Among the most hauntingly powerful performances at this year’s Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA), stray gods by weish was a transcendent exploration of myth, memory, and identity. A work of remarkable sonic and emotional depth, it reimagined nearly forgotten Hakka songs and Greek myths through a deeply personal lens, while forging new ground in contemporary music performance.
Presented under the State of the Arts strand of SIFA 2025, stray gods featured an extraordinary ensemble of multidisciplinary talents. The stage came alive with otherworldly presence of Anise (Hee Suhui), Joanna Dong, Rosemainy Buang, and Sushma Soma, whose supporting vocals and visceral movements wove seamlessly with weish’s commanding lead.
Lisewise, instrumentalists Abdul Hakiim (deførmed), Cheryl Ong, Daniel Alex Chia, Syahadi Samad, and Ian Lee (who also served as Music Director) created an intricate and elemental soundscape. Each brought a unique musical language that layered ancient textures with modern rhythm and sonic experimentation.
The production was helmed by Marc Gabriel Loh, who directed and designed both the set and media. His atmospheric visual world echoed the emotional terrain of the piece, serving as a mirror to the interior landscapes the music explored. Movement direction by Hafeez Hassan added a corporeal resonance, while stylists Josh Tirados and Xin Lee shaped a visual identity that was grounded, ethereal, and wholly original.
