A focus on fukusa

Photos: Courtesy of ACM

The act of gifting takes many forms across cultures. In Japan, the practice of formally presenting gifts with silk covers is called ‘fukusa’ and it began in the Edo period (1603 -1868). Exquisitely embroidered, woven, painted, and dyed, fukusa is the focus of a new exhibition at the Peranakan Museum. Fukusa, Japanese Gift Covers from the Chris Hall Collection by the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) and Peranakan Museum provides a chance to learn about this lost art.  Witness 80 fukusa, kimonos, and related textiles, discover what the motifs symbolise, and create your own fukusa design at a digital interactive station. Suitable for ages seven and up.

Until 25 August
39 Armenian Street, 179941
nhb.gov.sg

Yas, Queens!

Photograph: Pamela Raith

Following on from the popularity of Hamilton a few months ago, direct from the West End and Broadway to Marina Bay Sands comes Six the Musical, a tale taking you back in time to the era of the original bad boy, Henry VIII. This musical reimagines the lives of his six wives: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr, with each woman reclaiming their narratives on stage as modern pop meets history.

14 November – 1 December 2024
 10 Bayfront Avenue, 018956
sistic.com.sg

On your marks, get set…Zoolympix!

This quirky event at Mandai Wildlife Reserve blends sports with nature through fun, interactive activities. Discover animals like the elephant, ring-tailed lemur, manatee, and archerfish, test your strength by emulating the impressive weightlifting capabilities of elephants, and try cycling to see how your power compares to the 650 volts generated by an electric eel. Remember to grab the Zoolympix Challenge Booklet for activity stations and Insta-worthy photo spots.

Until 25 August
  80 Mandai Lake Road, 729826
mandai.com

You’re the bomb!

Just in time for this issue’s theme of ‘Beat The Heat’ is the news that Waterbomb Singapore 2024 is coming to Siloso Beach, Sentosa for the first time in August. For those not in the know, Waterbomb is a huge summer festival combining  live music with aquatic games. Since 2015, it has been hosted in various cities across South Korea, with Japan and Thailand getting in on the action, too.

The Singapore edition features an impressive line-up of K-pop, hip-hop and EDM. Headline acts include K-pop idol Rain (Google him!), Indonesian-American R&B singer Bernard Dinatais, and local act singer-songwriter, Haven. More details TBC so look out for announcements.

24 -25 August
waterbombsingapore.com