Moving Mountain 移山

Moving Mountain is a reflective performance blending live music, poetic storytelling, and sound meditation. A modern retelling of an ancient folktale, it follows a humble old man who begins digging a mountain, not to conquer it, but to change what is possible. Told through the eyes of a bird who witnesses generations come and go, this intimate experience honours the unseen resilience of our elders and the quiet strength passed through families. Rooted in the lived realities of Singapore’s early migrant communities, the performance draws parallels between myth and memory. Featuring the tender sounds of the ruan and healing vibrations of the singing bowls, the piece invites audiences to slow down, remember, and reconnect with the past, each other, and the stories we carry.

《移山》是一场融合现场音乐、诗意叙述与声音冥想的静心演出。故事取材自古老传说，一位老人开始移山，不为征服，而是为了改变可能的方向。透过一只代代传承故事的鸟儿，让观众感受到长辈们无声的坚韧与家庭中流转的力量。演出亦根植于新加坡早期移民群体的真实经历，在神话与记忆之间建立桥梁。阮与颂钵交织出的声音，唤起内在记忆，邀请我们放慢脚步，凝视过去，重拾彼此的连结。

About the artists

Wong Swee Yean | Storyteller

Swee Yean is a seasoned storyteller with 18 years of experience, contributing to the storytelling scene in Singapore and internationally. She served as President of the Storytelling Association (Singapore) and was Creative Director of the 398.2 Storytelling Festival in 2019, 2021, and 2023. A former secondary school teacher, she engaged students of all abilities using cooperative and multiple intelligence strategies.

Her warm, empathetic storytelling style resonates with children, adults, and seniors, promoting gentle positive change. She has performed commissioned works for organizations like the Urban Redevelopment Authority and Malay Heritage Centre and conducted workshops for institutions such as MOE, NTU, and Toastmasters.

Fluent in Mandarin, Swee Yean teaches storytelling skills and has performed in Malaysia and Taiwan. Recently, she led intergenerational storytelling projects for seniors, supported by the National Arts Council, enhancing community well being through digital and onsite initiatives.

Neil Chua | Ruan and Singing Bowls Instrumentalist

Neil Chua is the first musician from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music to earn a Master’s Degree in Music – Ruan. He has brought the ruan to global stages, blending traditions through international collaboration.

As Singapore’s first artist-in-residence at the Stamford Arts Centre, Neil developed works that connect heritage and innovation. He founded RuanAtWorkz Musical Arts (R.A.W.), a charity promoting traditional music, education, and community outreach.

Neil bridges performance, wellness, and cultural preservation in his multidisciplinary practice.

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We want to make this a safe and enjoyable experience for all our attendee(s) as such we have put in place some house rules:

1. General

• By attending Moving Mountain 移山 you agree to comply with and be bound by these terms and conditions.

• The event will take place at Black Box, 42 Waterloo Street S187951.

2. Age Requirement

• This event is strictly for attendees aged 13 and above. Please bring valid identification as proof of age if requested.

3. Seating Arrangement

• Attendees will be sitting on the floor throughout the event. Comfortable seating arrangements will be provided, but you may bring your own if preferred.

4. Ticket Purchase

• All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges will be issued unless the event is cancelled or rescheduled.

5. Entry and Attendance

• Please present a valid ticket upon entry. Digital or printed tickets are accepted.

• Doors open 20 minutes before the event starts. Latecomers may be admitted at a suitable break.

• The organizer reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not comply with the venue’s regulations or exhibits inappropriate behavior.

6. Cancellation and Rescheduling

• In the unlikely event of a cancellation or rescheduling, ticket holders will be notified via email.

• If the event is cancelled, ticket holders will receive a full refund. If rescheduled, tickets will be valid for the new date or a refund will be provided upon request.

7. Liability

• The organizer and venue are not responsible for any personal injury, loss, or damage to personal property.

• By attending the event, you agree to indemnify the organizer against any illness or adverse effects resulting from the consumption of food or drink provided.

8. Photography and Recording

• By attending the event, you consent to being photographed or recorded by the official event photographer/videographer for promotional purposes.

9. Privacy

• Personal information collected during the ticket purchase process will be used solely for the purpose of managing the event and will not be shared with third parties without your consent.

10. Amendments

• The organizer reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will be posted on the event’s booking page and will take effect immediately.

By attending the event, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.