I didn't think it was possible, but "The Bicentennial Experience" in Fort Caning was able to condense 200 years into 1 hour of highly engaging multimedia experience!
As we had limited time, and my grandparents were also with us, we skipped the "pathfinder" outdoor exhibit today and focused only on the indoor "Time traveler" exhibit.
Let me attempt to summarise just how awesome the "Time traveler" experience was in this blog post!
Introduction
We were first greeted with a wonderful surprise, seeing water droplets move backwards towards the sky. This “Reverse Rain" signifies the reverse flow in time. It brings us to the Climate Story, which provided insights into how the weather played a significant role in the rise and fall of early civilisations and cities. During the explanation, I could not stop wondering how did they do the "Reverse Fain".
Act 1
Next, we saw live performers acting out certain scenes while in a moving travelator from behind a transparent screen. I was fascinated by this mode of storytelling. At times, the actors would fight with characters that were actually graphics. But it was choreographed so well that everything looked so real. While I was being entertained, I also learnt how Singapore was already at the forefront of regional and global events as early as the 13th century!
Act 2
This segment told us about how Raffles came to Singapore in 1819. It was interesting to see how the story conveyed through many different perspectives. Namely, we began with a Worm’s eye view from a mouse's perspective. Then switched to normal viewing angle from eyes of a monkey, before finally seeing things from a bird’s eye view in form of a dragonfly and later an eagle. While mesmerised by the amazing graphics, I witness the arrival of industrious pioneers (including Mr Tan Tock Seng!) who were instrumental in helping develop Singapore in the early years.
Act 3
For this scene, I was amazed at how a 20th-century Singapore blossomed into a dynamic port city. However, it also covered some dark times where many Chinese people worked as slaves. To forget their hardships, many resorted to gambling and smoked opium. The circular rotating screens made the viewing experience even more immersive.
Act 4
Basically, you are gathered in a pitch black room where you could not see anything. Relying only on our sense of hearing, you actually "see" and "feel" how terrible life was during the Japanese occupation. Sounds of screams, cracked tunnels filled the room.
Everyone paid tribute to the brave volunteers who fought bravely against the oppressors.
Act 5
The last act showed how Singapore came into its own after World War two. We were handed umbrellas and walked into a “rain enclosure”. Really, I kid you not. Water from jets overhead sprayed water all over the room, simulating heavy rain pour. We watched the projections on the surrounding walls while holding an umbrella to keep ourselves dry. Singapore overcame so many difficulties in our road to independence. It started gloomily but ended on uplifting note, showing a promising glimpse of Singapore's future.
Conclusion
At the end of the exhibit, we were asked to put a ball into one of the three options, namely "Self- determination", "Openness" and "Multiracialism". We were to chose what resonated strongest within us. This would later help us determine what DNA traits Singaporeans need to have in order to survive in future. To no surprise, most people voted for "Self-determination".
Our host, Eddie, did a very good job on recapping what we have learnt for the experience. He was a volunteer helping at this exhibit. When I realised that he was also the same guy leading the volunteer contingent during NDP parade, I quickly seized the opportunity to have a picture taken with him. What an honour.
As I left the exhibit. I reflected on the riots that Hong Kong was facing now. I felt thankful that Lee Kuan Yew helped steer Singapore along the right path, emphasising on Multiracialism to build harmony among the many different races living in Singapore. That is why it is important to respect each other’s culture.
The family ended the day with a hearty meal at Tsui Wah Restaurant. My cousins and I kept talking about how wonderful the experience was at the Bicentennial. I gladly recommend all my friends, even tourists, to go for this experience. There is truly no better way to learn more about Singapore’s history in such an engaging manner. I hope this exhibit continues to run for as long as it can!
Howie
12 Aug 2019
Comments