, The Susurration of the Tree, which was initially meant for physical showing but was disrupted by the resumption of the COVID Phase 2 Heightened Alert.
With all the physical performances halted due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, SCDT found itself seeking new avenues to connect with our audience and hopefully find a new stream of income. Following extensive discussions, we decided to collaborate on our recent work, The Susurration of the Tree, as it presented numerous captivating moments well-suited for a VR experience.
The preparation took around 6 months before the filming was completed in early March 2022. The video was then released a month later on YouTube and Occulus.
2. What is a key takeaway you hope people took away from the project?
We aspire to reshape our audiences' perceptions of Chinese dance. If we look into the history of Chinese dance, it was mainly presented as pure entertainment for the community—this project allowed us to add more dimensions to the dance form through a new medium of expression (VR). We hope they will also be captivated by the unconventional and innovative presentation!
Behind-the-scenes of filming ‘The Susurration of the Tree’. Image Credit: TrendLit Publishing
3. What have you learnt about the intersection between the arts and technology?
Creating art begins with the birth of an idea or inspiration. While technology can streamline certain aspects, improving its efficiency, it does not diminish the essential role of the artist's creativity, thoughtfulness, and personal touch. The nuanced and often complex nature of artistic expression remains a fundamentally human endeavour that technology, at its core, cannot fully replicate.
Collaboration with composers has deep roots in the tradition of dance. However, our recent venture into the realm of technology marks our inaugural foray into Virtual Reality (VR) technology. This represents a contemporary and technologically advanced form of artistic collaboration, pushing the boundaries beyond the conventional norms of traditional art forms.
In this exploration, we aim to unlock fresh possibilities for Chinese dance, enabling our existing audience to immerse themselves in our performances within virtual spaces. Simultaneously, we aspire to connect with new audiences through this innovative intersection of dance and technology.
4. How has NAC played a part in helping you advance your vision for this project, and to open up new doors to connect with people?
As a recipient of the Major Company Scheme, our organisation receives annual NAC funding to support operational and production costs. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Major Company Scheme funding persisted, providing crucial financial support even when many activities were temporarily halted.
The funds assisted us in upgrading our capabilities and embracing technology, aligning with the changing demands and opportunities in the arts sector. This strategic support reflects a commitment to resilience and adaptability, ensuring our organisation can navigate and thrive in a dynamic and challenging environment.
5. What is one unforgettable memory you have while working on this project?
One indelible memory from our project stands out—the moment we donned the VR gear to witness the performance. The sheer enchantment and fascination we experienced while encountering the finished product was truly unforgettable.