Who says you need a time machine to travel back in time? With OH! Open House's new permanent immersive art experience, all you need is a pair of comfy shoes, inquisitive eyes, a good listening ear, and a whole lotta curiosity.
Following its "sleepwalking" digital art trail Days — and counting, the independent art organisation is back on the streets to tempt you with a site-specific, multisensory walk around Jalan Besar. Titled New World's End, the audio-guided walk combines fiction and history to reveal the stories of the iconic New World Amusement Park, as well as the rich history and heritage of Jalan Besar.
Set against the backdrop of the now-defunct landmark in the 1960s, it starts at OH! Open House's home at 85 Desker Road before taking you down back alleys, hidden rooms and fantasy spaces where you'll uncover the secrets and romance of a pair of young lovers: cinema projectionist Kiran (voiced by Salif Hardie) and New World Cabaret dance hostess Rosa (voiced by Moira Loh).
Directed and written by theatre maven Kaylene Tan, with dramaturgical support from actress Janice Koh, the stories of New World's End are told through lavish sets designed by OH! Open House's artistic director Alan Oei, an evocative soundtrack produced by music duo NADA, and captivating films by one of Singapore's leading creatives Brian Gothong Tan.
This is a first-of-its-kind experience that lets you see Jalan Besar through a fresh pair of eyes – and we highly recommend that you experience it for yourselves. New World's End is available on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Official tour tickets are $35 and are available for purchase from ohstories.sg