VERSE Explores New Perspectives Through the Power of Words

Presented by Arts House Limited (AHL) VERSE kicks off with a vibrant line-up of multisensorial experiences celebrating the diversity of Singapore literature held in conjunction with Light to Night Singapore from 17 January to 2 February at The Arts House at the Old Parliament (TAH). Responding to Light to Night Singapore’s theme Do You See Me? VERSE invites visitors to explore Singapore’s local literary works and experience the transformative power of words in reshaping how we view ourselves and others.

This year look out for dazzling literary and light art installations and façade projections by local artists Kray Chen and TraseOne on TAH’s Outdoor Lawn and Front Facade respectively. Indoors visitors can enjoy screening of short films by acclaimed Singaporean filmmakers such as Boo Junfeng K. Rajagopal Siyou Tan and Roslee Yusof organised in partnership with gov.sg.

The popular Cherita Hantu theatre series will also return with its fourth and scariest instalment to date Cherita Hantu: Kafirun. Presented by AHL in collaboration with Hafidz Rahman this multisensorial production promises audiences a hauntingly immersive and captivating experience. 

Find your next best read at Books Corridor: Read on the Go and Books Corridor: See Me Again Pre-Loved Books Corner! Organised in partnership with the National Library Board (NLB) browse specially curated Singapore literature titles and borrow them digitally via QR codes at the Print Gallery or take pre-loved books home at the Film Gallery. 

Engage with Singapore Chinese literature through group-friendly interactive activities like Karaoke Poetry: A Collective Reading where digital prompts in Chinese characters and hanyu pinyin are complemented by printed English synopsis of the text. The Big Blackout Singapore’s largest blackout poetry installation in our four official languages simultaneously operates as a hub for visitors to co-create poetry in real-time. Blackout Poetry Jam Sessions are also available for those who prefer a more intimate setting for their textural explorations. 

Alongside VERSE AHL will present other exciting programmes including the second edition of Story Walk an immersive outdoor storytelling experience held from 24 - 25 January 2025 that brings Singapore’s iconic Civic District to life. Explore the rich heritage and history of the precinct through captivating tales inspired by the commissioned public art benches Benchmarks and Singapore texts blending local history with folklore. To complete the experience take part in a diorama workshop and bring home your own creation inspired by the Benchmarks art benches and the storytelling experience. 

The above is just a sneak peek of the exciting activities that await at VERSE! For more information on VERSE please visit https://artshouselimited.sg/tah-verse-2025 or follow The Arts House at the Old Parliament on Facebook and Instagram. 

Host or Publisher Arts House Limited