By Angelina Dass

From May 13 to June 5, arts buffs will be treated to a kaleidoscope of performances by 81 artists and arts companies, including 64 acts from Asia and 49 local productions at Singapore's Arts Festival.

Leading the pack is Singapore's award-winning director Royston Tan. Tan created a short film specifically for the Festival centred around its curatorial theme - 'I want to remember', as the festival puts Asian productions in the spotlight.

The five-minute film, 'I Want to Remember', will serve as the Festival's official commercial. It showcases personal memories of a diverse group of Singaporeans including a street opera artist, Youtube pop star and a Muay Thai boxer.

The feel-good short-film guarantees to bring a smile to your face as it invokes memories unique to most Singaporeans.

Mr Low Kee Hong, General Manager of the Singapore Arts Festival, said this year's theme "examines our own capacity and desire to remember what has been lost, left behind or forgotten in the name of progress and civilisation"

Amongst the numerous acclaimed Asian acts is dance icon Yoshito Ohno's dance-cum-film, 'Kuu', which incorporates the Japanese contemporary dance form, Butoh. The title, which means 'emptiness', is a tribute to his late father - Japan's dance legend Kazuo Ohno. It will be staged at the Drama Centre on May 21 and 22 at 8pm.

Another performance that should not be missed is Living Dance Studio's 'Memory II: Hunger'. This Chinese production encourages audiences to fast the night before the epic eight-hour production to fully experience this piece.

At the end of the show, both performers and audience will participate in a communal meal to 'break fast' - a meal that the communist revolutionaries ate as a staple diet.

Arts Village

The Singapore Arts Festival will feature the Festival Village at the Esplanade Park after a 10 year hiatus.

It is intended to be a key gathering point for artists and audiences and will host free and ticketed performances to be enjoyed over food and drinks.

The Festival Village will also play home to the first Kids Arts Village, a not-to-be-missed experience curated, performed and managed entirely by children.

Low Kee Hong, General Manager of the Singapore Arts Festival, described the Festival Village as a good place to catch the many free programmes while having something to eat and drink.

Early bird dales for ArtsFest Club members commence on March 1, while general sales begin March8. Tickets are priced from $12 - $180 and can be purchased through SISTIC (www.sistic.com.sg).